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The Book of Fine Linen
A visual tribute to the elegant world of heirloom household fabrics,
from the white linen cloth of ancient Egypt to the rainbow-hued coverlets of today. This lively text introduces heirloom household fabrics, their use, manufacture, embellishments, and care, as well as the infinite variety of fibers and materials used. The author explains how they serve as both unusually revealing testaments of the history of daily life and quintessential examples of the weaver’s craft, often so magnificently decorated that they rival works of art. The text is supplemented by a rich array of paintings, archival photographs, vintage advertisements, and original commissioned photography from collections, private homes, and workshops of the leading contemporary manufacturers. A comprehensive glossary of technical terms, bibliography, and index complete the book.
from the white linen cloth of ancient Egypt to the rainbow-hued coverlets of today. This lively text introduces heirloom household fabrics, their use, manufacture, embellishments, and care, as well as the infinite variety of fibers and materials used. The author explains how they serve as both unusually revealing testaments of the history of daily life and quintessential examples of the weaver’s craft, often so magnificently decorated that they rival works of art. The text is supplemented by a rich array of paintings, archival photographs, vintage advertisements, and original commissioned photography from collections, private homes, and workshops of the leading contemporary manufacturers. A comprehensive glossary of technical terms, bibliography, and index complete the book.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 1, 2013
I really liked this book, as it is a rare find. It details the history of linen, focusing on it's luxury and style over the centuries. It's primary focus is continental europe, and a great many of it's antecedents center around France. Translated from the French into English, it is oversized and full of colour pictures, making it a great addition to anyones coffee table as a coffee table book.
As a history book, it lacks any note references and gives a general bibliography in the back. The index is meager and misses some terms that would be helpful to reference, making this book a great starting point, but would have to be researched more heavily to verify it's sources. Which appears to be mostly in French, making it a challenge for English speakers without a second language in French.
All in all, a very good book to get ahold of, as linen books detailing the history of the craft usually focus on the industry of Ireland and ignore everything else. I highly recommend this book.
As a history book, it lacks any note references and gives a general bibliography in the back. The index is meager and misses some terms that would be helpful to reference, making this book a great starting point, but would have to be researched more heavily to verify it's sources. Which appears to be mostly in French, making it a challenge for English speakers without a second language in French.
All in all, a very good book to get ahold of, as linen books detailing the history of the craft usually focus on the industry of Ireland and ignore everything else. I highly recommend this book.
July 26, 2022
Loved this book. One of those niche books that I am thankful to have found which started with "I wonder where..."
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May 5, 2023A lovely book that I feel all those who have an interest in needlework would love to read.
September 1, 2013
Found this a good history of Linen and it's place in the female world.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews