Anthony Moss is an avid Rabologist (a collector of walking sticks). He is Joint Chairman of The Antique Walking Cane Society based in London; a Member of The International Society of Cane Collectors based in the USA and regularly attends Canemania, an International Cane Convention. Collecting has always been his craving, starting with collecting books at age 9. He and his wife Deanna married 56 years ago and began collecting Victorian furniture when it was inexpensive. In the 1970s their collecting interests expanded to encompass a wide range of antiques and collectables such as writing instruments, nibs, pencils, and early pens. In 1998 Deanna made the mistake of buying Anthony a few walking canes and thus his passion as a Rabologist began.
Description
Dedication Acknowledgements Navigational Aid to Entries Foreword by Dominic Strickland Preface The Dandy A Poem by Deanna Moss Introduction A Short History of the Walking Stick CHAPTER 1 The Jewels in the Crown: Highlights from the A&D Collection CHAPTER 2 Cane Classifications CHAPTER 3 Cane Handle Motifs CHAPTER 4 The Anatomy of the Cane CHAPTER 5 From The Dawn of Time to 20th Century Sophistication CHAPTER 6 The Umbrella and the Parasol CHAPTER 7: Contemporary Walking Canes - Alive and Popular Today CHAPTER 8: Materials and Techniques Appendices Notes on Source Material Bibliography When the Cane Was King - A Poem by Deanna Moss Index
Reviews
It is wonderful to discover a new book on antique walking canes from an obsessive UK walking cane collector. This book is rich in images of selected and rarely seen objects, supported by excellent information and technical data. By integrating historical research with a passionate knowledge for this fascinating object, the author is contributing to open our eyes to a seemingly 'utilitarian' walking cane: by revealing a powerful, meaningful and symbolic artefact. The author demonstrates how these objects can tell stories about the times and the people while offering a glimpse to their past and their future. This is a 'must-read' to any person interested in navigating through the universe of walking canes across history. -- Eduard Tovar Estrada, Antique dealer, Antique Canes Amsterdam This beautiful book by Anthony Moss shows careful research and study; it rises far above other photographic books on antique walking sticks. -- Renzo Traballesi, psychiatrist in Siena, Italy and president of the Mondobastone Association, formed by many Italian antique cane collectors