British Artefacts Volume 3 - Late Saxon, Late Viking & Norman
by Brett Hammond

Reviews

Ted Fletcher:
To write and illustrate a book about finds from the British Isles that comprehensively meets the requirements of metal detectorists, archaeology students, museum curators, collectors and antiquities dealers alike is a remarkable achievement. To accomplish the task over three volumes of what the publisher calls an ongoing series merits the greatest praise. I know that the majority of TH readers have already shown their appreciation by buying Volumes 1 and 2 and that they will need little encouragement from me to add a copy of Volume 3 to their libraries as soon as possible.

Beginners, newcomers, freshers and anyone about to explore Anglo-Saxon, Viking and Norman cultures for the first time, whether for examinations, investment potential or the simple pleasures of finding and collecting examples of the work of talented artists and craftsmen, must place these volumes at the very top of their books-to-buy lists. The clarity, close-focus and colours of the illustrations provide instant recognition of almost any find from British soil you are likely to encounter that can be dated to circa 500 AD or the next seven centuries. Such is the quality of the photographs and the range of finds covered that they could probably stand alone and make an adequate reference library; but, as with all Brett Hammond's books, they are accompanied by descriptive texts as clear, accurate and enlightening as the illustrations.

I always look forward eagerly to bringing home a find and turning the pages of a British Artefacts volume to identify it. The concise description of the well-written caption accompanying every illustration tells me all I need to know; and more often than not a bonus awaits in a second sentence or two which gives fascinating and enlightening background information that often makes me feel I'm experiencing the thrill of the find all over again. Here's just one example describing a humble strap-end: A thick, cast strap end in silver-gilt, with decorative elements in high relief. The design comprises a cross with central boss, between the arms of which are four similar bosses within semicircles. A raised bar runs across the top beyond which is the thinner bar pierced for attachment. Similar D-shaped strap ends are a Late Saxon development influenced by contemporary Scandinavian fashions; the heavy moulding and geometric design are based on Winchester Style manuscript decoration and its derivatives in the plastic arts. You could not do better at the Enquiries desk of the British Museum; and unlike that revered institution, these books give you unique Valuation Scales – current market valuations for each object-type that you can update via an internet website. Volume 3 covers Late Saxon, Late Viking and Norman finds from circa 950 – 1150AD, comprehensively encompassing Mammen style, Winchester style, Ringerike style, Romanesque style and Urnes style, with succinct one-line summaries telling you what to look for when seeking the characteristics of those art styles on your finds. No matter what a day's searching puts into your finds bag - plate brooches, zoomorphic brooches, penannular brooches, annular brooches, buckles, belt fittings, strap ends, fasteners, tags, pins, pendants, rings, arm-rings, bracelets, swords, axes. spears, knives, daggers, scabbard fittings, maces, helmets, armour, stirrup mounts, stirrups, spurs, gaming pieces, weights, seal matrices or lead seals – you will find much about them in the pages of this remarkable book.

I've said nothing of the non-metallic finds, the superb maps, the comprehensive survey of manufacturing techniques, the potted history of these turbulent centuries, the glossary and the extensive bibliography, all of which add value to British Artefacts Volume 3 and demonstrate what a truly professional job Brett Hammond and the researchers, photographers and other experts who are such important members of his back-room team have put into this work. Buy this book (and its companion volumes) immediately. You will be amply rewarded for your outlay.



Dr. R. L. Bonewitz:

The third volume of this impressive and ongoing series certainly fulfils the promise of the previous two: it is a useful guide for metal detectorists, collectors, and researchers into this turbulent period of history. Keeping with the high quality of the series, the photography is impressive, the research meticulous, and the text clear and informative. Readers from all levels of interest in this period will find much of use here.

Drawing on his extensive experience and expertise as well as that of the highly qualified consultants around him, Brett Hammond has put together a comprehensive picture of the times, illustrated with numerous excellent photographs of period artefacts. These provide good visual identification of the reader's finds and acquisitions. The artefacts are also well described along with their context within the social, economic, and political history of the age. These are supplemented by detailed descriptions of the characteristics of the various art styles of the period, providing an additional identification guide.

Especially useful is the constantly updated online pricing guide, giving an up-to-date picture of the value of finds and acquisitions, as well as a useful price guide for buyers.

I found personally interesting the space given to kings of the period with note taken of the artistic influences of their reigns, reflected in the artistry and design of the illustrated artefacts. While the artefacts are interesting and beautiful in themselves, I find it especially rewarding to be able to associate them with specific reigns.

This book is a superb addition to the series, and undoubtedly will be as highly sought after as the previous volumes. It is a collector's piece in its own right and is great value for money.