Prehistoric Textiles: The development of cloth in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages with special reference to the Aegean
Barber, E. J. W.

Softcover $55.00
ISBN 0-691-00224-X
Princeton Paperbacks, 1991.
471 pages.

Back Cover: "Packed full of useful and intriguing information . . . also remarkably well written. This conjunction of virtues advances archeological understanding of textiles --and their social cultural implications-- a giant step. . . In addition to its historical insights, Prehistoric Textiles has the further virtue of joining solid archeological and linguistic understanding with a practical knowledge of the art of weaving. Few archeologists and historians possess this combination, which is essential if we are to understand both the textiles and the weavers who produced them. The authority of this text comes from the hand as well as the head. The result of this happy union is a distinguished work that educates the reader and exalts the ancient weavers, a praiseworthy accomplishment."
--Trudy S. Kawami, Science

"This monumental study embraces linguistic and archaeological investigations, practical knowledge of weaving, palaeobiology, and other arcane sciences to trace the development of cloth."
--Washington Post Book World

"The story [Barber] spins and weaves from ... various skills makes an exhilarating book. As the first comprehensive account of one of humanity's oldest industries, it will be a basic tool for the archaeologists and students of every level."
--Helen Hughes Brock, Antiquity

"A fascinating study of early textile traditions in the Aegean and adjacent parts of Europe, North Africa and the Near East. The author has brought experience in the practical aspects of spinning and weaving as well as scholarship in archaeology and linguistics to bear on the many ... technical problems posed by this subject. As a consequence, this book will be of considerable interest to spinners and weavers concerned with the historical and technical underpinnings of their craft, as well as to archaeologists, linquists and historians."
--Lynn S. Teague, Spin-Off

E.J.W. Barber is Professor of Linguistics and Archaeology at Occidental College and is a handweaver.

Winner of the Millia Davenport Publication Award of the Costume Society of America