The Fabric of Civilization

The Fabric of Civilization delves into the history and global effects of fabric-making, dyeing, the clothing trade, and other textile-related activities.

The book covers topics such as the origins of string and fabric, the value of purple in the Roman Empire, the importance of fabrics for armies and warships, the development of weaving, and the role of textile merchants in modern political economy.

It also discusses historical espionage related to textiles, such as Spain's monopoly on vibrant reds and French efforts to steal Indian indigo.

The book is divided into sections on fiber, thread, cloth, dye, traders, consumers, and innovators, providing a detailed and academic treatment of the subject.