"This book examines one of the eminent holdings of medieval and Renaissance armor and arms in the United States. Between the years 1982 and 1986, a distinguished group of five internationallly respected scholars of armor and arms conducted research on the collection under the National Endowment for the Arts Visiting Specialists Program. Studies in European Arms and Armor presents and disseminates the results of this research." "Each scholar chose one area within his field of expertise; to write about in detail: three survey cohesive groups of objects within the collection and three concentrate on individual objects of exceptional merit. Varied and original in approach, the essays collectively emphasize the consummate craftsmanship and stylistic development in such areas as goldsmith's work, engraving, embossing, and painting, all integral to the creation of fine arms and armor. The essays present current scholarship on aspects of the collection in a readable and lively style in a substantial contribution to the field." --Book Jacket.