A story of two unlikely families joined by suffering and secrets, virtue and violence, courage and faith . . . and the mysterious hand of God.

Mrs. Bury Palliser's 'History of Lace' is a timeless classic, published over a century ago, and remains the most authoritative book on the subject. It offers a comprehensive account of the fascinating history of lace-making across the globe. From the origins of needlework and cut-work to the lace manufacturers of France, England, Scotland, and beyond, this book delves into the intricacies of the craft. Complete with over 100 new illustrations and several portraits showcasing different fashions of wearing lace, this book is perfect for anyone interested in the art and history of lace-making.

Mary C. Beaudry mines archaeological findings of sewing and needlework to discover what these small traces of female experience reveal about the societies and cultures in which they were used. Beaudry's geographical and chronological scope is broad: she examines sites in the United States and Great Britain, as well as Australia and Canada, and she ranges from the Middle Ages through the Industrial Revolution.The author describes the social and cultural significance of "findings": pins, needles, thimbles, scissors, and other sewing accessories and tools. Through the fascinating stories that grow out of these findings, Beaudry shows the extent to which such "small things" were deeply entrenched in the construction of gender, personal identity, and social class.