So far I've written quite a bit about international trade, but not much about beads. With the arrival of my shipment rapidly approaching it's time to change that.
Being a bead novice the first stop in my quest for basic information was the local library. There I found a rather worn, thin trade paperback by the name "A Handbook on Beads" by W.G.N. van der Sleen. Published in 1967, and out of print since the 1970s, this book is still an excellent resource for a bead beginner.
The first of the two parts of the book is all about terminology. This is where the real value of this work lies. Several pages of diagrams are included to illustrate bead shapes, different measurement points, patterns, and even production methods and materials. That many of the terms are given in 5 languages is an added bonus.
Part 2 of the Handbook contains overviews of different types of beads historically made in different regions. Again there are useful diagrams and for some regions chemical analysis of early beads by type (wound or drawn) and color is provided.
Overall I was impressed enough with the wealth of information in the book to track down a copy for myself. Given the age of the book copies in good condition are not always easy to come by. The copyright page in mine states that it was part of a run of only 1,000 from 1973, printed as a courtesy after the book was out of print. I have found no mention of later printings. Sadly, there will not be any updated editions either, the author passed away shortly after the original publication.
Title: A Handbook On Beads
Author: W.G.N. van der Sleen
ISBN: 0873870603
