American Quilts: The Democratic Art, 1780-2007

by Robert Shaw

Sumptuous, informative, and engaging, this is the ultimate book on American quilts as art. Written by one of the leading scholars in the field, it’s a fascinating chronicle of the growth and evolution of an art form with a rich heritage. Not only does author Robert Shaw provide an insightful look at quilting aesthetics, he places the craft in its historical, cultural, and socioeconomic context, providing a visually lush journey through American history.

This opulent volume starts with old-world traditions and goes up to date, examining key moments that had an impact on quilting culture—including Amish emigration, slavery and the Civil War, the Depression, new sewing technology, and the Bicentennial. More than 350 stunning images capture a rich variety of work created by people from all walks of life.

 

Genres: Nonfiction, History

376 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having recently read a comprehensive book about American quilting, I decided to start in the part of quilting history that is more recent. So I read from the middle to the end of the book, and then read the beginning to the middle. Improvisational quilting has lead to improvisational reading!! :)

[Eldora · Rating 1 out of 5]

boring. dnf.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful reference book with great historical content. The only reason I didn't read it from cover to cover is because it was overdue back to the library. I'd love to have a copy for my own shelf.

[Kerfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shaw's book is a visual feast. It also provides a comprehensive timeline of quiltmaking in the United States in the context of the historical times. In addition, an extensive bibliography and resource guide provide links to further exploration.

The expansive creativity of the mostly women artists pictured here is of course inspirational, and shows once again that art has never been just what is displayed in galleries and museums. In fact, as the author notes, one of the challenges of quiltmakers today is to stay out of the MFA homogenization, the cleverness and gimmickry, of the search for critical acclaim. The quilt as an individual expressive labor of love made for family or friends, though never entirely the mythologized motivation it has been made out to be, has definitely receded into the background for most quiltmakers today. They make quilts to be shown, and hopefully praised, in the world at large. This shift in orientation has definitely changed the way quilts are both designed and constructed.

Discussing the issues facing contemporary quilting seems fitting for such a rich and constantly evolving art. There is plenty of tradition related here to both transform and enlarge upon.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely gorgeous images of quilts throughout; knowledgeable and clear commentary on them and on their historical context. The most interesting part of the book, to me, was the last third in which Shaw describes developments in the quilting world in the 20th and 21st centuries. Shaw is a quilt dealer snd historian. Apparently, he had hoped to earn a substantial amount of money from this book but, disappointed, has concluded that there's little money to be made in books of quilt history. I believe he has made a major and lasting contribution to quilt history by writing this book and by including so many outstanding quilt images in it.

[Louise Silk · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a newer version of this book, but this edition is all they had at my libray so.... It is a accurate overview of the history of quilt making in America- not particularly inspirational to an experienced quilt maker but good for someone who doesn't know much.