Traces the history of tapestry weaving from the Middle Ages to the present, discusses tribal weaving in North and South America and the Middle East, and includes advice on where to see or buy tapestry In the best of all possible worlds, this is precisely the kind of book one elects to curl up with in front of a blazing fire, a steaming cup of herbal tea in hand, and unlimited free time to spend enjoying the sumptuous illustrations and in-depth history of a visually stunning, eminently tactile art form. From a tiny, ancient Coptic fragment to the awesome dimensions of a recently crafted hanging adorning the cathedral at Coventry, Phillips describes tapestry techniques and traces the development of woven treasures that have illustrated customs and religious rites of preceding cultures and continue to enhance modern-day homes in the form of dazzling, abstract-patterned Navajo and tribal kilim rugs. Rounding out the engaging yet comprehensive text, Phillips offers advice on buying and caring for tapestries, lists collections, and provides a bibliography and glossary. Alice Joyce Used Book in Good Condition