These two books are out of control!  If you care about quilting history and antique/reproduction fabrics you really do need to seek out these two books by Barbara Brackman.  To be fair to me, it's difficult to reduce the volume of information available in these two books into a few paragraphs but I'll try.

The first one is entitled:  "America's Printed Fabrics:  1770 - 1890", here's an image:



At the outset of this book, Ms. Brackman says that this is an instructional book and it truly is.  Beyond the standard issue of introducing and explaining terminology (like blotch ground or roller printing) the book itself is presented as a friendly seminar or course that guides you through fabric and its history in America from the 18th and 19th century.   

The book is stuffed with images of fantastic quilts like my favorite, the antique quilt of stars in a zigzag or fence rail set circa 1840 to 1860 (or the Turkey Tracks, or the chintz ones, or...there are honestly many) as well as stereograph images, images from Godey's Lady's Book from 1854 and Harper's Weekly from 1859 - all in the span of two pages!  And the writing, of course, is top notch.

There are eight projects available in this book, such as the pretty "Rising Sun" which tie so nicely into the historical information made available in this book.

And then there are the dozens of examples of antique and reproduction fabrics.  So many gorgeous fabrics.

So...once you work through this book get ready for the next one:  "Making History:  Quilts & Fabric from 1890 - 1970".  Here's an image:



I'm trying to figure out if I like this new book better than the first book and I can't decide yet.  I mean, it has a chapter entitled "Fabric of the Atomic Age".  How great is that!

This book includes nine projects such as the lovely "Two-Step".  It is also full of so much incredible history, ranging from Patterns in the Mail, to the Colonial Revival and Cold War Era Quilts.  If you like the 1930s to 1950s, you'll be as interested in her sections on these fabrics as I am.  And then there's the section on the Vienna Workshop which includes an image of the "Textiles of the Wiener Werkstatte" by Angela Volker - another book I'd love for my book shelf.

Of course, the book includes so many antique and reproduction fabrics that it makes it a pleasure to leaf through let alone read through.

Like it's predecessor, this book is well worth a read.  Both books cover significant historic events in fabrics and quilting and do so by including so much particular information relayed by presenting the reader with personal stories, memorable images and fabric swatches to illuminate the idea fully. 

I highly recommend both for your bookshelf and think you'll enjoy them thoroughly.

Best,

Fiona