Four Centuries of Quilts: The Colonial Williamsburg Collection (Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)

An exquisite and authoritative look at four centuries of quilts and quilting from around the world

Quilts are among the most utilitarian of art objects, yet the best among them possess a formal beauty that rivals anything made on canvas. This landmark book, drawn from the world-renowned collection of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, highlights the splendor and craft of quilts with more than 300 superb color images and details. Fascinating essays by two noted scholars trace the evolution of quilting styles and trends as they relate to the social, political, and economic issues of their time.
 
The collection includes quilts made by diverse religious and cultural groups over 400 years and across continents, from the Mediterranean, England, France, America, and Polynesia. The earliest quilts were made in India and the Mediterranean for export to the west and date to the late 16th century. Examples from 18th- to 20th-century America, many made by Amish and African-American quilters, reflect the multicultural nature of American society and include boldly colored and patterned worsteds and brilliant pieced and appliquéd works of art.
 
Grand in scope and handsomely produced, Four Centuries of Quilts: The Colonial Williamsburg Collection is sure to be one of the most useful and beloved references on quilts and quilting for years to come. 

• The American Quilt: A History of Cloth and Comfort 1750-1950
• 500 Traditional Quilts (500 Series)
• Red and White Quilts: Infinite Variety: Presented by The American Folk Art Museum
• American Quilt Treasures: Historic Quilts from the International Quilt Study Center and Museum
• The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt: Letters from 1920s Farm Wives and the 111 Blocks They Inspired
• Comfort and Glory: Two Centuries of American Quilts from the Briscoe Center (Focus on American History)
• Patches of Blue: 17 Quilt Patterns and a Gallery of Inspiring Antique Quilts
• Flossie Teacakes' Guide to English Paper Piecing: Exploring the Fussy-Cut World of Precision Patchwork
• Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in America: Designs Inspired by Vintage Quilts from the American Museum in Britain
• The Farmer's Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt: Inspiring Letters from Farm Women of the Great Depression and 99 Quilt Blocks That Honor Them