Mary Schoeser

I need to be clear from the onset: the only reason I gave this book such a high rating is because it is visually stunning. Well designed and filled with top-quality photography, it helps that Sanderson's archives of fabrics and wallpapers contains innumerable samples of patterns and designs representing the best of European decorative arts since 1860, when the company was founded by Arthur Sanderson. Very well documented, the text describes the evolution of this venerable English firm and show more contains a wealth of information about the many innovations which helped establish the firm as one of the leaders in the field. There is much to admire here, but the appeal of a story about the evolution of wallpaper, no matter how well researched, is limited for the average reader. This book was produced to mark Sanderson's 150th anniversary and continued success, though sadly, Arthur Sanderson & Sons no longer exists today and has become yet another brand name with no ties to the family or local craftsmen and women who originally helped put the name on the map. show less

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 show more 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 show less

Over 1000 images highlight beauty... complexity of textiles around the world.

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