Arts & Skills
For Materials on forging and smith work, please see the file called ‘Fighting, Weapons, and Military’.
Art Forger’s Handbook - $19.95
Eric Hebborn. The author, a modern forger of some renown, shares his master skills in the art of faking Old Masters. The book details the secrets of his forging techniques, with material on pigments, finding properly aged paper or aging it yourself, the use of silver point, relining & framing painting, and many other fascinating topics. Tr pb, 200 pp, numerous b/w & color photos, b/w sketches. Overlook Press
Art of the Stonemason - $25.00 
Ian Cramb. Drawing on five generations of family tradition as stonemasons in his native Scotland, Ian Cramb created this masterful work to pass on his knowledge and experience to craftsmen who wish to learn the ancient, but still necessary, principles of the stonemason’s art. Paper, 8.5 x 11, 174 pp, over 150 photos & line drawings, resources, glossary, index.
Artists’ Techniques and Materials - $24.95
Antonella Fuga. This book discusses the materials and processes used in 8 media: painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, mosaics, ceramics, glass, and metalwork. Within each category, the author examines the range of materials and techniques that have developed over the centuries. Capsule descriptions in the margins list essential information about the subject under discussion, and details of the artworks employed as examples are called out. The book concludes with a brief overview of contemporary techniques. Richly illustrated (400 color illus). Pb, 384pp, indices of subjects & technical terms, 5”x8”. Getty
Backyard Lumberjack - $18.95
Frank & Steven Philbrick. The authors, enthusiastic & skilled lumberjacks, explain what it takes to bring a tree from forest to fireplace. Part hard work, part pure chain saw satisfaction, this book is your complete guide to bringing in the wood. It’s all here, from choosing the perfect chain saw to managing a woodlot to safely enjoying the pleasures of a backyard bonfire. Tr pb, 160pp, illus w/photos throughout (many in color). Glossary, BTU chart for various wood types, rec reading list, index. Storey
Creating a Reticella Rosette - $5.00
Marie Schorn. ‘Reticella is a form of needle lace where geometric patterns are embroidered over a fabric with most of the threads removed,’ says the author, and then proceeds to give us a brief history of the craft. The bulk of the book instructs us in the creation of a foundation for the lace, appropriate stitches, and patterns for drawn thread borders & various lace designs. Pb, saddle-stapled, 48pp, b/w illus, notes, references. SCA
Lois Swales & Zoe Kuhn. Finger loop braids are braids woven using loops (or bowes) of string on your fingers. This reached a high point in Medieval Europe and England between 1200 & 1600 CE. This technique survives today in isolated areas of Europe, the Middle East, S America, & Japan. As points, laces, or cords, braids have a multitude of uses. This pamphlet focuses on the 15th – 17th century English language instructions for making braids. Pb, saddle-stapled, 72 pp, Diagrams & directions, biblio. SCA
Forgotten Art of Building a Good Fireplace - $12.50
Vrest Orton. This classic book (1969) on fireplace design has brought about a revival of the Rumford fireplace. The basic principles (set forth by Rumford in 1795) describe the construction of a large shallow fireplace which does not smoke, and which throws out much more heat than many other designs (which tend to send much of the heat up the chimney.) This edition contains practical notes by Wally Leeds, a mason in Tunbridge VT, who builds Rumford fireplaces today. Pb, 64pp, b/w illos & diagrams. Alan Hood.
Forgotten Art of Building and Using a Brick Bake Oven - $12.50
Richard M Bacon. First published in 1977, this book remains the authority on how old time brick ovens were designed and used. The book explains the evolution of the oven from the 17th through the 19th centuries, outlines the basic points to consider in building such an oven today, and describes in detail its construction. From ash pit complex, types of brick & mortar, lintels & doors, plans, dimensions, and actual brickwork – this book has them all. Generously illustrated with photos, diagrams, & drawings. Also includes material on using the finished oven. Pb, 64pp. Alan Hood.
Honey Bee Hobbyist: The Care and Keeping of Bees - $14.95
Norman Gary. The author counsels the beginning beekeeper on all things honey bee related, from observing your first hive to harvesting your own honey. Dr Gary’s passion for bees ia palpable in this practical, easy-to-follow guide for the hobby of honey bee keeping. Trade paper, 175 p, color photos throughout, glossary, resources, index. Bow Tie Press
Introduction to Manuscript Studies - $39.95
Raymond Clemens & Timothy Graham. Providing a comprehensive and accessible orientation to the field of medieval manuscript studies, this lavishly illustrated book is unique in its scope and level of detail. Useful to students in history, art history, literature, and religious studies, while also appealing to advanced scholars and general readers. Its material on the making of the manuscript, from preparation of the writing surface & inks, decoration, through the binding & storage, will be of great value to current scroll makers and illuminators. Includes sections on abbreviations, punctuation, selected scripts, Books of Hours, charters & cartularies, maps, rolls & scrolls. As recommended in Tournaments Illuminated. Oversized trade paper, 301pp, glossary, index, extensive bibliog., over 250 illus (sources cited), both contemporary & diagrams. Cornell University Press
Japanese Braiding: The Art of Kumihimo - $21.95
Jacqui Carey. Provides a fresh approach to this traditional craft, with clear step-by-step color photos for six projects, which show how to make a variety of different braids. Includes tips on equipment and advice on how to create patterns for 70 additional braids. HC/spiral-interior to lie flat, 96pp, index. Search Press
Needlework Patterns from Renaissance Germany - $10.00
Recharted by Kathryn Newall, from the 1597 edition of Johan Sibmacher’s Modelbuch. 26p, saddle-stapled, 8½ x11. Costume/Dressmaker Press.
Pavilion Book - $15.95
John LaTorre. In one book you can find a complete guide to buying, maintaining, and living in a medieval-style tent. The author, a tentmaker with 20 years of experience, explains how to choose the best tent for your budget and needs, and how to make your tent last longer and perform better, how to clean and repair it, and much, much more. Tr pb, 160pp, b/w photos & some diagrams. Dragonwings
200 Braids to Twist, Knot, Loop, or Weave - $27.95
Jacqui Carey. Choose from sumptuous braided designs to complete any project: clothing, furnishings, greeting cards, jewelry, totes, floral arrangements, and more. Braids are arranged by structure, from twisted and knotted pieces to more elaborate looped and woven ones, even those that incorporate beads. Each braid features a close-up photo, materials list, step-by-step instructions and clear color illustrations. HC, spiral-bound, 256pp, index, resources list. Interweave Press
When Work is Done: a medieval child’s guide to playful pastimes - $5.00
Rae L Hadley, editor. Children in the Middle Ages had a lot of work to do, but they had time for some fun and games too. This book is about some of the toys, games, and crafts that medieval children would have enjoyed. Most of the projects are written for kids from 8 to 12 years of age. The 8 projects (by different authors) are divided into ‘Fun in the Kitchen’, ‘Toys, Games & Crafts’, and ‘Rhymes & Music’. Perfect bound, 82pp, illus and notes. SCA
Woodwright’s Guide – $22.50
Roy Underhill. Each chapter explores one of the nine trades of woodcraft. Includes hundreds of detailed drawings that illustrate the hand tools and processes for shaping & joining wood. 250pp, index, Tr pb. University of North Carolina Press.
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