Review: Techniques of Medieval Armour Reproduction: The 14th Century
by Brian R. Price
ISBN: 1-58160-098-4
508 pp. / Paladin Press, 2000 / $79.95

Those familiar with some of Paladin Press' other offerings may be surprised at the concise, informative nature and handsome layout of Brian Price's Techniques of Medieval Armor Reproduction. Quite frankly, this book may be the finest volume that we have ever seen from the Colorado publisher, and they certainly are to be congratulated. We can only hope that Paladin continues to publish works of such quality.

This is not, of course, to detract from the praise due to the author. Mr. Price has filled a need in both the historical fencing and reenactment communities, namely, the lack of an authoritative handbook for the construction of reproduction armor. Armor (or armour, as the author would have it), is more than just protection against brute force and injury. It is also a form of costume, an announcement of social standing, and a display of sartorial style. Though there are many basement and garage armories in operation today, relatively few turn out pieces that are as functional and elegant as their medieval antecedents. Techniques of Medieval Armour Reproduction may help to rectify the situation somewhat. And, even if one is hopelessly inept in the craft shop, Mr. Price provides the reader with a catalogue of tools, techniques, and designs that are as useful for the enthusiast as for the craftsman.

Beginning with an overview of some of the various groups who are the primary modern consumers of armor (and demonstrating a definite bias towards certain types of reenactment or recreation), Mr. Price then launches into a catalogue of who, in his practiced opinion, are the outstanding armorers currently working in the US and abroad. This is a very unique and eye-opening section, being in effect a survey course that introduces the reader to masters of the trade they may have been entirely unaware of. In the following section on techniques, Mr. Price discusses some of the current reputable and useful literature available on arms and armor, and the chapter on training the hand and eye suggests that armoring, done correctly, is on the level of fine art. These features alone raise the quality of the book considerably above the usual run. Finally, there are the projects, beginning with an overview of armor in the fourteenth century and encompassing the construction of several types of armor for the entire body, from helmet to greaves (sabatons being covered elsewhere). The book ends with useful glossaries, a list of sources, and a very good bibliography.

Overall, Techniques of Medieval Armour Reproduction is richly illustrated and documented with pictures of original and reproduction medieval armor, as well as all phases of a project. When Mr. Price engages in speculation, he does not hesitate to qualify his assertions and present his reasoning; neither is he afraid to admit when there is a gap in our current knowledge of medieval arms and armor. The book is further enriched by some valuable articles. David Edge of the Wallace Collection writes the introduction, which should be a recommendation in its own right. Dr. Alan Williams contributes an excellent short article on the metallurgy of medieval armor. There is even a piece on gilding excerpted from Benvenuto Cellini's sixteenth-century treatise.