Part of the "Discoveries ...America, Special Edition" series which focuses upon extraordinarily talented people of America, Marbles: Ancient Art & Modern Play is all about the marvelous toy and collectable that is the marble. A brief exploration of the marble's history since ancient times, when Romans ground stones into a spherical shape for amusement, paves the way for the modern-day National Marbles Tournament, the first and oldest organized children's sporting event for boys and girls ages 7-14. Antique marbles are collected and traded, and two marble making factories survive in the United States; Marbles: Ancient Art & Modern Play even offers a glimpse into how recycled glass is transformed into perfect marbles. The creations of boutique marble makers and glass artists take their place in private collections, galleries, and museums around the world. Marbles: Ancient Art & Modern Play is a truly amazing look into the unplumbed depths of a true collector's hobby. 82 minutes, color.
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