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Rating: Summary: The Shinig Cloth: Dress and Adornment That Glitters Review: A brilliant read! Traveling the world has afforded me an upclose look at textiles and adornment such as you will see and read about in this highly profesional book. As a textile artist, and merchant of marvels, this book has been invaluable to my collection. This book is great for gift giving too!
Rating: Summary: The Shinig Cloth: Dress and Adornment That Glitters Review: A hobbyist's interest in textiles, sewing and garb drew me into the mysterious worlds presented in this fascinating and unique book. I am not a textiles professional, but I am able to appreciate it in many forms, whether tribal or ethnic, European, or the latest molecular likeness from DuPont. Dismissed by some as a "coffee table" book, The Shining Cloth actually is on my coffee table, where it has lain since its publication. Friends leaf through its wondrous pages, the unknown surfacing in unfathomable meaning from weave, creative decorations, the illustrious imagination that calls on a feather, a gold thread, some beads, and yes, a reflective dot, as a kind of speechless communication. I learned from The Shining Cloth of the metals used for reflection before the advent of the common mirror. Indigo and various dye from nature created signature fabric and design. Such explanations have parallels in my specialty -- food -- that is, people everywhere survive in ingenious ways. Tribal peoples continue even today an unshakeable superstitious dread of what their ancestors called the "evil eye." That their strategy for security could be the armour formed by the industrious and loving construction of a sparkling piece of clothing might have softened a terrifying life or added beauty to a bleak one. The entire subject begs inquiry and demands respect. Ms. Rivers' research certainly got my attention.
Rating: Summary: A MUST for any textile junkie's library. Review: For those of you, like me, who cannot afford to own everything you want... or who do not want to maintain the incredible textile collection you will find pictured here. This book is the wonderful alternative. Close-up details, gorgeous color, perfect eye candy.
Rating: Summary: The Shining Cloth Review: I loved this book! It immediately went to a prime spot in my textile library. I was thrilled when it came out, and as I am a textile collector and dealer, I find that it fills a niche that no other book yet has. The information is quite extensive and well researched. It has been very helpful in my quest for more knowledge about certain areas of world textiles. At the same time, it has introduced many new concepts and relationships that I have found not only useful, but very exciting and inspiring. I find the quality of the photographs and the layout to be very beautiful and visually stimulating, seeming to reflect the author's enthusiasm for her subject. I find this book an indispensible part of my library of textile books, and think anyone from beginner to professional will find an abundance of riches to enjoy in this book! Kudos Ms. Rivers!
Rating: Summary: "The Shining Cloth" sparkles! Review: I must take to task the two very mean-spirited reviews of Victoria Z. Rivers' book, "The Shining Cloth." I am not a European antique dealer, nor am I a textile historian ' perhaps those two reviewers will find enough fire within themselves to publish what they want, expect, or need . . . yet another book on European textiles? What I am is a lover of textiles. I love to look at them; I love to feel them; I love their beauty. And I love the fact that textiles have permeated cultures throughout time ' a timeless connection between then and now."The Shining Cloth" is not a stuffy textbook yawn that puts people to sleep. Even children would love the photographs and delight in discovering how the objects were used. The book is visually stunning, with careful examples of Ms. Rivers choosing. It is one author's viewpoint. It is not a book that attempts to tell everything that ever was about every fabric that ever had a reflective surface ' thankfully! Who needs a book that weighs a ton that costs a fortune? Hey, the whole family can enjoy this one ' and at Amazon's price point at..., it's a bargain!
Rating: Summary: Unfortunate Title - Another Vanity Coffee Table Book Review: The Shining Cloth is selling extremely well around the world. The book has received numerous positive reviews in prestigious publications such as Hali (London); Textile Fiber Forum (Australia); The Textile Society of Hong Kong; Fibre (UK;) American Craft (New York); Fiberarts (USA); Surface Design Journal (USA); and others. It was recently awarded Outstanding Academic Title by Choice Publications. The purpose of the book is to allow the reader to think deeply and widely about the diverse forms, uses and meanings of light-reflecting substances. The subject matter is inclusive of culturally and economically diverse creative expressions while celebrating innovation, ingenuity and skill. Lastly, the book focuses on areas of textiles and dress that have received less exposure, in order to broaden knowledge in the field. The Shining Cloth is the first book to explore the wider subject of shimmering materials in textiles, so it functions as an excellent scholarly reference, bibliography,and beautiful book to savor for years. I hope you will enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed researching and writing it over the past 14 years. Best regards, the author
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