EUROPEAN LINEN INDUSTRY IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE; ED. BY BRENDA COLLINS

"This book comprises thirteen original essays by leading researchers in the history of textiles, from the disciplines of history, economics, sociology and archaeology. It provides much new analysis of a long established textile industry and sets the development of European linen in a broader economic and social context. The book addresses important historiographical themes such as the significance of technology transfer, the role of the state and other forms of patronage, the gender division of labour, the debate on 'proto-industrialization', and competition with other textiles. The breadth of coverage is enriched by the diversity of evidence from the subject specialisms, including documentary sources, images, archaeological findings and artefactual evidence from material culture. The book includes illustrations, tables, figures, a comprehensive glossary of terms and a select bibliography related to historical textile manufacture."--BOOK JACKET.