The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World
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3.8 • 16 Ratings
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- $19.99
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- $19.99
Publisher Description
From Paleolithic flax to 3D knitting, explore the global history of textiles and the world they weave together in this enthralling and educational guide.
The story of humanity is the story of textiles -- as old as civilization itself. Since the first thread was spun, the need for textiles has driven technology, business, politics, and culture.
In The Fabric of Civilization, Virginia Postrel synthesizes groundbreaking research from archaeology, economics, and science to reveal a surprising history. From Minoans exporting wool colored with precious purple dye to Egypt, to Romans arrayed in costly Chinese silk, the cloth trade paved the crossroads of the ancient world. Textiles funded the Renaissance and the Mughal Empire; they gave us banks and bookkeeping, Michelangelo's David and the Taj Mahal. The cloth business spread the alphabet and arithmetic, propelled chemical research, and taught people to think in binary code.
Assiduously researched and deftly narrated, The Fabric of Civilization tells the story of the world's most influential commodity.
Customer Reviews
History, anthropology, and fiber craft collide!
I studied anthropology at school and I’ve always loved history and fiber arts (I crochet, embroider, and spin). This fantastic book brings all of my passions together in a beautiful tapestry (pun intended).
Wow
This is not only a masterwork of scholarship but also full of puns and therefore fun. Reader speaks well.
Exceptional Book!
This was written and read exceptionally well. I highly recommend this book. It is filled with so many thought provoking ideas and stories. You have to read/listen to this book. It’s a must!