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1968. 18pp . Colour frontispiece. CLXIV (164) B&W plates. "For centuries 'the Tower', as it is known the world over, has been an attraction to all visitors to London. People come in tens of thousands every year to see not only the impregnable walls and towers but the contents: the Crown Jewels, the block and axe and, not least, the Armouries. . Her Majesty's Tower of London has contained arms and armour since the 13th century, and perhaps since the time of William the Conqueror, who himself began the building of the White Tower as his stronghold. Today the Armouries include the personal armours of Henry VIlI, made for use in war and sport, the armours of Stuart kings and princes and the remains of the huge Tudor arsenal stores and the munitions of Civil war, Commonwealth and Restoration times. To these have been added choice and rare arms and armour from famous collections dispersed during the past hundred years and more. Thus the Tower Armouries now comprise one of the greatest collections of the kind in the world. . This picture book illustrates almost four hundred pieces of armour, helmets, cuirasses and the like from this splendid national collection. Together they exemplify the accomplishment of the armourers of nearly every European country and show the progress of their craft from the 14th century, through its zenith in the isth and 16th centuries, to its gradual decline in the 17th century. . It is the initial publication in a series which will cover all aspects of the Tower Armouries. Subsequent issues will illustrate firearms, white arms, miscellanea and oriental arms and armour. This is the first substantial pictorial record of the collection, and the treasures it reveals will come as a surprise to those who know the Armouries from no more than a casual visit. It will also be of permanent use to those interested in technology and the applied arts, in the study of costume and, no less, in the history of society and the art of war".The jacket is covered with removeable clear plastic for protection. Price clipped jacket and book in excellent condition. No inscription. PLEASE NOTE: Heavy book so extra will be needed for shipping to non-UK customers. Seller Inventory # CostumeEtc01
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Bibliographic Details
Title: European Armour in the Tower of London (...
Publisher: Her Majesty's Stationery Office for the Ministry of Public and Works, London
Publication Date: 1968
Binding: Blue Cloth Hardback
Condition: Very Good Plus
Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good Plus
Edition: First Edition
