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Embroidery, the art of decorating textiles, has been used for thousands of years all over the world. This vast subject with a long history is the focus of this authoritative tome examining embroidery from North Africa and the Middle East. The publication is organized into three sections: background information, archaeological and historical sources of embroidery, and historical and modern regional embroidery. The chapters in each section concentrate on a specific country or theme and investigate embroidery from a wide range of perspectives, including types, techniques, uses, regional styles, and historical, social, and economic contexts. Chapters are well illustrated with maps, detailed images of embroidery, and depictions of clothing and other embroidered items. The appendix features diagrams of 214 hand embroidery stitches and variations used in the Arab world. The book concludes with a glossary of regional dress and textile terms, a list of museums and institutions with significant collections of North African and Middle Eastern embroidery, and a lengthy bibliography. Scholars of textile history and related subjects will appreciate the comprehensive treatment of the topic of embroidery; however, general readers may well be overwhelmed by the extensive information presented.Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through professionals/practitioners.