Gisla's Library -- All Books

Gisla's Library - The picture below is a few of the books that aren't showing in other pictures. 

The link below is to all books that are for sale from Gisla's Library. As explained in the initial Blog Post,  we are downsizing. I'd rather that these books and belongings go to people who will appreciate them. These books cover a variety of topics - most are SCA period, a very few are outside of period.

Several of these books are in German or French language. I've found that taking a picture of the page with my tablet or phone while in Google Translate helped me to read the bits I needed help with.

Check out this sheet for the list with prices. I'm open to "offers" for bundles of books. If you'd like a picture of a specific book in the library, please just let me know.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HKSrHbALW1coNN6hBRwXGXlxSh3yzcJNZT00UnZQ1T0/edit?usp=sharing

Beading, Jewelry & Accessories Library

Jewelry, Beading, Accessories, and how-to make Books 

These books cover a variety of topics - survey of the history of jewelry and accessories down to archaeological explorations of jewelry, beads, and accessories for specific regions or areas. Images of Jewelry, Beading works, and accessories can be found in many of the Art books as well. These books specifically target this area of research. 

Several of these books are in French. I've found that taking a picture of the page with my tablet or phone while in Google Translate helped me to read the bits I needed help with.

Check out this sheet for the list with prices. I'm open to "offers" for bundles of books. If you'd like a picture of a specific book in the library, please just let me know.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1czyX35H9CkjeewTViBGisjJDrupgfD6DlEGTcenvLBE/edit?usp=sharing

Armor & Warfare Library

 Armor & Warfare Books

These books cover a variety of topics - survey of armor history, warfare, extant examples & recreations. 

Several of these books are in the French language. I've found that taking a picture of the page with my tablet or phone while in Google Translate helped me to read the bits I needed help with.

Check out this sheet for the list with prices. I'm open to "offers" for bundles of books. If you'd like a picture of a specific book in the library, please just let me know.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UgSzlVKEe783rZgK9pv_rXIvzP1BPkLS9gJsVc2QH9A/edit?usp=sharing

Costumer's Library

A Costumer's Library - Survey to Topic Specific Books 

These books cover a variety of topics - survey of costume history, specific eras with extant examples, details on the what the archaeologists found, illuminations/paintings from period artists, and discussion around what was made, how it was made, and what remains today.

Several of these books are in German or French language. I've found that taking a picture of the page with my tablet or phone while in Google Translate helped me to read the bits I needed help with.

Check out this sheet for the list with prices. I'm open to "offers" for bundles of books. If you'd like a picture of a specific book in the library, please just let me know.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xdhPw15QyP47HmCNMLrOpeM_flV4KKilDh9yWSY-cc8/edit?usp=sharing

Carolingian, Merovingian & Gaulish Collection

Looking to fill out your Library for books on Merovingian, Carolingian, and Gaulish history, life, and art?

Are you looking to enhance your collection with rare and insightful titles on Merovingian, Carolingian, and Gaulish history? Whether you're a history enthusiast, researcher, passionate reader, or (as I am) just curious about a different life and time, this carefully curated selection has everything you need to fill out your library. From the rise of the Merovingian dynasty to the era of Charlemagne and the cultural heritage of ancient Gaul, you'll find books that dive deep into these fascinating periods.

Several of these books are in German or French language. I've found that taking a picture of the page with my tablet or phone while in Google Translate helped me to read the bits I needed help with.

Check out this sheet for the list with prices. I'm open to "offers" for bundles of books. If you'd like a picture of a specific book in the library, please just let me know.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XlgaE0vU7pqkTtHjxY_Bzp38ODtkJFlPWpMvhPZ6MrU/edit?usp=sharing

Tombs of St Denis Cathedral

Alain Erlande-Brandenburg. L'Église Abbatiale de Saint Denis: Tome II, Les Tombeaux Royaux, Société Internationale De Diffusion Et D'editions Scientifiques, 1979.

"Église Abbatiale de Saint Denis: Tome II, Les Tombeaux Royaux" focuses on the royal tombs housed in the Basilica of Saint-Denis, one of the most significant medieval abbey churches in France. This pamphlet is part of a larger scholarly series dedicated to the study of the architecture, art, and history of the basilica, particularly as the burial site for French kings and queens.

The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the royal tombs located in Saint-Denis, which holds the remains of many French monarchs from the Merovingian era to the 19th century. It examines the art and symbolism of the tombs, the historical context of their creation, and their significance as part of the French royal tradition. The second volume, Les Tombeaux Royaux, delves deeply into the artistic and political importance of these monuments, tracing their evolution over centuries and highlighting the role of the basilica as the center of royal burial and commemoration.

This is a black and white pamphlet with photos and accompanying text.  The spine has some shelf wear, but it is otherwise in fine condition. This book is in French. The dimensions are approximately 6x8.5 in. 9782868610010.

I'm asking $25.

Ornament & Jewelry from Eastern Europe Archaeological Finds

Klement Benda. Ornament & Jewelry: Archaeological Finds from Eastern Europe, Artia, 1967. 

"Ornament & Jewelry: Archaeological Finds from Eastern Europe" is a detailed exploration of ancient and historical jewelry discovered in Eastern Europe through archaeological excavations. The book examines a wide range of ornamental artifacts from various periods, shedding light on the craftsmanship, materials, and cultural significance of jewelry in this region, which spans multiple civilizations and empires.

The book surveys the rich history of jewelry-making and ornamentation in Eastern Europe, presenting key archaeological finds from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, through to the Middle Ages. These finds provide insight into the cultural practices, trade routes, and artistic traditions of the societies that inhabited the region, including the Thracians, Scythians, Dacians, Slavs, and various nomadic tribes. This book includes details on Prehistoric, Bronze and Iron Age, Nomadic, and Medieval Jewelry. There are descriptions on the Roman and Byzantine influence as well as cultural and trade connections. This book also covers cultural identity and ornamentation, technical innovation in metalworking, religion and ritual significance, and cross-cultural influences. 

This book is a valuable resource for understanding the rich history of jewelry-making in the region. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of ornamentation across various cultures and time periods, highlighting the artistry and craftsmanship involved in these ancient pieces. Through the lens of these archaeological finds, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of jewelry in Eastern Europe. This work is ideal for historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts of ancient art and jewelry, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s complex and diverse heritage.

This large format book is Good Condition. The Dust cover wear and small tears.  The book weighs in at 1 lb. The dimensions are approximately 9.5 x 12.5 in. ASIN B0007KAP7Q.

I'm asking $30.

Archaeological Footwear

Goubitz, Olaf, Carol van Driel-Murray, Willy Groenman-van Waateringe. Stepping Through Time: Archaeological Footwear from Prehistoric Times Until 1800. Stichting Promotie Archeologie, 2001.

Stepping Through Time by Olaf Goubitz is a comprehensive study on the history of footwear from prehistoric times to 1800 AD, primarily based on excavations from northwest Europe, including Dordrecht in the Netherlands. The book draws on Goubitz’s 25 years of expertise in leather conservation, presenting a detailed typological catalogue of shoes. It explores shoe construction methods, materials, patterns, soles, and stitching techniques, providing essential guidance for archaeologists working with fragmented shoe finds. The fully illustrated catalogue allows for a deep understanding of shoe-making technology and its evolution over the centuries.

Additionally, contributions from experts like van Driel-Murray and Groenman-van Waateringe examine prehistoric and Roman footwear, periods that have yielded fewer artefacts. The book not only covers the technical aspects of footwear production but also delves into conservation techniques and the cultural context of shoe use throughout history. With its detailed illustrations and analyses, Stepping Through Time serves as an indispensable resource for historians and archaeologists, offering a comprehensive reference on the role of footwear in both everyday life and archaeological contexts across Europe.

There are no hardback copies for sale anywhere that I could find. It looks like there used to be a dirty, damaged copy for sale for $275 but it is no longer available. This book is over 20 years old and is still in very good condition. The dust jacket is a fairly thin transparent paper and has a couple small tears in the corners. Also, my address label is on the front sheet, but otherwise the interior is clean with no marks or highlighting. It's 9¼"wide x 11¾"tall x 1⅛"thick. I am asking $300.

Primitive Shoes

Hald, Margrethe. Primitive Shoes: An Archaeological-Ethnological Study Based Upon Shoe Finds From the Jutland Peninsula. National Museum of Denmark, 1972.

This comprehensive study by Margrethe Hald explores ancient footwear discovered on the Jutland Peninsula, offering insights into shoe construction, materials, and use from the Bronze Age through to the Iron Age. The book provides detailed analysis of over 216 pages of archaeological finds, shedding light on the evolution of shoes in pre-industrial societies. Hald focuses on the ethnological and archaeological significance of these finds, discussing the methods used to preserve the shoes and their cultural context. It remains a vital reference for anyone interested in the history of footwear, archaeology, or early material culture.

This paperback book is in excellent condition considering it is over fifty years old! The binding is still tight, but there is some evidence of use with light creasing. There are so many photos and descriptions of shoes. This is another excellent book that has long been out of print. The dimensions are 8½"wide x 12"tall x ¾"thick. There is slight yellowing of the pages. I don't seen any marks or highlighting on the inside of the book. ISBN: 9788748072824 / 8748072826.

There are currently no copies of this book for sale in any English-speaking countries, on Amazon or otherwise so I'm not entirely sure how to price this. The last time I offered this book for sale I was asking $250 so I think I'll keep that price until I see another listed someplace.

Medieval Leatherworking

Mould, Quita, Ian Carlisle, and Esther Cameron. Craft, Industry, and Everyday Life: Leather and Leatherworking in Anglo-Scandinavian and Medieval York. York Archaeological Trust, Council for British Archaeology, 2003.

This volume provides an in-depth examination of leatherworking in York during the Anglo-Scandinavian and medieval periods, based primarily on evidence from 16–22 Coppergate and other sites in the city. It catalogues over 5,000 leather items, including shoes, scabbards, sheaths, and straps, spanning from the 9th to the 15th centuries. The book not only covers the artefacts themselves but also explores the environmental evidence for tanning and leatherworking processes. Items show signs of repair, recycling, and detailed craftsmanship, reflecting the technological and cultural influences of the time. Additionally, it discusses workshops, tools, and production waste, offering a comprehensive view of the leather industry’s impact on York’s local economy and daily life.

I love this book. If I thought I would ever do medieval shoemaking, I would never let it go. It has so many photos and detailed drawings, it is an invaluable resource. My paperback copy has light edgewear from being moved a couple of times, but I never got around to using it and the binding is still unbroken. It is about 8½"wide x 11¾"tall by 1"thick. ISBN: 9781902771366 / 1902771362. I added my address on the front sheet because books tended to disappear when I loaned them out.

I've scoured the internet for comparables and I found no copies available in the United States and only a couple of varying quality in the UK. I'm thinking I would like to get $250 for this copy.

This is a synopsis provided by York Archaeological Trust:

Eastgate Excavations

Evans, D.H., and D. Tomlinson. Excavations at 33-35 Eastgate, Beverley 1983-86. Dorchester: Dorset Press, 1992.

This volume presents a comprehensive archaeological study of excavations at 33-35 Eastgate, Beverley, detailing the complex development of an industrial suburb from the late 11th to the 14th century. The focus of the study is on the dyeing trade, one of the principal industries in the area, and represents the most thorough examination of a medieval dye-works published in Britain.

The book traces land reclamation in the area, which began during the Middle Saxon period but accelerated after the Norman Conquest. The excavation revealed evidence of early iron smithing, flax processing, and shoemaking, but by the mid-12th century, textile dyeing became the dominant industry. Eight phases of development were documented, uncovering vats, drains, and industrial outbuildings, along with rich environmental and artefactual evidence. The study is supported by dendrochronological, archaeomagnetic, and radiocarbon dating.

Additionally, the book features a comprehensive analysis of pottery and other ceramic artefacts, highlighting the products of Beverley's prolific pottery industry. Non-ceramic finds include a range of tools, dress accessories, and well-preserved organic materials such as wooden and leather objects. The volume is rounded out by a wide-ranging discussion of the growth of Beverley, its industries, building types, and pits found on the site.

This is a hardcover book with a dust jacket in fine condition. There ia a label on the front sheet with a prior owner's address. There are no marks or highlighting inside. The book came with two microfiche sheets inside the back cover and they are included. It measures 8.5"wide x 12"tall x 1"thick. ISBN: 9780906090442. I am asking $20, including shipping.

Summary from First Page:

Artifacts from Medieval Winchester

Biddle, Martin. Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester: Artefacts from Medieval Winchester. 2 vols., Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1990. 

This two-volume set, Object and Economy in Medieval Winchester, catalogues and discusses around 6,600 objects recovered from the 1961–1971 Winchester excavation seasons, spanning from Anglo-Saxon to post-medieval periods. The book's primary sections cover the post-excavation process, and the industries and tools of the time, including gold, silver, copper alloy, iron, textile production, tanning, leatherwork, and bone/antler craftsmanship. The objects are organized by function, such as personal possessions, devotional equipment, furnishings, horse gear, weapons, and armor.

This study sheds new light on the economy of a medieval city, with special focus on processes like textile manufacture, wire-drawing, pin production, and the beginnings of window-glass production and glass painting. Each object is thoroughly contextualized, linked to its archaeological site, and classified according to its historical use, offering an in-depth understanding of medieval Winchester's economy and craftsmanship.

The set is brand new, still in the original box, with both volumes and dust jackets in pristine condition. Volume 1 has 466 pages of text + 65 pages of photos. Volume 2 has 1271 pages. When I originally purchased these volumes, they did not come with a slipcase. ISBN: 9780198131755.

There are no copies of these books available for sale on Bookfinder.com but it appears they may be bringing out a new edition later this year. I'm asking $275 for the set.

Merovingian Treasures

Fleury, Michel, and Albert France-Lanord. Les Trésors Mérovingiens de la Basilique de Saint-Denis. Gérard Klopp, 1998.

     

Edition #535

Les Trésors Mérovingiens de la Basilique de Saint-Denis by Michel Fleury and Albert France-Lanord is an in-depth exploration of the archaeological discoveries from the Merovingian necropolis beneath the Basilica of Saint-Denis, a site regarded as one of the most significant in European archaeology. Published in 1998, this comprehensive work spans 572 pages and contains over 400 illustrations, offering a detailed account of the tombs of high-ranking individuals, particularly women of the Merovingian royal court. Among the most notable finds is the tomb of Queen Arégonde, wife of Clotaire I, which remarkably preserved both precious jewelry and embroidered silk garments. The preservation of these artefacts is attributed to the protection offered by the tombs from rainwater, providing a unique glimpse into Merovingian burial customs and material culture.

The volume is richly illustrated and meticulously documents the excavation process, along with the artefacts' historical and cultural significance. It includes everything from sarcophagi to silk textiles and jewelry, offering an essential reference for scholars of Merovingian art, history, and archaeology. This publication stands as a foundational text in the study of early medieval European archaeology, providing detailed analysis that contextualizes the discoveries and highlights the exquisite craftsmanship of the period.

This large-format book (9.65” x 13.39”), weighing 4.4 kg (9.7 lbs), is in excellent->mint condition and comes with a slipcover box. Ideal for Early Period reenactors and scholars, the book is filled with remarkable drawings, photos, and recreations from the 90 archaeological sites beneath St. Denis. Written in French, it covers burial details, including artifact positioning, weaving techniques, and X-ray analyses of jewelry and adornments. A highlight of the book is the inclusion of Queen Arégonde’s artifacts, along with thorough analyses of fibers, leathers, metals, and dyes from the burial sites. This volume is an indispensable resource for understanding the early Northern European peoples and their cultural heritage.

Asking $270. (I will split shipping costs 50% given the weight of this book.)