Ursula's Alcove

Catalog : Books : Dyeing

The Root of WIld Madder:
Chasing the History, Mystery, and Lore of the Persian Carpet
by Brian Murphy

Hardcover, $25.00
ISBN 0-7432-6419-3
Simon and Schuster, 2005.
297 pages.

Every Persian carpet has a story to tell -- from the remote villages of Afghanistan and Iran, down the ancient trade routes traveled for centuries, to the bazaars of Tehran and the markets of the Western world. Carpet-making is one of this tumultuous region's few constants, an art form that transcends religious and political turmoil. Part travelogue and part exploration into the meaning and worth of these mystical artifacts, The Root of Wild Madder presents practical information about carpets while exploring the artistic, religious, and cultural complexities of these enigmatic lands.

This book contains a timeline and a great bibliography for further study. It is categorized as a History/Far East /Travel book. It is included in Ursula's Alcove's catalog to give researchers a guide to study. This book is really a researchers diary. The author helps the reader bridge the gap in knowledge between Western ways and Persian culture. Unfortunately, the war has affected the ability to study this culture. Through this book, one can safely catch a glimpse of the meaning of this art form.