This large volume covers comprehensively the story of embroidery and needlework with reference to the history of fabrics and decorative costume, interior decoration, and church adornment, of girls' education, furniture, and pastimes. Mainly written from the English point of view with European influences, as well as those of China and India

The book describes the social and historical influences upon the art, ranging from the earliest examples to the twentieth century. There are 350 superb color illustrations. The Author, Lanto Synge, grew up in Ireland and is CE of an antique business specializing in furniture and historic textiles.