1st Edition (1979) hardcover book, printed on blue deckle edge rag paper. Bound by hand in the Japanese style on tyrian purple-edged rag paper with a red silk spine. Includes silk fabric samples, illustrations and photographs. Limited Edition signed by the Author.
Extraordinary book on the history of silk cultivation, from its origins in China to present use and production with a detailed accounting of the characteristics including strength, elasticity, and durability; different kinds of silk, including raw silk, wild silk, and spider silk. How to identify the fiber: the burn test, the lye test, by sight, and by feel. Methods of production, hand spinning, care of new materials and old textiles.
In new condition, with a very little shelf wear to the cover.
