The Glorious Epoch of Beads in Russia by Elena Yurova, translated by Oleg  Glebov
ISBN 0-589164-144-5, Hardbound,  full color, 167pgs, $40.00(US), Limited Edition, Moscow Interbook Business, contact Irina Artsrouni, 5931 Reseda Blvd. #114, Tarzana, CA 91356 Artsrouni@hotmail.com  for method of payment, shipping and handling charges. 

Elena's book is beautiful with lavish photographs of beadwork not previously published.  The photographs are so clear, you can see the beads that make up the designs and patterns.  She presents a history of Russian beadwork in a smooth and easy fashion, as if she were sitting next to you in a conversation.  Every beadwork collector will want this book for their collection. 

Elena presents a history of beadwork; bead manufacturing processes, beadwork techniques, patterns and types of beadwork.  Each type of beadwork is discussed; embroidery, crochet, knitting, beading including bead loom weaving and right angle weave (known as crosswise in Russia.)  Each beadwork method is explained with historical facts and antidotes sprinkled in along with color photographs for reference.

It is evident that Elena spent an exorbitant amount of time tracking down historical information in Russia and speaking with many people on the subject.  The little tidbits of information from various sources are priceless.  You will not find these little gems in any other book.  Her short stories about beadwork will open your eyes to new insight as to why a particular beadwork was created.

Beadwork is been described extensively with subjects such as warfare, journeys, costume, icon casings and home decor.  You will find photographs of wall hangings, candle holders, trays, card boxes, bags, belts, walking canes, wallets, panels, inserts, screens, cups that are embellished or composed of beads with creative and unique patterns.  You will find comparison of beadwork with the same motif worked in more than one beading technique.

When it comes to dating crochet, Elena states there is reliable evidence for crochet dating to the early 17th century, that is the 1600's.  However, she does not provide any references as to the source of this information.  It is common knowledge that beadwork historians agree that to date no physical evidence of crochet has been found prior to the 1830's.

The translation from Russian to English has a few rough edges, however, you will quickly find the read is so good it does not matter.  What is so precious about Elena's book is the every day life she depicts about people who made beadwork, wore it or had some aspect to do with beadwork in Russia.   Each page is a delicious morsel to savor.

I highly recommend Elena's book as a reference, a collectible, beadwork tidbits to pass on to friends and a celebration beadwork history.        

Because the text has been translated, some of the sentence structures will seem strange and certain terms natural to Russia that are not in our area of the world.      

 Review by Lydia F Borin