Used for centuries as a decorative artefact, amber was also treasured for its perceived magical powers, crafted into charms and amulets to heal and ward off evils spirits. Amber also has the unique capacity to preserve fragile life that is millions of years old, opening a special window into the past. At the National Museum of Scotland 10 May-8 September highlights of its amber collection plus loans from the V&A will be brought together for the first time. With over a hundred illustrations, this book reveals the origins, properties and uses of amazing amber.

Author Biography

Andrew Ross and Alison Sheridan are curators in the Department of Natural Science, National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.