Archaeological Footwear: Development of Shoe Patterns and Styles ...

Archaeological Footwear: Development of Shoe Patterns and Styles from Prehistory till the 1600's

Author : Marquita Volken

• Editor : Stichting Promotie Archeologie
• Measurements : 29,5 x 21,1 x 3 cm
• Pages number : 408 pages
• Catalogue of 400 examples of specific cutting patterns
• Hardcover. Richly illustrated
• Language : English

After 20 years of research, the principles for making ancient shoe patterns have been rediscovered. The knowledge of how to make a shoe pattern was certainly the ancient shoemaker's most closely guarded secret, passed from master to apprentice but never written down.

Now, this comprehensive guide to European archaeological footwear will soon be published. It is richly illustrated with drawings and photographs of archaeological leather shoe finds and shoe reconstructions.

A catalogue presents each named shoe style along with the cutting patterns used, a concise description and a full list of the published examples. The volume also includes a short history of calceological studies, case studies, the fundamental research methods and an overview of shoe sole/upper constructions for archaeological leather shoes.

To calceologists (specialists in historical footwear) this book is the wonderful and long-expected follow-up of the legendary publication Stepping through time by Olaf Goubitz, Carol van Driel-Murray and Willy Groenman -van Waateringe also referred to as 'the shoe bible'. In Stepping through time Goubitz has summarized, as well as beautifully illustrated, lots of different shoe styles, sole shapes, construction methods, fastenings etc. from prehistoric times until the 1800's supplemented with equally valuable articles by Carol van Driel (Roman footwear) and Willy Groenman (prehistoric footwear).

Marquita, who was a student of Goubitz', presents same elements as in Stepping through time, but with the addition of a chronology and typology in the form of well-arranged diagrams to show when each of those styles was worn. At the same time she has recorded photo's of lots of original shoes as well as reconstructions,including patterns and beautifully detailed drawings.

The 408 pages masterpiece is a must have for anyone who deals with the research into the history of footwear but is certainly as interesting for shoe makers and designers.

ISBN-10: 9089321179
ISBN-13: 978-9089321176