Showing posts with label Textiles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Textiles. Show all posts

Sunday, October 13, 2024

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



Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Dressing in the Middle Ages

Mane, Perrine, and Françoise Piponnier. Se vêtir au Moyen Âge. Adam Biro, 1995. 

This book is an authoritative exploration of medieval clothing and fashion, focusing on how dress evolved from the 10th to the 15th century in Europe. This book delves into the social, economic, and cultural influences that shaped medieval attire, examining how clothing was not only a reflection of one’s status but also a means of expressing identity, regional affiliations, and even moral standing. The authors utilize a wide range of historical sources, including manuscript illuminations, literary texts, and archaeological finds, to offer readers a richly detailed account of what people wore during the Middle Ages.

The book is structured around key aspects of medieval dress, including fabrics, colors, styles, and the societal rules that dictated who could wear what. It offers insights into the craftsmanship involved in textile production and the trade networks that supplied the materials for medieval garments. Lavishly illustrated with reproductions of medieval art and artifacts, Se vêtir au Moyen Âge brings to life the everyday and ceremonial attire of peasants, nobles, and clergy alike, providing a fascinating look at the role of fashion in medieval society.

This work is an invaluable resource for historians, costume designers, and anyone interested in the material culture of the Middle Ages, combining scholarly rigor with accessible prose to make the complex world of medieval fashion understandable and engaging.

This book is written in French. Used - Soft Cover,  Good->Excellent Condition, Back cover has 1 bend. ISBN 2-87660-169-9. 

Asking $55.

Textile Art

Michel, Thomas. L'Art Textile: Broderies, Tapisseries, Tissus, Sculptures. Skira, 1985.


L'Art Textile by Thomas Michel is a comprehensive exploration of the rich history and techniques of textile art, including embroidery, tapestry, fabric, and textile-based sculpture. The book delves into the evolution of textile art across various cultures and historical periods, illustrating how these forms of artistic expression have been used for both decorative and functional purposes. Michel’s work provides in-depth analysis on the techniques involved in creating intricate patterns and designs, from medieval tapestries to contemporary fabric sculptures.

This volume, richly illustrated with high-quality reproductions, offers insights into the materials, methods, and cultural significance of textile arts through the ages. It highlights notable examples from different regions and time periods, providing readers with a global perspective on the art form. The book is a valuable resource for those interested in art history, fashion, and textile crafts, as well as professional textile artists looking for inspiration and technical guidance.

L'Art Textile is written in French and is part of the esteemed Skira art series, known for its scholarly yet accessible presentation of various art forms.

Used - Hard Cover, Dust Cover, Plastic has 1 tear and dust cover has a small fold at the bottom of the spine under the plastic tear, Book itself is Good->Excellent. ISBN 2-605-00068-0.

Asking $40.

European Textiles

King, Monique, and Donald King. European Textiles in the Keir Collection: 400 BC - 1800 AD. Jolly & Barber Ltd, 1984. ISBN 9780571133710.

This book is a comprehensive catalog and scholarly exploration of the vast textile holdings of the Keir Collection. Spanning over two millennia, the book documents the rich history of European textiles, featuring garments, fabrics, and tapestries that range from ancient times to the early modern period. The Keir Collection, known for its exceptional range of historical artifacts, offers a unique lens through which the development of textile arts can be studied, from ancient woven fabrics to opulent Renaissance tapestries.

Accompanied by high-quality photographs and detailed descriptions, this volume not only celebrates the artistic beauty of these textiles but also provides in-depth analysis of the materials, techniques, and cultural significance of each piece. With its scholarly commentary and historical insights, the book is an invaluable resource for textile historians, art collectors, and anyone interested in the evolution of European textile art. This work highlights the importance of textiles in reflecting the social, cultural, and economic fabric of Europe from antiquity through the early modern period.


This is a hardback dark-green cloth book with gilt title on spine in mylar-wrapped dust jacket. But for an address label on the first sheet, it's in fine condition. There are no marks or highlighting inside.  It is approximately 11¼"tall x 9"wide x 1⅜"thick. ISBN 9780571133710 / 0571133711.

I am asking $40.

Monday, September 16, 2024

Inventory of King Henry VIII

Starkey, David, editor. The Inventory of King Henry VIII: Volume 1, The Transcript. Harvey Miller Publishers, 1998.

The Inventory of King Henry VIII: Volume 1, The Transcript is a meticulously transcribed document of King Henry VIII’s possessions, compiled shortly after his death in 1547. Commissioned by his son, Edward VI, the inventory catalogs over 18,000 items, ranging from royal regalia to personal items and military stores, providing invaluable insight into the grandeur of the Tudor court. The inventory is housed in two manuscripts, one held by the Society of Antiquaries of London and the other by the British Library.

This volume includes a comprehensive historical introduction, detailed notes, and an exhaustive index, providing scholars with a critical tool for understanding Tudor material culture. The transcript not only helps trace surviving objects but also aids in attributing other items to Henry VIII. With a glossary of technical terms, it is an indispensable resource for students and historians interested in the Tudor monarchy and the reign of Henry VIII.

My copy is in very good condition, with a mylar-wrapped dust jacket. Other than an address label on one of the front sheets, I see no evidence of use. It is a large heavy book, being approximately 9"wide x 11.25"tall x 2"thick. 539 pages. ISBN: 9781872501895 / 1872501893.

I'm asking $110.

Sunday, September 15, 2024

Royal Merovingian Tombs

Wamers, Egon, and Patrick Périn, editors. Königinnen der Merowinger: Adelsgräber aus den Kirchen von Köln, Saint-Denis, Chelles und Frankfurt am Main. Regensburg: Schnell & Steiner, 2013.


This book presents the findings of a major German-French exhibition focusing on the Merovingian queens and aristocratic burials from several key sites, including the churches in Cologne, Saint-Denis, Chelles, and Frankfurt. Highlighting the archaeological excavations, it provides an in-depth exploration of the rich grave goods and historical context surrounding the burials of prominent Merovingian women, such as Queen Arnegunde, buried at Saint-Denis, and Queen Balthilde, interred at Chelles. The work is richly illustrated with 136 color images, making it a visually and academically significant resource for those studying early medieval European history, art, and archaeology​.

This volume is particularly notable for its analysis of grave artefacts, including jewelry and textiles, and its discussion of Christian and pagan burial practices in the Merovingian period. It offers valuable insights into the lives and legacies of these powerful women from one of Europe's earliest ruling dynasties.

Asking $120.

Early Period Textiles & Costuming

Roche-Bernard, Geneviève. Costumes et Textiles en Gaule Romaine. Éditions Errance, 1993.



Costumes et Textiles en Gaule Romaine is an in-depth exploration of the clothing and textile industry in Roman Gaul. Written in French, this detailed study examines various aspects of fiber production, dyeing techniques, weaving styles, and the construction of garments during the Roman period. It also provides a thorough analysis of how clothing was commercialized, tracing its journey from production to market. Roche-Bernard supports her research with meticulous notes on her sources, making it a highly reliable reference for scholars interested in the history of ancient textiles.

Although the book is in French, readers can easily translate it using tools like Google Translate to access the rich content. This volume, now out of print and difficult to find, remains a valuable resource for those studying ancient costume and textile production. The book is in immaculate condition, with only a bookplate inside the front cover. Its comprehensive coverage of Gallic textiles, supported by rich iconography and extensive historical research, makes it essential for those interested in the craftsmanship and commercial practices of the time.

This book is in excellent condition. It has a bookplate inside the front cover. ISBN:  978-2877720793 / 2877720799. Asking $200.

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:

Medieval Tapestries

Cavallo, Adolfo S. Medieval Tapestries in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. NY: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1993.

This comprehensive volume catalogs 64 medieval tapestries from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, ranging from 1350 to 1525. It provides in-depth descriptions and high-quality illustrations, including 189 black-and-white figures. The book opens with a detailed introduction on the history, techniques, and stylistic developments in tapestry weaving, focusing on France and the Netherlands. Each tapestry is contextualized in terms of design and historical use, providing an essential reference for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Book features a cloth binding with the title on the spine and comes housed in its original slipcase, which shows light wear. The book itself is in like-new condition, though a prior owner added an address label on the front sheet. There are no other marks, highlighting, or signs of wear inside the book, making it an excellent collectible copy. 688 pages. 370 illustrations. 9.5"x11.5" ISBN: 9780870996443.

I'm asking $45 for this copy.


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.