Customer Reviews

The Shining Cloth: Dress and Adornment That Glitters

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A hobbyist's interest in textiles, sewing and garb drew me into the mysterious worlds presented in this fascinating and unique book. I am not a textiles professional, but I am able to appreciate it in many forms, whether tribal or ethnic, European, or the latest molecular likeness from DuPont. Dismissed by some as a "coffee table" book, The Shining Cloth actually is on my coffee table, where it has lain since its publication. Friends leaf through its wondrous pages, the unknown surfacing in unfathomable meaning from weave, creative decorations, the illustrious imagination that calls on a feather, a gold thread, some beads, and yes, a reflective dot, as a kind of speechless communication. I learned from The Shining Cloth of the metals used for reflection before the advent of the common mirror. Indigo and various dye from nature created signature fabric and design. Such explanations have parallels in my specialty -- food -- that is, people everywhere survive in ingenious ways. Tribal peoples continue even today an unshakeable superstitious dread of what their ancestors called the "evil eye." That their strategy for security could be the armour formed by the industrious and loving construction of a sparkling piece of clothing might have softened a terrifying life or added beauty to a bleak one. The entire subject begs inquiry and demands respect. Ms. Rivers' research certainly got my attention.

I must take to task the two very mean-spirited reviews of Victoria Z. Rivers book, "The Shining Cloth." I am not a European antique dealer, nor am I a textile historian  perhaps those two reviewers will find enough fire within themselves to publish what they want, expect, or need . . . yet another book on European textiles? What I am is a lover of textiles. I love to look at them; I love to feel them; I love their beauty. And I love the fact that textiles have permeated cultures throughout time  a timeless connection between then and now.

"The Shining Cloth" is not a stuffy textbook yawn that puts people to sleep. Even children would love the photographs and delight in discovering how the objects were used. The book is visually stunning, with careful examples of Ms. Rivers choosing. It is one authors viewpoint. It is not a book that attempts to tell everything that ever was about every fabric that ever had a reflective surface  thankfully! Who needs a book that weighs a ton that costs a fortune? Hey, the whole family can enjoy this one  and at Amazons price point at..., its a bargain!

I loved this book! It immediately went to a prime spot in my textile library. I was thrilled when it came out, and as I am a textile collector and dealer, I find that it fills a niche that no other book yet has. The information is quite extensive and well researched. It has been very helpful in my quest for more knowledge about certain areas of world textiles. At the same time, it has introduced many new concepts and relationships that I have found not only useful, but very exciting and inspiring. I find the quality of the photographs and the layout to be very beautiful and visually stimulating, seeming to reflect the author's enthusiasm for her subject. I find this book an indispensible part of my library of textile books, and think anyone from beginner to professional will find an abundance of riches to enjoy in this book! Kudos Ms. Rivers!

This beautiful book is filled with stunning pictures from aroung the world. The author has presented a world tour of fabrics and adornments. As someone who is not involved in the fashion industry or textiles, I still found the book hard to put down as I turned each page. It is a book that leaves one in awe of the various cultures that make up the human race.

What a fabulous fascinating book. There are not many books on this subject. I found this one after purchasing a book called "Amulets" by Sheila Paine which is also highly recommended. "Shining Cloth" is full of gorgeous pictures and interesting anthropological, historical, and cultural information. Tribal and native textiles from all over the world are represented, including Africa, Japan, India, South America. I can't imagine why anyone object to a book devoted to these wonderful cultures and their use of textiles so vehemently they would write four negative reviews (all obviously from the same person) denouncing the book. Is that some kind of elitist snobbery and outrage suggesting that only westernized "civilized" collections of textiles should be the subject of a book. How bizarre and short sighted. There are many people like me who appreciate this material and don't see enough of it. There are hundreds of books on the more conventional and well known textiles and their histories. Certainly there is room for a few alternative views. The richness and diversity of these cultures should not be lost. Thank you Victoria Rivers for putting this together.

The cover and title are also not misleading in any way as claimed in another review. Anyone who is familiar with textiles should recognize the mirror work and beadwork patterns of the nomadic people of northern India. How could a book about tribal textiles be misleading when it puts tribal textile patterns on the cover? The book claims to be about "dress and adornment that glitter" and that is exactly what it is about. The book investigates cultures that are invested in glittering and shining materials and how they are used in textiles. My only complaint about the book is that the binding is not well done and came apart from the rest of the book too easily. However, the content and format of the book deserves five stars so I give it five stars and a warning about the binding.

A brilliant read! Traveling the world has afforded me an upclose look at textiles and adornment such as you will see and read about in this highly profesional book. As a textile artist, and merchant of marvels, this book has been invaluable to my collection. This book is great for gift giving too!

The Shining Cloth is selling extremely well around the world. The book has received numerous positive reviews in prestigious publications such as Hali (London); Textile Fiber Forum (Australia); The Textile Society of Hong Kong; Fibre (UK;) American Craft (New York); Fiberarts (USA); Surface Design Journal (USA); and others. It was recently awarded Outstanding Academic Title by Choice Publications. The purpose of the book is to allow the reader to think deeply and widely about the diverse forms, uses and meanings of light-reflecting substances. The subject matter is inclusive of culturally and economically diverse creative expressions while celebrating innovation, ingenuity and skill. Lastly, the book focuses on areas of textiles and dress that have received less exposure, in order to broaden knowledge in the field. The Shining Cloth is the first book to explore the wider subject of shimmering materials in textiles, so it functions as an excellent scholarly reference, bibliography,and beautiful book to savor for years. I hope you will enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed researching and writing it over the past 14 years. Best regards, the author

This book is beautifully produced with clear information and photographs on the adornment of textiles. From precious metals to beads and shells and everything that sparkles in between. My only criticism is that I would have loved every photo to be larger so that I could see in more detail. The photos are gorgeous - don't get me wrong - I just want more! Highly recommended.

I find this material to be more of a soapbox for the author to launch into tirades and attacks against Christianity and Christians using misinformation, skewed factoids and blatant lies and deceptions concerning Christianity and Christians, while promoting her own biased religious support for shamanism, Hinduism and various other religions under the false pretense of writing a book on "cloth".