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

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Editorial Reviews

Review

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

Groundbreaking....An invaluable introduction to this vast and fascinating subject. -- New England Antiques Journal, June 2003

Product Description

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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson; illustrated edition edition (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.com Sales Rank: #167,466 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

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

By	Nagagirl (Southeast Virginia) - See all my reviews

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.

0 of 5 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)

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!