The World of Silk (Secrets of Silk)

The World of Silk is the third in the Secrets of Silk series on the history of silk. It explores both the similarities and differences between each country and highlights the people and the fascinating stories that make it all come alive. Each chapter focuses on a particular country and its history, unique culture and priorities, problems and solutions. The first chapters are on silk in Japan, Korea and India. Silk was well suited to both tropical and subtropical regions, so the next chapters are on Thailand, South-East Asia, Turkey and the post-Soviet states. The dream of establishing sericulture in both England and the United States met with mixed results and that led to their move from sericulture to manufacturing. ‘Old World, New World’ includes Central and South America and South Africa and looks again at the changes in Europe. China has come full circle and once more it is the world’s leader and this chapter looks at some of its most recent developments, and the effect of its policies on its lands and people, and worldwide. Finally, The World of Silk brings together some of the exciting scientific developments, including fluorescent silkworms and exotic food products. It concludes with a review of the future for silk and a practical section on sewing with silk. It is richly illustrated, with an extensive bibliography and index.