Customer Reviews

The Red Dyes: Cochineal, Madder And Murex Purple: A World Tour of Textile Techniques

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In my research about Biblical dyes, I found this book helpful. Most of the book is historical: the circumstances when each dye was first used,the recipes used (he has a detailed description of the complicated Turkey red dye), and anecdotes. He quotes older works, and then comments on them. The style is like listening to a lively lecture from the dye master. After he then discusses different pattern methods, he gives practical recipes and advice on how to use these ancient dyes. Appended at the end is a discussion of the chemistry of these dyes. I find his approach to the sources erudite and open-minded. The book itself is beautiful with its colored pictures and lovely design. The only drawback: although he masterfully weaves together from many sources (listed in his bibliography) his own intergrated conclusion, I would have liked if he would have documented where particular details of his impressions were from.