The Lewis Chessmen Unmasked

by David H. Caldwell, Mark A. Hall, Caroline M. Wilkinson

The most famous chess set in the world... here is a new and vibrant perspective on the chess pieces that were also brought to life in the first Harry Potter movie. There is mystery and intrigue surrounding these whimsical but "true to life" and emotive sculptures of kings, queens, bishops, wardens and the panoply of players. Purportedly made in Scandinavia in the 12th century -- of walrus tusks and whale teeth - they have become iconic examples of our lasting love of chess. Their origins, however, is one of theory and controversy. This book has new research from the National Museums of Scotland on their craftsmanship, origins and historical context. The chessmen are the subject of a blockbuster exhibition at the Metropolitan's Cloisters Museum through April, 2012.

Genres: History, Chess, Nonfiction, Games, Art, Archaeology

80 pages, Hardcover

First published May 19, 2010

Reviews

[Sharon Barrow Wilfong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't remember when I first learned about the Isle of Lewis Chessmen, I don't watch Harry Potter so I didn't see them there, even though apparently there is a scene where the characters are playing chess using Lewis Chessman figurines.

But learn about them I did and with my usual enthusiasm at discovering something new, I couldn't gather enough information fast enough. There are some great videos about them on youtube. I am providing links at the end of this post.

The Lewis Chess men were discovered accidentally on the beach on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland in 1831. Theories abound but the most likely is that they came from Norway and was brought by ship but for reasons unknown to us, were buried on the beach.

They are one of the oldest surviving chess sets and can be dated and placed by the Bishops. The Bishops tell us that they were created after Christianity spread throughout Europe. Originally he was an elephant or an armed attendant mounted on an elephant revealing Chess' Indian origins. The hat on the Bishop tells us that the pieces were made during the 12th century because the hat design before and after this century was different.

For the entire review cut and paste the link to my blog post:

http://sharonhenning.blogspot.com/201...

[P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an odd little book. It read - to me at least - as if it were written in one language then translated into English and the logic of the grammar, in the text as presented, escaped me - read once, twice or thrice. Then, too, the pictures are unaesthetic. Walrus tusk [a dull cream with brown splotches, and these chess men quite, quite old so a weathered dull cream with brown splotches], needs better presentation than against a startlingly white background.

In addition, while found in a sand dune on the Isle of Lewis, the pieces were carved in Norway, and ended up on Lewis by accident. Which makes all the info about Lewis and its unexciting history, and there is much, beside the point.

Wiki has a nice, clear and interesting article btw. Nice pix too.

[Thomas Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

purchased in Scotland. A nice recap of when the Lewis Chessmen were a traveling exhibit good details on the background on the of the discovery of the chessmen and multiple versions of possible stories. That could be true, excellent detail on the different phases of the chessmen and the possibility of five different craftsmen, working on different, but unique sets throughout a dist throughout a much longer time period than originally thought there were four sets in all in the hoard with some missing pieces. 10 or 11 of the pieces were bought by a local collector in Edinburgh, then the rest of the pieces eventually made their way to the British Museum, the 10 or 11 pieces remained in Scotland.

Transcribed by https://otter.ai

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather surprised to even see this on here actually, but nonetheless, it’s hardly a sweeping biography, but then it doesn’t need to be. Had I been able to attend the exhibition it would’ve been a great little guide, however as someone with a couple of replica Lewis chess pieces it’s a nice accompaniment to these and gives a basic overview of the pieces and some wider historical context, to a point.
You’ll do worse than to read this should you wish to find out more about the Lewis chessman, and it’s not very expensive either!

[Gary Howes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but interesting read nicely illustrated a great accompaniment if you own a Lewis chess set a great reference to go back to in my opinion well worth the 5 stars

[Barb Innes · Rating 4 out of 5]

After learning about the Lewis Chessman on our British Isles ocean cruise, I had to read more! Very interesting and 76 pages short! An easy read and still a mystery.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this wonderful book at The Danish National Museum in Copenhagen, Denmark, this summer because there were references to the chessmen during our tour of the exhibit "Vikings 2013." The book is a quick read and provides an excellent overview of the purported provenance of the set that was found 800 years after it was buried on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. Pictures of various pieces of the set are included with an interesting commentary about when the pieces created and who might have created them. There is little doubt that the chessman are Scandinavian in origin, and the authors present an interesting discourse about the importance of the find and how it contributes to our present day understanding of 12th century Scandinavian life.

[Kumari de Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting book on a unique subject. I liked the large color photographs of each individual unique piece. The pity is so little is known about the chessmen. The book is short, and IMHO could have been easily fleshed out. Apparently replicas of the pieces have been used in several movies - why not include photos from those movies? And as with any chess book, why not include a chapter with a cursory history of chess? The book did include a short history on the Viking influence on the isle of Lewis. There might have been some photos of modern day Lewis. I looked myself, on line, it looks like an interesting place, where I might one day like to go.

[Melissa Joulwan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a little obsessed with the Lewis Chessmen since I read The Chessmen by Peter May and saw the chessmen with my own eyes at the National Scottish Museum. This little booklet was good, but left me wanting to know more.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have liked a little more info on the studies done, but it was a very accessible book for the general public with some nice photos of the pieces.

[Barbara Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear and accessible summary of recent thinking on the subject of the Lewis Chessmen. A first port of call, after which the reader can decide to leave it or explore further.

[Linda Ulleseit · Rating 4 out of 5]

fascinating!