gems, glyptic, engraved gems, agate, cameo, intaglio, lapidary

Sinkankas: It is impossible to briefly summarize the breadth of this captivating mélange, which touches on a wide array of topics including gemology, mineralogy, geology, lapidary work, gem engraving, notable engravers, the history of the art, agate dyeing, falsifications, and reproductions of famous gems. An extensive appendix follows, devoted to the life and appreciation of Benedetto Pistrucci (1784–1855), the master medallist and gem engraver. Translated from the Italian by Mrs. Billing, it includes autobiographical material and additional insights from other sources. Much of the main text is especially valuable for being drawn from the author’s personal experience as an amateur gem engraver. C.W. King, in Antique Gems and Rings (vol. 1, p. 463), called the book “very amusing and instructive… though full of assertions on points of antique art altogether novel and untenable,” yet he recognized its special value in presenting the views of a practicing amateur. The photographs, printed on thin paper and mounted on backing leaves, are remarkable not only for being true positives but also for their subjects: engraved gems, carved objects, agates, a jewel, and even a landscape view of the Nahe River valley near Idar-Oberstein, Germany. A single woodcut plate shows engraving tools and a machine head. This first edition, illustrated with actual photographic prints by F. Cole, is the only one to do so and should be considered an incunabulum among gemological books. Referenced in Vinet 1664 and Allibone, Supplement 1, p. 147.