The Lewis Chessmen: Unmasked - Hardcover

Caldwell, David; Hall, Mark A.; Wilkinson, Caroline M.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1905267460 ISBN 13: 9781905267460

Publisher: NMSE - Publishing Ltd, 2010

Synopsis

Chess fans saw a red queen brought to life in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. She came from what is perhaps the world's most mysterious and imaginatively-crafted chess set -- 73 carved pieces probably dating to the 1200's. The famous Chess men (and women) comprise the world's oldest complete chess set (or parts of several sets).,

The treasure trove was discovered 15 feet deep in the sand in Lewis in Scotland's northern Outer Hebrides in the late 19th century. Scandinavian outposts were known to be there as early as the 1200's when the pieces were probably crafted. That chess was played in the Middle Ages with such extraordinary works of art tantalizes the imagination.,

Who were these people whose likenesses have been so whimsically and realistically depicted that they come alive for us today? Who played the game? These kings and queens, bishops with miters on their heads, knights mounted on rather small horses and holding spears and shields, rooks with shields and a wild expression, and pawns in the shape of obelisks -- all so very human. Some of the pieces contain red stains, suggesting perhaps that the sets had some colorings unlike modern black and white pieces. "This is the first forensic account of modern research into the Chessmen," according to Ancientchess.com.,

The "unmasked" in the book's title refers to new controversies about their origin and about who might have owned - and lost - them - and about the trade and state of society where they were crafted.

About this title

Product Description:

One of the most famous treasures to have come out of the ground in Scotland is a hoard of ivory chessmen and other gaming pieces found in the Isle of Lewis. the humorous and intricately designed pieces are now divided between national Museums Scotland and the British Museum. Experts all agree that they are medieval and of Scandinavian origin. They are remarkably fine pieces of craftsmanship and have fascinated all who see them. This account provides an overview of the hoard, the circumstances surrounding its discovery, and the traditions that have grown up around it. The authors also incorporate results from their own recent research which focuses on how, where and when the chessmen were made. Their examination demonstrates how the work of different craftsmen can be recognised, and the answer to the question of who might have owned them is also considered. The result is a celebration of a famous discovery, complete with images of all 93 pieces.

About the Author:

Dr David H. Caldwell is Keeper of Scotland and Europe for National Museums Scotland, responsible for the eleven chessmen in Edinburgh. Mark A. Hall is History Officer at Perth Museum & Art Gallery, where he curates the archaeology collection. Dr Caroline M. Wilkinson is Senior Lecturer in Forensic anthropology at the Centre for anatomy & Human Identification, University of Dundee.

About this edition

• Publisher: NMSE - Publishing Ltd
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1905267460
• ISBN 13: 9781905267460
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 80