The Golden Thread

How Fabric Changed History

By: Kassia St Clair

Narrated by: Helen Johns

As heard on BBC Radio 4's Book of the Week

A new history of ingenuity from the author of The Secret Lives of Colour.

From the mummies of Ancient Egypt; via the silken dragon robes of Imperial China and the woollen sails of Viking longboats to the Indian calicoes and chintzes that powered the Industrial Revolution (and sparked more than one war); arriving finally at the lab-blended fibres that have allowed astronauts to moonwalk -- fabrics, manmade and natural, have changed and shaped the world we live in.

In twelve fascinating chapters, Kassia St Clair lays out an alternative history of civilisation and human creativity. Wittily written and compellingly argued, this book will change the way you see the world.

©2018 Kassia St Clair (P)2018 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

The Golden Thread

Helen Johns captivated me with her yarns about the history of fabric from woolen Viking sails to attempts
to weave spider silk. The stories of St. Clair’s book keep the reader engaged while revealing historical fact. I can’t think of a better way to learn about the importance of textiles to world history. Enjoy!

It is exactly it's title. Killer history of fabric

it was great. a bit dry, but I really loved it overall. definitely true to the title

favorite mispronunciation brand Nike pronounced like the name Mike. took me a second to realize what they were even talking about

how to ruin a good book with an aweful narration

This book is really good, another excellent work by Kassia St Claire but this audible version has been ruined by and aweful narration. I would like to get back time and not to buy it.