Quilts a Living Tradition [Hardcover]

Robert Shaw (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Shaw, curator of the Shelburne Museum from 1981 to 1994, is a recognized authority on American folk art. This volume, his first devoted entirely to the quilting tradition, stands out amid a plethora of books on the history of the quilt, not only for the richness of its carefully chosen illustrations but also for the wealth of information it conveys. A good companion volume to Patsy and Myron Orlofsky's Quilts in America (LJ 3/1/75; Abbeville, 1992. rev. ed.), which emphasized the early years of American quiltmaking, Shaw's book covers some of the same ground. But Shaw also examines contemporary quiltmaking since 1970; Amish, African American, Hawaiian, and Native American quiltmaking traditions; the modern art quilt; and innovative work done by Japanese quiltmakers who are adding quilting to their own rich textile tradition. Cameo portraits of premier quiltmakers add personal interest to the narrative. Among scores of full-color illustrations are many quilts from private collections published here for the first time. Highly recommended generally, this volume would be a good choice for memorial or library patrons' group purchase. [Zlendich's quarterly stitchery column begins in the April 15 issue of LJ.?Ed.]?Janice Zlendich, California State Univ. Lib., Fullerto.
-?Janice Zlendich, California State Univ. Lib., Fullerton
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Nothing indicates the history and development of the quilt better than full-color photographs of actual samples. Though Shaw's book is expensive, it's worth it for the visuals alone. But the text is not insignificant; he examines the contrasts among Amish, African American, Hawaiian, Japanese, and Native American works. A nod is given to contemporary fabric artists, both with individual profiles and with a chapter exploring the form and function of quilts today. A great source for artist and collector alike. Barbara Jacobs --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Hugh Lauter Levin Associates; First edition. edition (January 1, 1995)
• ISBN-10: 0883633248
• ISBN-13: 978-0883633243
• Product Dimensions: 14.2 x 11 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #713,009 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Robert Shaw is a gifted communicator who lectures, writes, curates, and consults on many aspects of American folk arts and crafts. His many critically acclaimed books include American Quilts: The Democratic Art, Hand Made, Hand Played: The Art and Craft of Contemporary Guitars, The Art Quilt, America's Traditional Crafts, and American Baskets. He has curated exhibitions at major museums and expositions in the United States, Europe, and Japan, including the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Tokyo International Great Quilt Festival.; contributed to numerous books and exhibition catalogs; written articles for The Magazine Antiques, Early American Life, Sports Afield, Fiber Arts, and other periodicals; and served as a consultant to museums, private collectors, and Sotheby's auction house. His web sites are www.roberteshaw.com and www.artofthequilt.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "to die for" book for quilters, February 18, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Quilts: A Living Tradition (Hardcover)

This book is by far the most beautiful and informative book I have ever owned. It is also the biggest and heaviest book I have ever carried out of a store. It is full of wonderful prints of quilts of all kinds and from history as well as today. The text is fascinating as you read about the truth of the history of quilting, about quilts done by the people of different modern cultures and about the trends and exciting things happening in quilting today. I am sure this book will bring hundreds of hours of enjoyment both in the reading and in the gazing again and again at the prints

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous quilt book, September 30, 2008

By 

Anne Marie (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Quilts: A Living Tradition (Hardcover)

Not only does this book have beautiful pictures of a wide variety of quilts, it covers the history of quilting. It brings alive the rich tapestry of quilting and why it has evolved from a necessity in women's lives to an art form. It is both a wonderful pictorial review of quilts and a great leaning tool.