The Book of Fine Linen [Hardcover]

Francoise De Bonneville (Author), Marc Porthault (Preface)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 18, 2011 | Series: Book Of...

A visual tribute to the elegant world of heirloom household fabrics,
from the white linen cloth of ancient Egypt to the rainbow-hued coverlets of today. This lively text introduces heirloom household fabrics, their use, manufacture, embellishments, and care, as well as the infinite variety of fibers and materials used. The author explains how they serve as both unusually revealing testaments of the history of daily life and quintessential examples of the weaver’s craft, often so magnificently decorated that they rival works of art. The text is supplemented by a rich array of paintings, archival photographs, vintage advertisements, and original commissioned photography from collections, private homes, and workshops of the leading contemporary manufacturers. A comprehensive glossary of technical terms, bibliography, and index complete the book. 
 

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

About the Author

Francoise de Bonneville is a journalist specializing in the decorative arts and the author of a monograph on the celebrated goldsmith Jean Puiforcat. Marc Porthault continues the tradition of a family business founded in 1925 whose name is synonymous with the finest of linens.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Flammarion (October 18, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 2080135570
• ISBN-13: 978-2080135575
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 1 x 12.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #187,116 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #58 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Textiles & Costume

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unquestionably the best book on fine linens., August 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Book of Fine Linen (Hardcover)

This book, written with a forward by the Porthaults (who better to comment on fine linens?), is wonderful and I highly recommend it, price notwithstanding. This book is translated from the French and inlcudes: a history of linens, from chintz to damask; a glossary of embroidery stitches and styles with notations of illustrations throughout the book; and photographs of the finest linens in the world (including many made by the Porthaults). This book is very large and would make such a lovely gift for anyone who collects linens or who does fine embroidery.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written with lovely color photos. Fascinating!, August 12, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Book of Fine Linen (Hardcover)

This book, translated from the French, is beautifully beguiling in its phrasing. Relates the history and techniques of the production and embroidery of exquisite linens. Photographs are handsome and even the dust cover is worth framing. Makes a great reference book as well as entertaining reading. One of my all time favorites

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sensuous and Seductive., August 2, 2000

By 

sherri j. thorne (brooklyn, new york United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book of Fine Linen (Hardcover)

This seductive book is more than an excellent history of fine linen. It is a sensuous and seductively, elegant book! The author, Francoise de Bonneville give the reader more than a lesson on the history of textiles. She presents us with some of the most extrodinary examples of bed linens, tablecloths and napkins. Apart from the excellent section on the social history and care of fine linen, she presents detailed information about the various types of linens used, fibers, color, and weaves. The must sumptous commissions were the set of bedsheets created for American Heiress Barbara Hutton. These pink sheets were made out of silk and trimmed with point de Paris lace, fouteeen inches wide, Which was made by d'Porthault & Co. Examples of the two major Italian linen firms, Frette and Pratesi are also well represented. I agree with my fellow reviewer. This is an excellent gift for a bride; but don't be surprised to learn that men would be just as likely to buy this book as women. It is worth every Dollar!