Glass

Glass

Ruth Hurst Vose

Published by Collins Archaeology, 1980

ISBN: 0 00 211379 1

• English
• Hardback, 221 pages
  
• Illustrations in black and white
• 15.5 x 23 cm
• Condition: good, some scuffing to dust cover and yellowing of end papers

Although we may take it for granted in modern life, glass is one of the most versatile, beautiful and mysterious of man's inventions. In this, the first book on the archaeology of glass, Ruth Hurst Vose presents a survey of glassmaking history and technology, and a practical guide to glasshouse excavation.

After outlining the extraordinary properties of the metal which have made it so vital to man, she traces the origins of glassmaking in the ancient world - in Mesopotamia, Egypt and Rome. She follows the course of European glassmaking then from the Middle Ages to modern times, including the brilliant period during the Venetian Renaissance when many ancient techniques of colouring and shaping glass were rediscovered and exquisite new ones devised, and when the clear 'cristallo' was finally perfected.

She goes on to examine British glassmaking from the Bronze Age to the twentieth century, and the archaeological evidence so far discovered in Britain. Using the evidence of contemporary documents and prints she describes how early glass furnaces operated, how glass was fired and blown and decorated, what the 'gaffers' and the potmakers did.

Finally, on the basis of her own field work, the author explains the methods of excavation and analysis which are most effective on glasshouse sites. The book also includes a list of surviving glasshouse remains and important museum collections; a glossary of glassmaking terms; and an extensive bibliography.

For the archaeologist and the collector Glass is an indispensable reference tool; for the general reader it provides a fascinating introduction to the subject.

This is a second-hand book. All proceeds go directly to supporting the only museum of stained glass in the UK.

To find out more please visit www.stainedglassmuseum.com