Anni Albers On Weaving

by Anni Albers, Nicholas Fox Weber (Afterword), Manuel Cirauqui (Contributor)

The classic book on the art and history of weaving--now expanded and in full color

Written by one of the twentieth century's leading textile artists, this splendidly illustrated book is a luminous meditation on the art of weaving, its history, its tools and techniques, and its implications for modern design. First published in 1965, On Weaving bridges the transition between handcraft and the machine-made, highlighting the essential importance of material awareness and the creative leaps that can occur when design problems are tackled by hand.

With her focus on materials and handlooms, Anni Albers discusses how technology and mass production place limits on creativity and problem solving, and makes the case for a renewed embrace of human ingenuity that is particularly important today. Her lucid and engaging prose is illustrated with a wealth of rare and extraordinary images showing the history of the medium, from hand-drawn diagrams and close-ups of pre-Columbian textiles to material studies with corn, paper, and the typewriter, as well as illuminating examples of her own work.

Now available for a new generation of readers, this expanded edition of On Weaving updates the book's original black-and-white illustrations with full-color photos, and features an afterword by Nicholas Fox Weber and essays by Manuel Cirauqui and T'ai Smith that shed critical light on Albers and her career.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts, Design, History, Germany, Essays

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1965

Reviews

[Arend · Rating 4 out of 5]

An erudite and informed discussion of the art of weaving with a wealth of examples. Includes a section of Annie Albers’ own work, which is simply gorgeous. To then read her boundless admiration for Peruvian weaving is to look at this art with new eyes.

[alli · Rating 5 out of 5]

anni albers is incredibly articulate, smart, and poetic. i adore reading her writing and being able to take a little glimpse inside her genius mind.
this edition also had some great essays and insights into her work.

[Kate Kosek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insights mixed with a little history and instruction. This isn't a 'how to weave' book, Albers provides a brief overview of the evolution of weaving along with basic lessons on process. Beautiful illustrations and diagrams throughout. Essential for textile artists/designers, but not a pretentious read that would dissuade those without any knowledge on the subject.

[Maia Olive]

"Though elaborations are usually thought to be an advanced stage of work, they are often easy expansions from basic concepts. Intricacy and complexity are not, to my mind, high developments. Simplicity, rather, which is condensation, is the aim and the goal for which we should be heading. Simplicity is not simpleness but clarified vision—the reverse of the popular estimate. If you try to speak or write clearly, you are thought to lack profundity; while the impenetrable verbiage of today’s writing on art, for instance, is respected for the very reason, I suspect, that it is beyond understanding and therefore is believed to be too highly advanced for the unassuming reader’s grasp. All this is to say that what was said about the basic weaves holds in general for the derivatives and the compound weaves, except that the original characteristics may be diluted by some additional ones that might counteract them."

[B. Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I'm not a weaver, but I've seen this cited as a must-read for fiber artists. It was mentioned towards the beginning that even non-weavers could find value in some of the things discussed. While I know the terms weft, warp, and a few others, the rest of the jargon, especially the chapter with all the numbers, meant nothing to me. Abstract language, ugh. My eyes started to glaze over a bit there. I'm sure it's interesting for weavers, but if you don't have a history in it, then it's tricky to follow.

For non-weavers, it only gets interesting (relevant?) from chapter 8 onwards. I will say though, I was less interested in the essays at the end. (Some of the information in the first was repeated in the second.)

I'm glad I've read it to know what it's about, but honestly, chapters 8-10 is the only bit I'd want to revisit.

[Cameron Toney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a new weaver. I took a class on a whim, and now I own a loom and am excitedly planning what my next project will be. And, because I am me, I went to borrow a ton of books from the library on the subject.
This is not a technical weaving guide (I didn't expect it to be), but a very academic collection of essays about the history, techniques and other design components of weaving. Interesting, but a bit dry.
When I am a more experienced weaver I may come back to this, and see if I understand more of what it contains.

[Valerie Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat over my head because I haven't worked on a harness loom, only plain weave on my rigid heddle, but this volume is a wonderful meditation on weaving and craft. The beautiful techniques through the ages are illustrated in big color photographs, and it gives you a real appreciation for weaving as an ancient and tactile activity.

[Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite an old title. It is more of a art book, perhaps even a coffee table one. There are some historical details, and plates. The term itself, is no longer often used. I will need to look for some other technical details. Recommended.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book: classic text by Anni Albers, gorgeous plates, and engaging essays. You don't have to be a weaver to love this one. Highly recommended.

[Lucía · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it for a class project so I skimmed through a couple chapters, but overall an interesting essay

[Lynn Somerstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

On reading

Annie Albers’ book, “On Weaving,” opened my brain to the meaning and physicality of the process, and to its inherent simplicity and power.

[Erik Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

this edition is glorious
it will remain on my shelves as long as i have shelves
& undoubtedly become one of the books to which i return

[Dodowacky]

Source: Self Research on "pattern"

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

the passages on touch are just so beautiful!

[Bébhinn Ní Riain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book of essays about looms and weaving

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book by Anni Albers. Examples of ancient weaving, her work as well as sketches. I really like the way she wrote, seems as though she is speaking directly to you as a friend.

[Beth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have for anyone who loves the beauty of Anni Albers work.