Product Description

A series of large-format, lavishly illustrated books covering a range of subjects, including a discussion of the historical dimension and the cultural significance of the theme in question. Each title contains a number of specially-commissioned photographs alongside rich archival material, and includes a full bibliography as well as an exclusive connoisseur's guide full of useful facts and addresses. Both informative and inspirational, the books in this series are all international best-sellers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #735013 in Books
• Published on: 1999-01-15
• Released on: 1999-01-15
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 208 pages

Customer Reviews

Beautiful Lessons on Linen and It's History....
This is a beautifully illustrated book with much history on fine linens. I agree with the other reviewers of this wonderful book. It would make a beautiful gift for someone who collects antique linens or is interested in the history of these beautiful pieces. It was pricey, but to my mind, worth every penny. The best book ever written on this subject. Enjoyable reading and the photos are to dream over.

Sensuous and Seductive.
This seductive book is more than an excellent history of fine linen. It is a sensuous and seductively, elegant book! The author, Francoise de Bonneville give the reader more than a lesson on the history of textiles. She presents us with some of the most extrodinary examples of bed linens, tablecloths and napkins. Apart from the excellent section on the social history and care of fine linen, she presents detailed information about the various types of linens used, fibers, color, and weaves. The must sumptous commissions were the set of bedsheets created for American Heiress Barbara Hutton. These pink sheets were made out of silk and trimmed with point de Paris lace, fouteeen inches wide, Which was made by d'Porthault & Co. Examples of the two major Italian linen firms, Frette and Pratesi are also well represented. I agree with my fellow reviewer. This is an excellent gift for a bride; but don't be surprised to learn that men would be just as likely to buy this book as women. It is worth every Dollar!

Unquestionably the best book on fine linens.
This book, written with a forward by the Porthaults (who better to comment on fine linens?), is wonderful and I highly recommend it, price notwithstanding. This book is translated from the French and inlcudes: a history of linens, from chintz to damask; a glossary of embroidery stitches and styles with notations of illustrations throughout the book; and photographs of the finest linens in the world (including many made by the Porthaults). This book is very large and would make such a lovely gift for anyone who collects linens or who does fine embroidery.