Metalworking through History - (Handicrafts Through World History) by Ana Lopez (Hardcover)

About the Book

Metalworking Through History provides a comprehensive, historic overview of the subject of metalworking while exploring it within its cultural context. It is written from the perspective that the crafting of objects in metal is a unique way of understanding a particular time and culture. As a broad encyclopedia of metalworking, it allows the reader to view the different societies and periods that produced work in this medium as part of a global, interrelated practice. Comprised of over sixty entries on relevant time periods, cultures, makers and processes, the book is a much-needed general reference text in the survey of this craft. The subjects span all the major metalworking periods and peoples, from the rituals of African iron smelting to the twentieth century studio movement. Outstanding individual makers are highlighted to give additional insight into the times at which they were active. Furthermore, the materials and techniques used in the act of metalworking are clearly explained in terms that are easily understood by a practitioner with tacit knowledge of the medium. Suggested further readings and cross-references allow for the expansion of research and additional study. It is an excellent first resource for understanding the concepts and terminology of the ancient and pervasive craft of metalworking. Volume includes eight pages of color plates, and black and white photos throughout.

Metalworking Through History provides a comprehensive, historic overview of the subject of metalworking while exploring it within its cultural context. It is written from the perspective that the crafting of objects in metal is a unique way of understanding a particular time and culture. As a broad encyclopedia of metalworking, it allows the reader to view the different societies and periods that produced work in this medium as part of a global, interrelated practice. Comprised of over sixty entries on relevant time periods, cultures, makers and processes, the book is a much-needed general reference text in the survey of this craft. The subjects span all the major metalworking periods and peoples, from the rituals of African iron smelting to the twentieth century studio movement. Outstanding individual makers are highlighted to give additional insight into the times at which they were active. Furthermore, the materials and techniques used in the act of metalworking are clearly explained in terms that are easily understood by a practitioner with tacit knowledge of the medium. Suggested further readings and cross-references allow for the expansion of research and additional study. It is an excellent first resource for understanding the concepts and terminology of the ancient and pervasive craft of metalworking. Volume includes eight pages of color plates, and black and white photos throughout.

*Art Deco *Marianne Brandt *Chinese *Dark Ages *Enamel *Engraving *Georg Jensen *Judaica *Metals and their Alloys *Native American *Plating and Leaf *Renaissance *June Schwartz *Soldering *South American *Samuel Yellin

Book Synopsis

Metalworking Through History provides a comprehensive, historic overview of the subject of metalworking while exploring it within its cultural context. It is written from the perspective that the crafting of objects in metal is a unique way of understanding a particular time and culture. As a broad encyclopedia of metalworking, it allows the reader to view the different societies and periods that produced work in this medium as part of a global, interrelated practice. Comprised of over sixty entries on relevant time periods, cultures, makers and processes, the book is a much-needed general reference text in the survey of this craft. The subjects span all the major metalworking periods and peoples, from the rituals of African iron smelting to the twentieth century studio movement. Outstanding individual makers are highlighted to give additional insight into the times at which they were active. Furthermore, the materials and techniques used in the act of metalworking are clearly explained in terms that are easily understood by a practitioner with tacit knowledge of the medium. Suggested further readings and cross-references allow for the expansion of research and additional study. It is an excellent first resource for understanding the concepts and terminology of the ancient and pervasive craft of metalworking. Volume includes eight pages of color plates, and black and white photos throughout.

Metalworking Through History provides a comprehensive, historic overview of the subject of metalworking while exploring it within its cultural context. It is written from the perspective that the crafting of objects in metal is a unique way of understanding a particular time and culture. As a broad encyclopedia of metalworking, it allows the reader to view the different societies and periods that produced work in this medium as part of a global, interrelated practice. Comprised of over sixty entries on relevant time periods, cultures, makers and processes, the book is a much-needed general reference text in the survey of this craft. The subjects span all the major metalworking periods and peoples, from the rituals of African iron smelting to the twentieth century studio movement. Outstanding individual makers are highlighted to give additional insight into the times at which they were active. Furthermore, the materials and techniques used in the act of metalworking are clearly explained in terms that are easily understood by a practitioner with tacit knowledge of the medium. Suggested further readings and cross-references allow for the expansion of research and additional study. It is an excellent first resource for understanding the concepts and terminology of the ancient and pervasive craft of metalworking. Volume includes eight pages of color plates, and black and white photos throughout.

*Art Deco *Marianne Brandt *Chinese *Dark Ages *Enamel *Engraving *Georg Jensen *Judaica *Metals and their Alloys *Native American *Plating and Leaf *Renaissance *June Schwartz *Soldering *South American *Samuel Yellin

Review Quotes

"While this reference does not provide instructions for metalworking techniques, it does give the reader enough information to appreciate the skills required to both acquire the raw materials and to transform them into useful or symbolic objects of art. Entries are followed by suggestions for further reading which may include books, Web sites, and journals. Entries also include bibliographies. A helpful timeline also is included." --SciTech Book News

"For people curious about Mining and Smelting, Annealing, Anodizing, Chasing and Repousse, Islamic Metalwork, the Studio Movement, or Nicholas of Verdun, this is an excellent starter. Good stock for general reference collections." --Reference Reviews

About the Author

ANA M. LOPEZ is a metalsmith and educator living in Fort Worth, Texas. She holds both an MFA in Metalsmithing from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and a Masters Degree is the History of American Decorative Arts from the Parsons School of Design & The Smithsonian Associates in Washington, DC. She is currently teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Metalsmithing & Jewelry as well as The History of Craft at the University of North Texas in Denton.