Table Knives and Forks (Shire Library)

Knives have probably the longest history of any human artefacts and, with forks, are possibly the most used and taken for granted. In this book the history and development of their use as eating implements is traced from the earliest times and some hitherto unknown styles used in the Middle Ages are revealed. The art of the cutler and the rise of the cutlers companies are covered, as are the gradual introduction of the table fork and the evolution of the trio of knife, fork and spoon during the early eighteenth century. The invention of stainless steel leads to the conclusion, with the development of more imaginative styles in the twentieth century and the modern designers of individual cutlery. Despite pursuing a career in the natural sciences Simon Moore has long been interested in the origins of knives, forks and spoons. He hopes that this, his third Shire Album, will help stimulate more British collectors to collect table knives. Other titles for Shire by this author are: Penknives and other Folding Knives Spoons 1650-2000