It is somewhat surprising that the history of so ancient and important a manufacture as that of Linen, and of the commerce connected with it, has not long before this time been placed in a comprehensive form before the world. It is one of the axioms of Political Economy, as it is held at the present day, that "demand creates supply," but, up to the present time, that has not in this instance been verified. The feeling that such a work was needed has often been expressed, both by the general public and by those immediately concerned in the Trade, but without, until now, having the effect of bringing forth one.

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

Archaeologists and textile historians bring together 16 papers to investigate the production, trade and consumption of textiles in Scandinavia and across parts of northern and Mediterranean Europe throughout the medieval period. Archaeological evidence is used to demonstrate the existence or otherwise of international trade and to examine the physical characteristics of textiles and their distribution in order to understand who was producing, using and trading them and what they were being used for. Historical evidence, mainly textual, is employed to link textile names to places, numbers and prices and thus provide an appreciation of changing economics, patterns of distribution and the organisation of trade. Different types and qualities of cloths are discussed and the social implications of their production and import/export considered against a developing background of urbanism and increasing commercial wealth.

Fully revised and updated with over 100 beautiful maps, charts and graphs, and a narrative packed with facts this outstanding book examines the main changes that have occurred in Ireland and among the Irish abroad over the past two millennia.