Reconstructing Ancient Linen Body Armor: Unraveling the Linothorax Mystery

Holiday gift. Recipient very happy with content.

This book guides the reader through the process of resolving questions about the past in a creative and scientific way. Anyone interested in archeological textiles, historical textiles, historical reenactment, military history, costume construction or flax and linen, should consider this fascinating and unique book. Two special features of this book are noteworthy: The illustrations are plentiful and include black and white photographs and color plates. An appendix provides an extensive database of the historic visual depictions of linen armor.

They cover in details their process for the reconstruction, at least from my skimming.What I wanted most was the images of their sources as they used hundreds of reference pictures from artifacts. However Instead of wonderful glossy pictures of all the original artifacts. It is just a typed list.While from a academic standpoint that is fine. I was really hoping for that research to piggy back my own from. Lazy I know, However that database of images is worth the rest of the book in my opinion. Otherwise a decent report on their research.If there is a webpage link to the images I missed it.. that would be helpful too. Honestly was so disappointed by that lack never even read the book. I know that makes this review probably unfair. But when you buy something for a certain feature and it is missing it tarnishes your view. Like buying a car for a moon roof then finding out it doesn't have one. The car is a fine car. But you are not happy with the purchase.

Reconstructing Ancient Linen Body Armor creates an in-depth and compelling look at an important and nearly forgotten form of armor in the ancient world. Filled with imagery and romance, yet it does not lack for gritty truth or facts to back up their conclusions. This book is well recommended for the serious student of ancient warfare, yet it is also not unapproachable for the more novice enthusiast.

valued addition to my library

Excellent book. Well written and full of information without being wordy. Highly recommend!

The definitive academic source on DIY construction of a linothorax. The author is available for contact is and very helpful.

Love the experimental archaeology in this book. Well researched and written.

This is a great overview of the discussion about linen body armour, and having made and worn many over the years I find myself agreeing with most of the conclusions. The book covers many disparate areas but is clear to what extent it is able to draw conclusions. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone with an interest in this area, even if you don't agree with all the points you will find it a useful summary.

we ordered this as part of the research for a history extended project. It has give us the patterns for the linothorax as well as a wealth of information and extensive bibliography. Their web site is worth checking out as well.

Groundbreaking. Experimental archaeology at the best.