Not all books are about the topic they allege to cover, and "Crochet: a Modern Guide to an Ancient Craft," is one such book.

In this instance, crochet is the vehicle for directing and inculcating acolytes as to a particular way of life.

In chapter 2 which purports to look at and perhaps answer the question "What is Crochet," the author asserts,

Although it[crochet] is more complicated than
knitting, there is no reason why every girl
and woman should not master the art, and find
pleasure in doing so.

This reads more like an edict than a guide to a particular craft.

In the next paragraph, the author further asserts "If you are a knitter, forget all about knitting...." She goes on to add more, but in a very real sense, the author would very much like the reader to forget about knitting, preferably permanently.

The book continues in the same didactic vein. Rather than encouraging exploration the author offers the following, "my advice to you is to keep strictly to size and yarn instructed."

Such a model for learning would greatly hamper innovation and experimentation, but Ms. Rathbone encourages her readers to stick to what, as she sees it, is the straight and narrow road of crochet.

Taboos are noted: "Knots are forbidden in wool crochet."

In chapter 3 which is titled "Basic stitches," the reader gets the sense the the author has felt that she has lived much of her life in opposition to forces that are in great need of opposition. In the first sentence of the chapter she avers, "There are really only four basic stitches in crochet, contrary to general belief."

In the chapter titled "Hints," the author offers the following, "At time, you will be very disappointed with the clumsiness of your shapings.

Despite what comes across as the author's rather dour and didactic ways, the book is a valuable guide in that it truly looks at the essence of crochet and the reader is left knowing "the basics."

For someone like me who seems to work from simplicity toward chaos, the book is a stark reminder that there is a point from which to begin.

If you can find a copy of this book, I think that many crocheters will find it is an intriguing guide that can be amusing and/or insightful to read.