AUDIO

Ivory Vikings: The Mystery of the Most Famous Chessmen in the World and the Woman Who Made Them

by Nancy Marie Brown
9 CDs. 10:45 hrs. Recorded Bks. 2015. ISBN 9781490693682. $77.75. 1 MP3-CD, digital download. HIST
COPY ISBN
The Lewis Chessmen are a set of iconic chess and gaming pieces from the Viking era that were found buried in a treasure cache on a Scottish beach in 1831. Although they were clearly produced in the Norse artistic tradition and material (walrus ivory), their country of origin and artist can only be matters of speculation. Brown (Song of the Vikings) skillfully uses the Chessmen as a launching pad for explorations of Viking culture, art, economics, social patterns, literature, history, and games. In the process, she makes a persuasive case for considering their creation by a specific known artist and in a specific location. Reader Tony Scott's narration is smooth and steady despite the challenge of medieval Norse nomenclature.
VERDICT Recommended for history and art collections. ["An intriguing work that should find a readership among history lovers": LJ 7/15 review of the Palgrave hc.]
Reviewed by Kristen L. Smith, Loras Coll. Lib., Dubuque, IA , Feb 01, 2016
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

MEDIA

Sanctuary
by Repetto, Valentina Cano
MEDIA

The Last Fire Season: A Personal and Pyronatural History
by Martin, Manjula
MEDIA

The Edge
by Baldacci, David
MEDIA

Fifty Beasts To Break Your Heart
by Nethercott, GennaRose
MEDIA

Get the Picture: A Mind-Bending Journey Among the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How To See
by Bosker, Bianca
MEDIA

The Busy Body
by Donovan, Kemper
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?