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Fabric: The Hidden History of the Material World

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Availability: Only 6 left in stock, order soon!
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Arrives Mar 19 – Mar 21
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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. A New York Times Book Review Editor's Choice 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 - where in the 1930s, deprived of almost everything they owned, a community of women turned quilting into an art form. 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

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pegasus Books (June 7, 2022)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 528 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639361634


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 32


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.52 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.8 x 9 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #174,747 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #123 in Textile & Costume (Books) #644 in Art History (Books) #1,136 in Historical Study (Books)


#123 in Textile & Costume (Books):


#644 in Art History (Books):


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Mar 19 – Mar 21

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

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Absolutely Wonderful Read!
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
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

  • A must read for anyone using fabric
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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Masterly woven
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
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

  • Cheaply made
I love Victoria's books and the other books of hers that I own are paperback, as well, but they're much better quality. Everything about this book is cheaply made. The cover and paper are very thin and just poor quality. I expected better. Returned it and will see about getting a used hardback instead. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2022 by kriking

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