gems, species, soft stones, rocks, grossular garnet, quartz, blue chacedony, white agate, serpentine, technology, gem engraving, collections, comparanda, technology, species

This is the newly revised edition of the definitive classic survey on cylinder seals in the Ancient Near East. The most comprehensive book on the subject to date, this essential text features an incredible 1000 highly-detailed illustrations, all highlighting the intricate nature and fascinating purpose of these remarkable tools of the past. The author looks at their use over 3,000 years and discusses the information they provide on religion, design and all aspects of daily life for the period in which they were created, from about 3300 to 300 BC.