Reviews__________________________________________________________________________________

Foreword by Dr. David Gaimster, General Secretary and Chief Executive, Society of Antiquaries of London

 

Adele Schaverien's twin talents as a practising horner and archivist have combined to make Horn its History and its Uses a book of immense value.  It is a comprehensive, authoritative, beautifully illustrated and thoroughly readable account which not only throws light on a neglected subject, but skillfully melds the past with the present.  The book will remain the standard work on the history and craft of the horner for generations to come. It will prove an indispensable tool for curators and archaeologists and deserves a place in every museum and public library.   Hazel Forsyth, FSA, Senior Curator (Post-Medieval), Museum of London

Colin Williamson, founder member of the Plastics Historical Society and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Horners wrote: ‘This work is an encyclopaedia, an exhaustive information source on horn, horners and their products. Adele Schaverien has condensed a lifetime of study, research and exploration into 300 highly detailed pages of information, hundreds of notes, references and a bibliography of over 200 other publications. She describes how horn has been transformed by mankind over centuries into objects both of beauty and simple utilitarian, from ornate ceremonial drinking vessels to arrow nocks, and from oriental carvings to lanterns. Above all this is a book celebrating the almost lost craft of the Horner, written by a true enthusiast and scholar. It will become a well-thumbed reference tome on my shelves. 

‘Horn is a remarkable and versatile substance. Adčle Schaverien’s book will become and remain the standard work for more than a generation.’ Ann Saunders, MBE., FSA., PhD.

‘Readable, fascinating, scholarly and beautifully presented – a wonderful book’ Dr. B.J. Ridgewell, BSc.CChem, FRSC, FIMMM, MCIM FInst.D.

 ‘I couldn’t put down the book once I started reading it. It is fascinating.’Written with expertise and enthusiasm of a working horner, this book provides a fascinating insight into the history (predominantly English), technology and uses of horn as a material for hand crafted products. Examining an impressive range of objects - from buttons to jewellery and fans to lanterns – it is a must-have resource for museum curators, collectors and anyone interested in this ancient craft.’  Eva Czernis-Ryl     Curator, Decorative Arts & Design, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney 

here is seemingly no nook or cranny left untouched in the author’s search for relevant material, and its sweep is indeed far reaching. Thus a huge amount of material has been distilled and presented in a well ordered and accessible manner. The book achieves the trick of being able to serve both as a delightful overview of the subject, to be dipped in and enjoyed at whim and at will, as well as a more serious work of scholarship. Each chapter has been scrupulously notated, and referenced to a bibliography containing over two hundred individual titles, dealing with particular and often more specialised strands of the subject. Vast though this may be, the information never overwhelms or confuses the reader. In addition to the colour plates, it is served throughout by excellent black and white illustrations and an extensive index.'  

Christopher Eimer, M.Phil., FSA.  Dealer and author on medals and medallic art

 

'A remarkable book. It is an exemplary work, readable, fascinating, beautifully researched and visually satisfying. 'Dr. Jennifer Kloester

Lee Larkin, Hon. Company of Horners  ‘a substantial and serious work on the subject and the definitive volume on the history of horn working.’

 

                                            

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                                                                            Copyright © 2011 Adele Schaverien