“Here is a long-awaited treasure trove. Marjorie Ransom’s love of the country, her knowledge of its highways and byways, and her anecdotes about those she meets in her journeyings add a rare and warm dimension to our understanding of this beautiful country and its silver.”
— Sarah Searight, author of Yemen: Land and People
“This inspiring book is the work of a passionate collector, a dedicated researcher, and a patient, sensitive interviewer. Working against difficult odds, Marjorie Ransom found the last knowledgeable sources of information and reveals to the reader not only the story of silver jewelry, but the multicolored mosaic of an elaborate but quickly changing culture.”
— Shahira Mehrez, researcher, collector, and promotor of traditional Egyptian crafts
“The book is especially unique because it is based on live experience – no one has done, nor can do, what Marjorie did, so history will remember her invaluable contribution. Many academic writings are heavily based on textbook knowledge without any hands-on familiarity – and that is seen in bookish writing that is very technical, confusing and unexciting. In contrast, this book is written very clearly and is well organized because in fact she knows her subject, and the reader can actually feel her titillating journey through Yemen.”
— Wayne Barton, Textile Collector, Toronto, Canada
“This beautiful book is a fitting tribute to the rich culture of Yemen, and its people’s appreciation of fine craftsmanship. Marjorie Ransom spent three decades collecting Yemeni jewelry, and many months traveling to the remotest regions of Yemen to interview the women who wore it and the silversmiths who made it. The result is an indispensable reference work for specialists and an enjoyable feast for all who love the region and its culture.”
— Shelagh Weir, former curator for the Middle East at the British Museum
“Marjorie Ransom’s Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba is a superb work, carefully researched and documented. We in Yemen will always be grateful to Marjorie for preserving for us the real character of Yemeni jewelry, keeping the past alive in the present in this true jewel of a book.”
— Dr. Yusuf Mohammed Abdullah, professor of archaeology and epigraphy, University of Sanaa