Lustrous, warm, lightweight, strong, silk has always been a symbol of wealth and status, beginning in prehistoric China. In Pomp and Poverty: A History of Silk in Ireland, Mairead Dunlevy unfolds a colourful tale. She introduces us to the merchants or 'silk men' who traded in silk, oversaw its production and invested in machinery and design; the weavers and dyers who created luxury under exploitative conditions for miserable wages; the gentlefolk and aristocracy who indulged in this expensive fabric as a signifier of wealth and taste. Irish legend credits 17th century French Huguenots with introducing the industry, but this book reveals that silk was woven in Ireland long before that, possibly from the tenth century. Dunlevy also details the development of poplin, a uniquely Irish silk product found in every royal court of 19th century Europe.

Pomp and Poverty: A History of Silk in Ireland

Business & Money

Dunlevy, Mairead

Industries

Yale University Press

Dress in Ireland

Based on historical and archaeological research and on contemporary literature and documents. Each chapter begins with a brief historical summary of the political and military history of the period. Costume is then considered under the relevant headings of the period.

Politics & Social Sciences

Social Sciences

Holmes & Meier Pub

Now back in print, this history is the only book of its kind. Based on historical and archaeological research and on contemporary literature and documents, this handsome volume includes over 140 full-color and black and white photographs. Each chapter begins with a brief historical summary of the political and military history of the period. Costume is then considered under the relevant headings of the period -- English and Irish dress styles in Ireland as well as dress styles at Court and that of the poor. At the end of each chapter, a listing of the textiles used during the period is given, as well as references to source material for students of Irish dress and textiles.

Arts & Photography

Graphic Design

Holmes & Meier

<p>Now back in print, this history is the only book of its kind. Based on historical and archaeological research and on contemporary literature and documents, this handsome volume includes over 140 full-color and black and white photographs. Each chapter begins with a brief historical summary of the political and military history of the period. Costume is then considered under the relevant headings of the period -- English and Irish dress styles in Ireland as well as dress styles at Court and that of the poor. At the end of each chapter, a listing of the textiles used during the period is given, as well as references to source material for students of Irish dress and textiles.</p>

History

Mairead, Dunlevy

Europe

Collins Pr

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