The story of wool covers 4,000 years of human history ? the first written record of dying wool for cloth was found on a Mesopotamian papyrus c. 2000 BCE. In this book, the whole story is told, from the rearing of the different animals that provide the raw material to its transformation into woven cloth and knitted material. Much of the emphasis is on Britain, where, in the Middle Ages, wool was the basis for much of the country's prosperity, as can still be seen in the magnificent opulence of the churches endowed by the wool merchants. It deals with the different techniques used for spinning, weaving and finishing cloth. The eighteenth century saw great changes, as production moved from cottage to mill and the mill towns grew. But this is also an international story, looking at a variety of different topics, from the work of Incan and Mayan people in South America to the development of the flocks of Australia. But, this is not just about technology ? it is also about how that technology has an impact on the lives of people, from th life of the shepherd to the industrial disputes that broke into the violence of the Luddite rebellions. AUTHOR: Anthony Burton is a professional author who specialises in the history of transport and technology. He has written several books on canal and maritime history. He has travelled extensively round the British canal and river system in a variety of different craft. He wrote and presented the BBC TV series The Past Afloat, looking at historic vessels and has also written a history of British shipbuilding. His previous works on textiles include books on silk and cotton and he wrote and presented the BBC TV series ?The Rise and Fall of King Cotton?. He is a founder member and former chair of the Stroudwater Textile Trust. 20 colour, 60 b/w illustrations
