Catalogue of European Armour at the Fitzwilliam Museum (review)

Abstract

This is a unique and splendid work. Mr. Ian Eaves accepted a private contract to write, through a special grant, an in-house catalogue for the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, England. The book, as the title states, is arranged like a catalogue. Located roughly in the center of the book are thirty-six photographs of armour exhibits residing at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Each armour element within the photograph caption is designated with an accession number, object word description, location of fabrication and approximate year of manufacture. The extended exhibit descriptions form the body of the book and are arranged in chapters according to Whole Armours, Half Armours, Helmets, Parts Armour, and ending with Horse Armour. Great portions of the museum's collection represent German and North Italian field use armours of the sixteenth century.