Explore the origins of a 350-year-old tradition! Comprehensive guide to the history of lovespoons, packed with information and insight - Over 250 photos in full color, including gorgeous full-page features - Collection of historical photos of lovespoon artifacts from museums and collectors around the world - Significance of symbols and decorations used in lovespoon making is explored and explained - Traditional and modern lovespoons are both featured throughout the book For centuries, hand-carved wooden lovespoons have been used to demonstrate the deepest levels of love and affection. The history of this craft is steeped in rich tradition and symbolism. The carving of a lovespoon is a task that requires adept skill and concentration. These spoons showcase not only the carver's innermost feelings, but also their ability to shape wood into the finest and most delicate lines possible. Inside History of Lovespoons , you'll discover how this beautiful and unique tradition came into being, and the significance of the symbols and decorations carved into almost every lovespoon handle. Concise and informative, this book takes you on a thorough historical tour through the creativity and variety of carving love spoons. Filled with rich, vivid pictures of lovespoons from across the globe, and accompanied by their historical facts and legends, History of Lovespoons offers a highly engaging way to understand and appreciate this ancient romantic tradition. Gorgeous full-page photos, assembled from museums and collectors around the world, illustrate the beauty and detail of each lovespoon. A special chapter on lovespoon symbols takes an in-depth look at both traditional and modern lovespoons, examining the evocative symbols carved on their handles and explaining their significance and mystery. This highly visual section features close-up photos of each exquisite spoon, allowing you to fully grasp the meaning of the symbols. David Western, prominent lovespoon artist and the author of The Fine Art of Carving Lovespoons , applies his knowledge, perspective, and insight to provide you with an all-encompassing view of the history of heirloom lovespoons. He examines the origins of this 350-year-old tradition, reviews (and sometimes debunks) the myths and folklore that surround the spoons, and explains the significance of the many symbols carved into their handle. Whether it is the intricacy of the carvings, the history and romance behind the work, or the appeal of a wonderful art form, you're sure to be fascinated by this beautiful book. History of Lovespoons makes a stunning addition to any library! For centuries, hand-carved wooden lovespoons have been used to demonstrate the deepest levels of love and affection. The history of this craft is steeped in rich tradition and symbolism. The carving of a lovespoon is a task that requires adept skill and concentration. These spoons showcase not only the carver's innermost feelings, but also his ability to shape wood into the finest and most delicate lines possible. Inside History of Lovespoons , readers will learn how this beautiful and unique tradition came into being, and the significance of the symbols carved into almost every lovespoon handle. Filled with rich, vivid pictures of lovespoons from across Europe and Africa, and accompanied by their historical facts and legends, History of Lovespoons offers a highly engaging way to understand and appreciate this ancient romantic tradition. Gorgeous, full-page photos, assembled from museums and collectors around the world, illustrate the beauty and detail of each lovespoon. A special chapter on lovespoon symbols takes an in-depth look at both traditional and modern lovespoons, examining the evocative symbols carved on their handles and explaining their significance and mystery to the reader. This highly visual section features close-up photos of each exquisite spoon, allowing the reader to fully grasp the meaning of the symbols. David Western, prominent lovespoon artist and the author of The Fine Art of Carving Lovespoons , applies his knowledge, perspective and insight to give the reader an all-encompassing view of the history of heirloom lovespoons. He examines the origins of this 350 year-old tradition, reviews the myths and folklore that surround the spoons, and explains the significance of the many symbols carved into their handles. Whether it is because of the intricacy of the carving, the history and romance behind the work, or the appeal of a wonderful art form, readers are sure to be fascinated by this beautiful book. --Highland Woodworking Discover the Origins of this 350 Year-Old Tradition Learn how the beautiful and unique tradition of carving lovespoons came into being, and discover the significance of the symbols carved into almost every lovespoon handle. Filled with rich, vivid pictures of lovespoons from across the globe and accompanied by their historical facts and legends, History of Lovespoons