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Fabric: The Hidden History of the Material World

  • Based on 272 reviews
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Availability: 20 left in stock
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Arrives Dec 15 – Dec 17
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Description

A magnificent work of original research that unravels history through textiles and cloth—how we make it, use it, and what it means to us.How is a handmade fabric helping save an ancient forest? Why is a famous fabric pattern from India best known by the name of a Scottish town? How is a Chinese dragon robe a diagram of the whole universe? What is the difference between how the Greek Fates and the Viking Norns used threads to tell our destiny?In Fabric, bestselling author Victoria Finlay spins us round the globe, weaving stories of our relationship with cloth and asking how and why people through the ages have made it, worn it, invented it, and made symbols out of it. And sometimes why they have fought for it.She beats the inner bark of trees into cloth in Papua New Guinea, fails to handspin cotton in Guatemala, visits tweed weavers at their homes in Harris, and has lessons in patchwork-making in Gee's Bend, Alabama.She began her research just after the deaths of both her parents—and entwined in the threads she found her personal story, too. Fabric is not just a material history of our world, but Finlay's own journey through grief and recovery. Read more

Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Dec 15 – Dec 17

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • A must read for anyone using fabric
Format: Paperback
All I can say is it is a must read for anyone who uses fabric for sewing, quilting, etc. Very easy and fascinating read. Have also listened this in an audio form. History and fabrics. Love this book!
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2023 by Ag

  • Beautifully written
Format: Paperback
Enjoyable very nice writing. Highly informative, with the right amount of history. Starts badly in the first two chapters, but the rest of the book more than makes up for it. Interestingly told with a somewhat-tolerable amount of authorial opinion on politics. So many books are ruined by sneaky politics the author sneaks in. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2025 by random reader

  • Absolutely Wonderful Read!
Format: Paperback
I have read several books on the history of yarns and fabrics and this one is exceptional. Not only does she give an interesting history but it is so much more than that. She shares her personal experiences with traveling around the world and talking to the people who produce these items. You feel like you are there with her as she describes the people, places and fabrics. I thoroughly enjoyed it! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2024 by dogsmomma

  • Worth reading
Format: Kindle
A very detailed work covering all kinds of fabric from barkcloth to modern synthetic fabrics. The author weaves her own story in also .
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024 by JudyH

  • Masterly woven
Format: Paperback
Victoria Finlay weaves a trove of first-hand observations, mythological, historical, and technological facts about all types of threads and fabrics into the warp of her love for her parents and the grief of losing them (what a wonderful tribute), the end result being a marvelously information-rich, yet deeply moving book. I loved “Color”, enjoyed “Jewels”, but “Fabric” is her best one yet. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2023 by ic1

  • Everything you ever wanted to know about Fabric
Format: Hardcover
Fabulous book. The history of fabrics by type, from bark cloth to silk. Engaging writing style. I plan to read her book on color next. If you can remember the fascinating details, you'll be a conversational hit at the next cocktail party! you attend.
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2022 by pegipeggy

  • Convenient, quick, true
The item was as described, and the delivery time was adequate. Would purchase from this seller again.
Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2023 by Talie Bocci

  • A new look at fabrics
This is the perfect gift for my sister-in-law. As expected, she loves it.
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2023 by k h.

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