The history of textiles, more than that of any other artefact, is a history of human ingenuity. From the very earliest needles of 50,000 years ago to the smart textiles of today, textiles have been fundamental to human existence, and enjoyed, prized and valued by every culture. Silks from China, cottons from India, tapestries from Flanders, dyes from South America the appeal of different weaves, colours and patterns was long a motivation for trade, the exchange of ideas and sometimes even war. Mary Schoesers groundbreaking book, now revised and updated to incorporate new research, presents a chronological survey of textiles around the world from prehistory to the present. It explores how they are made, what they are made from, how they function in society and the ways in which they are valued and given meaning as well as reflecting on the environmental challenges they present today. World Textiles offers an invaluable introduction to this vast and fascinating subject for makers, designers, textile and fashion professionals, collectors and students alike.

"This stunning book offers a unique perspective on textile designs... a beautiful document of the partnership between artists and manufacturers. Those interested in textiles as well as students of design will find it refreshing and inspirational." Librar

Published in conjunction with an exhibition held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Sept. 16, 2013-Jan. 5, 2014.

Shows examples of textiles from around the world, including textiles decorated using paint, dyes, sewing, embroidery, and other embellishments.

Profiles of outstanding contemporary artists working in batik, print, embroidery, weave, tapestry, quilt and mixed-media - Elsje van Keppel (King) - Elena Gallegos - Jan Irvine-Nealie - Patrick Snelling - Pam Gaunt - Tori de Mestre - Valerie Kirk - Patricia Black - Ruth Hadlow.

'Art Textiles of the World' celebrates the work, inspiration, techniques and studio practices of outstanding, emerging, mid-career and established textile artists.

A global survey of more than 100 artists, chosen by art-world professionals for their work with threads, stitching, and textiles Celebrating tapestry, embroidery, stitching, textiles, knitting, and knotting as used by visual artists worldwide, Vitamin T is the latest in the celebrated series in which leading curators, critics, and art professionals nominate living artists for inclusion. As boundaries between art and craft have blurred, artists have increasingly embraced these materials and methods, with the resulting works being coveted by collectors and exhibited in museums worldwide. Vitamin T is a vibrant and incredibly timely survey – the first of its kind.