"The story of humanity is the story of textiles-as old as civilization itself. Textiles created empires and powered invention. They established trade routes and drew nations' borders. Since the first thread was spun, fabric has driven technology, business, politics, and culture. In The Fabric of Civilization, Virginia Postrel traces this surprising history, exposing the hidden ways textiles have made our world. The origins of chemistry lie in the...

First in-depth study of the technical aspects of Navaho weaving, plus history of the loom and its prototypes in the prehistoric Southwest, analysis and description of weaves, dyes, and more. Over 230 illustrations, including more than 100 excellent photographs of authentically dated blankets. Indispensable resource for collectors, weavers, ethnologists, more. Foreword by F. W. Hodge. Bibliography.

This book, from the award-winning author of The Way Things Work, takes readers of all ages on a journey through a fictional mill town called Wicksbridge. With words and pictures, David Macaulay reveals fascinating details about the planning, construction, and operation of the mills-and gives us a powerful sense of the day-to-day lives of Americans in this era.

"From the best-selling author of Into the Raging Sea comes a moving and eye-opening look at the story of manufacturing in America, whether it can ever successfully return to our shores, and why doing so is vital to our well-being as a nation, told through the experience of one young couple in Maine as they attempt to rebuild a lost industry, ethically. Ben and Whitney Waxman are two tireless idealists trying to do the impossible: make an American-made,...