Description

• A comprehensive study of walking canes from all over the world, dating from the distant past to the modern day
• Presents historical context on both practical and ceremonial usage
• Specially shot pictures showcase the celebrated A&D Collection of canes, at the same time as enlightening prose demonstrates the cane’s enduring relevance to society

More than just a mobility aid, the cane has held a lot of offices of significance. From the body of workers of the legendary Monkey King in the Chinese classic Journey to the West, to stylized crosiers carried by high-ranking prelates from the Roman Catholic church, to the truncheon wielded by Mr Punch in puppet shows, canes are embedded in the culture of almost each country around the world.

Roving the map with one hand and thumbing through history books with the other, When the Cane Was once King seeks not only to introduce the collector to the diverse wealth of canes to be had, but also to entertain the casual reader. Intermingled with high-quality pictures are descriptions of ‘gadget’ canes for tradesmen, ‘squirting’ canes for pranksters, and glamorous Art Nouveau canes for the dapper gentlemen of the ’20s. Informative and meticulously researched, this book paves an accessible route into a niche subject at the same time as reminiscent of our ongoing relationship with canes, which stretches back so far as history itself.
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