In a message dated 6/15/03 4:56:38 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< The title for this item is "Lacemaking.Is this the best book?" 'Tradional Lace' Making by Sally Johanson >> -------- Dear Lacemakers, For the second time, I'm writing about this book. Again, I am changing the Subject Line, because I think it best to let you know the name of the author, whom (from all accounts I've ever heard) did so much for lacemaking in the second half of the 20th C. I do not think the seller in England meant to be insulting. I think it is a dealer who does not know anything about lace. And the bid was still one pound this morning (a bargain for a 84-page hardback book). The term: "Is this the best book" does not appear on the book jacket of the Van Nostrand Reinhold Book, published in 1974, in an English translation. ISBN 0-442-30037-9. The Swedish copyright date is 1964, so it was being prepared for publication at least 40 years ago. The front and back covers of the jacket both show a picture of a round mat (doily), edged with lace that was called "Foliage" designed by Nanna Willy Danielsson. Notice that the author was gracious enough to showcase another lacemaker's lace! The text starts with equipment, and the first piece of equipment described and pictured is called "Pillows". The jacket text, probably not under the control or influence of the author, refers to looms. Here is the jacket blurb from the English-language edition: "Lace-making, one of the oldest and most beautiful crafts, has unfortunately almost vanished in modern times. The author, one of the few remaining experts on lace, is largely responsible for reviving interest in this craft. "She begins by describing in full detail all the materials that you will need -- the looms, the bobbins, the different threads. She goes on to outline the basic stitches that are combined to form varied and complex patterns. All of the instructions are clearly explained and fully illustrated in diagrams and photographs. Suggestions are also provided for mounting laces on clothing, linen, and other household articles. "This, however, is more than an instruction manual. The photographs include many outstanding examples of traditional and free-form laces, which are intended to encourage appreciation of the historical development of the craft, and to inspire the lace-maker to create an individual style." As for whether "this is the best book", I think everyone will agree that in most cases "the best book" is the one you need **right now**! Let's not become too insulted about the description on ebay -- I hope a young Arachne member is able to acquire this book. Then, she may be in a position to "defend" it in another 40 years! Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED]
