In her book, “The Fabric of Civilization,” Virginia I. Postrel explores the history and impact of textiles on human civilizations. She argues that textiles have been an essential part of human development since our ancestors first learned to weave cloth from plant fibers. From providing protection against the elements to facilitating communication and trade, textiles have played a vital role in shaping human societies across the globe.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone interested in the history and impact of textiles on human civilizations. Virginia I. Postrel provides a comprehensive overview of how textiles have been used to facilitate communication and trade, protect against the elements, and more.
Pros :
- The author has a clear and concise writing style, making the book easy to read.
- The Fabric of Civilization provides a comprehensive overview of the topic, covering everything from the origins of textiles to their modern applications.
- The book is filled with interesting anecdotes and examples that illustrate the importance of textiles in human history.
Cons :
- The book is a bit dense and can be difficult to follow at times.
- It does not contain many images or illustrations.
- Some readers may find the author’s thesis unpersuasive.
Learn more about the author
Virginia I. Postrel is a journalist, author, and lecturer who has written about business, Economics, and public policy for the New York Times , Atlantic Monthly , Wall Street Journal , Los Angeles Times Magazine , and many other publications.
Reader Reviews
“This book is a tour de force, looking at textiles from pre-history to the present day. Virginia Postrel not only provides an in-depth examination of how textiles have been used and developed over time but she also offers her expert insights on why they are so important. If you’re interested in the history of human civilization then this book is definitely for you!”
“Virginia I. Postrel’s The Fabric of Civilization is a comprehensive and compelling case for the importance of textiles in human history… Textiles are ubiquitous, essential, and often invisible aspects of our lives, providing us with shelter, clothing, transportation, communication tools,…food preservation techniques,…and much more. In this impressively researched book Virginia Postrel makes a convincing argument that textiles have been one of the most important driving forces behind human development.”
“This thought-provoking book offers a new perspective on the role of textiles in human civilization. Virginia I. Postrel makes a compelling case for the importance of cloth and fabric in shaping our world.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Virginia Postrel has a way of writing that makes even the most complex concepts easy to understand. She covers an impressive amount of ground, from the very beginnings of textile production to modern technological advances in fiber and fabric production. The Fabric of Civilization is filled with fascinating insights into how textiles have shaped human history.”
