The Lewis Chessmen (Object in Focus)

Fascinating story of these curious little chessmen. Actually learned it wasn't one set but a number of them. Great pictures throughout the book.

Nice book with good information how the pieces were dated and the mystery of 4 sets found and why they were hidden. Very good illustrations.

This slim volume describes the mysterious and strangely beautiful chessmen of Lewis Island, found near Uig, Scotland in April 1831. Carved from walrus ivory (a few are also made from whale teeth) the 78 chess pieces were most likely made in Trondheim, Norway between 1150 and 1200 AD. Although chess sets of this type were probably common at the time, this is the most complete collection to have survived. The pieces are marvelously detailed and evocative sculptures of a bygone age, full of personality and symbolism. Robinson does a fine job of telling the various stories of how the pieces were found, ending the book with his own theory about how they ended up buried on a beach in Scotland. The book also gives a brief history of the game of chess and its dispersal throughout Europe--it was long considered to be a frivolous and even sinful activity, and only gradually gained repute as an intellectual pursuit. This book focuses primarily on the 67 chess men owned by the British Museum, with a few references to the 11 pieces at the National Museum of Scotland (the pieces passed through the hands of several collectors during the 19th century and were split up).The pieces offer clues to the evolution of European society during this era of transition from the Dark Ages--the original Indian game of chaturang featured only chariots (rukhs), knights, pawns, elephants and a king. By the time the game reached Europe in the 9th century, a queen had been added, the rukhs had become warders (knights on foot), and the elephants turned into bishops--even though the church disapproved of chess-playing. New rules allowed some pieces to move several squares at a time in order to make the game faster and more interesting. Eventually the warders became castles.Robinson ends the book by discussing the trade in walrus-ivory carvings, an important export from Scandinavia. Chess itself was one of the few pastimes available to a largely nonliterate population facing long, dull winters without television or iPods. The Norwegians capitalized on the market, but of the thousands of chess sets manufactured, only these pieces survive. Oddly, of the 78 pieces found near Uig, only one complete set can be put together, although pieces from 8 sets are included.What stands out, through the photos and Robinson's careful analysis, is the importance of these chess pieces as historic artifacts and works of medieval art. Through this book I gained a new appreciation for the game of chess and its role in history.

What Your Looking For from in British Museum Collection.Granted one does not see the all 4 sides, top, and 3/4 profiles of each Object.Sculptors are Object MakersThey Are the "Work" of "Fine Object Makers"For a "small booklet" it has some Fine Full Page Images of Single WorksAs well as small image of those in the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh to round out the Show of (Objects In Focus)

I am very happy with these chess pieces. I had no idea these pieces were so intriguing. This book is very informative and I love the photos of the pieces. I'm very happy to have bought these pieces in London England.

I bought this for for my dad as a fathers day gift and i have never seen him so happy to see a present since i bought him a #1 DAD key chain when i was like 5 he loves it so i am super happy with this product. its packed with full color photos of the pieces an contains alot of Information about them and their history in this wonder compact volume. by the way these pieces were made famous by the Harry Potter Series which makes it even cooler

Great quality little booklet that has decent pictures and documents the story (or one believable version) of one of the world's most celebrated chess sets. Was always curious about the Lewis Chessmen, and this publication succinctly fills that need.

This book is a nice read with good photo's. It's a good book to have if you want to know about the lewis chessmen.