The book is in five parts: 1) Patterned weaves of Han China; 2) Patterned weaves of early Western Asia; 3) Patterned weaves of the Mediterranean region 4) The eclectic pattern weaves of Tang China; 5) Weaving implements. The author gives a detailed, practical account of the internal development of textile techniques with technical classification of the main types. The work on reconstructing weaving methods draws on his own knowledge and experience as a weaver and a teacher at Kunsthaandvarkenskolen in Copenhagen and on that of many distinguished textile scholars. The supplement showing enlarged weaving drafts is a long awaited tool for the proper documentation of patterned weaves by textile historians and conservators. Comparison is made easy with techniques samples woven with coarse string to show the interlacing of ancient weaves, including weft-faced compound weaves -- <i>Taquete and samitum</i> -- Lampas, and double-faced weaves. (Abstractor's note: This book is a long awaited tool for everyone concerned with textile techniques, including textile conservators and historians alike, and should be put first on the list of library acquisitions.) -- AATA