book list / recommended reading

A Recommended Reading List

Start your own collection of books on linens and textiles! Not only will they be invaluable references, you will really enjoy reading them.
The following links will take you directly to amazon.com to check availabilty of the book, used or new!

my favorite:


This book is one of the most beautiful books ever published: it is Francoise de Bonneville's beautiful tome, The Book of Fine Linen and if you are going to buy just one book, start with this one. It is a well-researched, absorbing book on the history of linens and the photographs and graphic design are spectacular.

and now, amazing access for everyone!
You can read this book online by clicking here:

History of Lace by MRS. BURY PALLISER

history of lace

More Books for Linen and Lace Identifcation:


Vintage Linens A to Z by Marsha Manchester


20th Century Linens and Lace, a Guide to Identification, Care and Prices of Household Linens: A Guide to Identification, Care, and Prices of Household Linens, a Book for Collectors With Value Guide
by Elizabeth Scofield, Peggy Zalamea


The Complete Guide to Vintage Textiles by Elizabeth Kurella
I keep this one at my side at all times. She covers everything!

Elizabeth Kurella has written other very useful and informative books:
Guide to Lace and Linens

The Secrets of Old Lace

Whitework Embroidered Lace Handkerchiefs

A Pocket Guide to Valuable Old Lace and Lacy Linens

The photos in this book by Deb Bonito will make you drool.

Graced by Lace: A Guide for Collectors of Antique Linen and Lace by Debra Bonito


Miller's Guide, Collecting Textiles by Patricia Frost

A short list of books that I have enjoyed or keep as reference materials:

White figurated linen damask, from the 15th to the beginning of the 19th century by G. T Van Ysselsteyn (out of print but occassionally available)

An Illustrated Guide to Lace by Emily Reigate

Perfection, Never Less (The Vera Way Marghab Story) by DJ Cline

Old Handmade Lace with a dictionary of Lace by Mrs F. Neville Jackson

The Illustrated dictionary of Lace by Judyth Gwynne

The Kashmir Shawl And its Indo-French Influence by Frank Ames

Silk Art Embroidery: A Woman's History of Ornament & Empowerment by Donna Cardwell

also, some fun books

Hot Cottage Collectibles by C. Dianne Zweig (new in 2008)

Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, and 50s by C. Dianne Zweig