REFERENCE

FACTS AND FABRICATIONS: UNRAVELING THE HISTORY OF QUILTS AND SLAVERY

Barbara Brackman
The facts in this book are about the history of American slavery, told in first-person accounts scattered among the patterns. The fabrications are, in Barbara’s words, “the symbolism I’ve attached to traditional quilt patterns to tell the story”. The book gives instructions for 20 blocks, all chosen to represent an aspect of the American slave culture. For example, the Cotton Boll block signifies the economy based around slave cotton-pickers, while the Chained Star block recalls the capture of slaves in Africa. Fact and Fabrications is thought-provoking and fascinating to read, particularly if you’re not familiar with African-American folklore and history. It’s published by C&T Publishing and is available from bookstores.

GREAT PIONEER WOMEN OF THE OUTBACK

Susanna de Vries
Emma Withnell, just 21 and heavily pregnant, survived a shipwreck and found herself deposited on an unfamiliar beach in the wild north of Western Australia. She watched as her family’s valuable stock – hundreds of sheep – were drowned and their food stores and clothing were washed into the sea. She managed a large inland farm in isolation, while her husband ran a pearl-diving business on the coast. She also survived two cyclones, including one that brought the house down around her ears and wedged her toddler son between two rocks – stuck tight but miraculously, unhurt.
This is one of the 10 inspiring stories of remarkable women which historian Susanna de Vries has gathered in her new book. They all worked tirelessly in grim conditions, coping with unfamiliar surroundings, hostile Aborigines and stockmen, and brutal weather. They gave birth and raised families without medical attention, and educated their children themselves, while juggling the demands of running large stations. Once you pick up this book, you’ll find it impossible to put down. Great Pioneer Women of the Outback is published by Harper Collins and is available at bookstores now.

FARMALL

This big book tells the story of the big red tractor that revolutionised farming when it was introduced at the turn of the 20th century. The Farmall is an icon in agriculture, one of the most famous farm tractors anywhere in the world, and the book is a celebration of its popularity. It combines lush colour photographs with archival images and Randy Leffingwell’s accompanying text is immaculately researched – it makes fascinating reading even when you’re just dipping into it. Farmall is published by Voyageur Press and available at bookstores now.

Mexican Textiles, Spirit and Style

Colour, pattern and design scream from the pages of Masako Takahashi’s celebration of Mexico’s traditional cottons, wool, laces, embroideries and rugs. A vibrant feast of inspiration!
Distributed by Macmiilan and available in book stores now for $49.95

Complete Costume History

As part of Taschen’s 25th Anniversary celebrations they present this stunning abridged version of Auguste Racinet’s La Costume historique – the original work is nearly 1300 pages. This stunning hard cover book is a must for anyone who is interested in history and textiles or if you love beautiful illustrations. Take a journey from Ancient times thru to the 18th Century exploring costoms from around the world. Just don’t drop it on your foot, it’s pretty big and heavy (she speaks from experience). Once again Taschen sets the standard!
Available at all good bookstores for $155.00 and distributed by Tower Books (02) 9975 5566.