News

'Silver' - Philippa Merriman's illustrated book, has now been released by the British Museum Press and Harvard University Press. It is available at The British Museum Shop or through the following link:

http://www.britishmuseumshoponline.org/invt/cmc18154?stylecat=bookshop

It has been described as follows:

Discover the stories and symbolism associated with this magnificent precious metal through the ages and across the world

Written by a professional silversmith, this superbly illustrated book tells the fascinating history of silver around the world. By exploring how silver represented both wealth and power in different periods and cultures, it brings to life remarkable tales, ranging from Vikings of Scandinavia to Bedouins of North Africa.

For over six millennia, silver been used in jewellery, vessels and plates, for rituals and adornment. It can be melted and worked relatively easily, making it suitable for many purposes, as seen through the huge variety of objects in this book -- Anglo-Saxon coin hoards and jewels from the Middle East, English college plate and spectacular finds from the graves of ancient Mesopotamia-all treasures from the British Museum, richly illustrating this marvellous story.

Illustrated throughout with stunning photographs of silver in many shapes and forms, this strikingly-designed book will be a must-buy item for anyone who has ever worn, used or admired silver, perhaps carrying some of silver's association with magic and good luck to the reader.