The history and poetry of finger-rings

"The History and Poetry of Finger-Rings" by Charles Edwards is a work that looks into the long journey of finger-rings through time and across different groups of people. It shows how rings were more than just decorations; they were important in ceremonies, showed who had power, and represented love and loyalty. The book mixes real history with poetic ideas, showing how these small objects have had a big impact on how people connect with each other and how societies are organized. The book starts by pointing out how rings, simple as they may seem—as illustrated by considering a ring that belonged to Shakespeare and an account pertaining to captain Godwin of the Anglo-Saxons—are actually very important in history and culture. This sets the stage for exploring the many stories and meanings connected to rings and explores their role in mythology, law, power, and their emotional importance.