World Textiles: A Concise History (World of Art) [Paperback]

Mary Schoeser (Author)

Book Description

Series: World of Art | Publication Date: June 2003

The history of textiles, more than that of any other artifact, is the history of human ingenuity.

From the earliest needles of 25,000 years ago to techno textiles used in Space Shuttle parachutes today, textiles have been fundamental to human existence and achievements, and have informed developments in other areas from agriculture to metallurgy. Textiles are global commodities, common to every culture and for a long time the motivation for trade, the exchange of ideas, and sometimes even conflict. Silks from China, carpets from Persia, ikats from Indonesia, cottons from India, fine linens from Flanders--each of these has helped to shape the modern world. This groundbreaking book surveys, from prehistory to the early twenty-first century, how textiles are made, what they are made from, how they function in society, the ways in which they are valued and given meaning, and the messages they contain. The author shows the intricate relationships between different cultures' textile traditions and demonstrates the significance of the materials we all take for granted in our everyday lives. 204 illustrations, 100 in color

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Groundbreaking....An invaluable introduction to this vast and fascinating subject.” (New England Antiques Journal )

About the Author

Mary Schoeser graduated from the University of California and has since worked as a textile curator and consultant for, among other institutions, the National Trust, English Heritage, Liberty of London, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A respected writer on textiles of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, she has contributed to numerous publications and has lectured widely. Her books include World Textiles and Sanderson: The Essence of English Decoration. She lives in England.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500203695
• ISBN-13: 978-0500203699
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #72,270 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #75 in Books > Arts & Photography > Design & Decorative Arts > Textile & Costume
  • #94 in Books > Arts & Photography > Fashion

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Packed with information, July 12, 2009

By 

Nagagirl (Southeast Virginia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: World Textiles: A Concise History (World of Art) (Paperback)

I think this book would be in the library of anyone who collects
or designs textiles. Even without the color photos of each type of
textile, the information on technique and history would mark it as
an frequently used reference.

8 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars World Textiles, October 27, 2007

By 

Charleen A. Vocca - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: World Textiles: A Concise History (World of Art) (Paperback)

The shipping was super fast, the book was in pristine condition, but best of all, the info in the book was exactly what I needed. It was not a fluffy book about textiles, but a thoroughly researched and well written book. I'll refer to this one constantly. Overall, a fantastic transaction. Thanks much!