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The Carved Medieval
Bench Ends of South Somerset
by Bob
Osborn
In a county renowned for its medieval carvings, South
Somerset, England, is home to the greatest concentration
of medieval bench ends - 23 of the largest and finest
collections comprising more than 360 bench ends. This
fully illustrated and information-packed electronic book
Carved Medieval Bench Ends of South Somerset,
written by local author Bob Osborn, views the district's
collections in a contemporary context. Following years
of intensive research, it explains and interprets for
the first time some of the fascinating hidden medieval
symbolism - Christian, Pagan, Heraldic - as well as
featuring fabulous animals and imaginary monsters from
the medieval Bestiaries! It also explores and details
the design elements and generally highlights the most
extraordinary beauty of these wonderful collections of
imaginative rural carvings. As well as a fascinating
introduction and the in-depth analysis of every bench
end collection in the district, this electronic book
includes over 300 colour photographs as well as chapters
on the development of church seating, dating medieval
carved bench ends, bench end styles, the diversity of
subject matter and the bench end carvers.
A
500-year old riddle has been answered in this 21st
century electronic book
In-depth research for this work, together with new
and careful analysis of all bench end collections in
south Somerset and surrounding areas, has brought to
light for the first time the presence of a previously
unrecorded local medieval specialist carving workshop in
the area. The case for the presence of this workshop is
presented, together with an explanation and examples
charting the development of its bench end style.
Available formats: compiled
EXE file on CD - £5.99 with FREE UK P+P |
