One of American Scientist ’s “100 Books that Shaped a Century of Science” "A fascinating history of…[a craft] that preceded and made possible civilization itself." ― New York Times Book Review The 30th-anniversary edition of a historical account, called “brilliantly original” by Katha Pollitt ( Washington Post Book World ), that reframed our understanding of women’s lives in early societies. Twenty thousand years ago, women were making and wearing clothing created from spun fibers. In Women’s Work , archaeologist-linguist Elizabeth Wayland Barber “weaves the strands of mythology and literature, ethnology and documented history into a rich tapestry” (John Noble Wilford, New York Times Book Review ), illuminating the vital role women held in pre-industrial societies. With a distinctive and innovative approach to ancient remains, Barber examines ancient textiles from Stone Age string skirts and ancient Egyptian sleeved tunics to intricate Neolithic Swiss linens and colorfully patterned Minoan dresses, offering us captivating glimpses into the daily lives of women through the cloth they made and wore. 71 illustrations, 5 maps "Brilliantly original." ― Katha Pollitt, Washington Post Book World "No ancient writer bothers to describe in detail the process of clothmaking.… But now, fortunately, this most distinctive of female occupations has a sympathetic and authoritative chronicler in Elizabeth Wayland Barber…[A] fascinating and informative account." ― Mary R. Lefkowitz, New York Review of Books "Her scholarship is active, wide, and deep…Elizabeth Barber is as knowing and perceptive as any archaeologist-author in sight…Her topic is wonderfully fresh." ― Philip Morrison, Scientific American "The abiding fascination of her book is the way Ms. Barber weaves the strands of mythology and literature, archeology, ethnology and documented history into a rich tapestry. Women's Work is a delight to read.…Enough facts of the real history of women's work and their place in society in early times have survived, and a fascinating story they make in Elizabeth Wayland Barber's capable hands." ― John Noble Wilford, New York Times Book Review "An important contribution, in terms of both historical material and interpretation, to the study of women's work." ― Kirkus Reviews "In this beautifully illustrated study, Barber…retrieves an important chapter in the history of civilization.… Barber illuminates women's changing social status as makers of cloth and clothing." ― Publishers Weekly Elizabeth Wayland Barber is the author of Prehistoric Textiles , The Mummies of Ürümchi , and The Dancing Goddesses , among other works. She is professor emerita of archaeology and linguistics at Occidental College, and lives in Utah.