
audiobook
by Fred. W. (Frederick William) Burgess
PREFACE
ILLUSTRATIONS
GLOSSARY
CHAPTER I THE METAL AND ITS ALLOYS
CHAPTER II THE HUNTING GROUND
CHAPTER III PREHISTORIC BRONZES
CHAPTER IV GREEK AND ROMAN CURIOS
CHAPTER V MEDIÆVAL ANTIQUITIES
CHAPTER VI LATER METAL-WORK
CHAPTER VII CHURCH BRASSWORK
This volume opens a vivid tour through the world of copper and brass, tracing how the ancient alloy shaped everything from early weapons to everyday household items. By arranging objects in chronological order, it lets readers watch the evolution of metalworking—from the first bronze celts to the elegant fixtures of later centuries—highlighting the ingenuity of craftsmen across cultures. The author’s approach is conversational, avoiding dense technical jargon while still revealing the subtle chemistry that gives each piece its unique character.
Richly illustrated with photographs from museums and private collections, the book offers a visual feast that brings even modest curiosities to life. Drawings by the author's daughter add a personal touch, and acknowledgments to curators worldwide underscore the breadth of material covered. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply fascinated by the beauty of historic metalwork, the work invites you to appreciate the enduring allure of copper and brass in everyday art.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (336K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chris Curnow, Chris Jordan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2014-10-04
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1855–1945
Best known for lively, practical books on antiques and collecting, this early 20th-century writer helped readers look more closely at the history tucked inside everyday objects. His work ranges from furniture and jewelry to coins, prints, and household curios.
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