A Treasury of American Scrimshaw: A Collection of the Useful and Decorative

Rating:
Summary: An in-depth look at American scrimshaw
Review: This book takes a close-up look at the useful and decorative objects created by sailors during the age of whaling. While McManus touches on the most familiar creations of the era, decorative whale's teeth, his focus is the too-often overlooked subject of utilitarian and purely decorative scrimshaw. Chapters include a wonderful look at the background of scrimshaw, objects made for use both on board ship and at home, creations made to be seen and enjoyed for their beauty, examples of beautiful ornamentation, the makers of scrimshaw, both known and supposed, and fascinating objects which are not always what they appear to be. A wonderful addition to any scrimshaw library!