The European Linen Industry in Historical Perspective

Published by the Pasold Research Fund

This title is out of print.

Pasold Studies in Textile History, Volume 13

This book comprises thirteen original essays by leading researchers in the history of textiles, from the disciplines of history, economics, sociology and archaeology. It provides much new analysis of a long established textile industry and sets the development of European linen in a broader economic and social context. In the opening chapter, the editors provide a survey of this industry from the Middle Ages to the present.

Following this chapter, ten essays address aspects of linen production and consumption in Ireland, Scotland, England, Scandinavia, the Low Countries, and Germany whilst two further chapters consider connections between European linen manufacture and north America.

The book addresses important historiographical themes such as the significance of technology transfer, the role of the state and other forms of patronage, the gender division of labour, the debate on 'proto-industrialization', and competition with other textiles. The breadth of the coverage is enriched by the diversity of evidence from the subject specialisms, including documentary sources, images, archaeological findings and artefactual evidence from material culture. The book includes illustrations, tables, figures, a comprehensive glossary of terms and a select bibliography related to historical textile manufacture.

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