Reviews
Weavers of indigenous-style textiles or anyone interested in textile history will find this impressive work to be a thorough labor of love. [...] Hildens passion for seeking to preserve traditions dear to her is evident throughout as she pulls the reader along in her often frustrating but ultimately successful odyssey.', This is a book that satisfies on so many levels whether your interest is in the Arabian Peninsulas history, geography, tribes, culture or textiles. [...] This quality book had me in its thrall from start to finish as a completely compulsive read.', "There is a bitter-sweet quality to this book, describing as it does an ancient, beautiful and once essential traditional craft in probably terminal decline&Other books have covered similar ground to this one with regard to the Gulf&But none, to my knowledge, describes the research process in such a charming and illuminating way, nor covers the weaving techniques in such instructive detail."Shelagh Weir, The Middle East in London, October 2010, [Hildens] discussion of Bedouin life as seen through the weaver's eyes reveals the gentle harmony they kept with the desert environment. The thorough information about the weavings photographed in the book will help collectors and archivists, and the book is also a precise and accurate guide for those who would like to make their own Bedouin weavings. It includes specific directions on weaving patterns and spinning and weaving techniques, and information on natural dyes.', [No other book on the topic], to my knowledge, describes the research process in such a charming and illuminating way, nor covers the weaving techniques in such instructive detail. [...] Textile lovers will appreciate the wealth of coloured illustrations...and the detailed descriptions of techniques and motifs. This will be of particular interest to weavers and teachers because instructions are provided for doing it yourself. There is also a glossary of technical terms, and an Arabic-English glossary with properly transcribed Arabic terms, which will be useful to future researchers.', Hilden has produced a book for both the textile specialist and the weaving novice. Bedouin Weavings is beautifully visual and full of technical, geographical and historical facts. Focusing on Saudi Arabia and its neighbours, the backdrop to the story of weaving is fascinating, the descriptions of the weavings and the producers is superlative and transports the reader into their everyday life.', This handsome book makes a significant contribution to textile history, is an important text for the collector, curator, or craftsman, and captures the essence of Bedouin weaving as it was in the past.', Her life-long field and Archival research are doligent and rigorous. This invaluable book provides a rich and detailed portrait of Bedouin weaving as it rapidly disappears...This invaluable book provides rich and detailed portrait of Bedouin weaving as it rapidly disappears.', ...an exceptionally handsome volume that is bound to be regarded as a definitive work on its subject.'
