Irish People, Irish Linen
Irish People, Irish Linenis a magnificent history of the Irish people and their association with linen, a tie that dates back to the eighth century. As 10 million Irish moved from their homeland during the past four centuries, they carried their love for Irish linen with them. Together, they were part of the "Irish diaspora." Used as tough sails for ships, as watertight containers for firemen, and as clothing for both royalty and working class, linen was the "fabric of Irish society." Kathleen Curtis Wilson eloquently describes this saga in her beautifully illustrated book on linen, "the queen of fabrics."  William R. Ferris, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, 1997-2001 "Irish People, Irish Linenis an extraordinary book, well researched, beautifully written, stunningly illustrated. As told by Kathleen Wilson, the story is compelling: a story about people and circumstances, about technology and textiles interwoven over five centuries. Wilson illustrates the narrative with some 175 gorgeous images that bring texture and immediacy to a fascinating history, a history that is more extensive and diverse than generally known. If you’re interested in the Irish people, or in technology or textiles, or in a wonderful story, beautifully illustrated, you, too, will be inspired.Irish People, Irish Linenwill capture your imagination."—Robert C. Vaughan, President, Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, Charlottesville, Virginia