America's Glorious Quilts

First edition (1987) copy of America's Glorious Quilts by Dennis Duke and Deborah Harding

Never before has there been so richly illustrated a volume devoted to that unique aspect of American folk art-the quilt. Encyclopedic in scope and generous in format, dazzling in the variety of examples reproduced (many for the first time) and superbly printed to capture the prismatic quality of quilts from all periods of history, America's Glorious Quilts is certain to be regarded as the definitive book on the subject.

The work is presented in ten parts, each written by an eminently qualified expert. Included are chapters devoted to the history of quilts; regional quilts, such as Amish, Kentuckian, and Hawaiian; types of quilts, including crazy quilts and doll and crib quilts; decorating with quilts; caring for quilts; and contemporary quilts.

In 1971, the Whitney Museum of American Art, one of the country's most prestigious institutions, presented an extensive exhibition of quilts that attracted a record number of visitors. Since then, major fine arts museums and folk art museums throughout the United States have followed suit, with the result that the interest in quilts has never been so enthusiastic. Important examples from all eras of our nation's history are recognized and valued as art works. Additionally, the price of quilts has escalated to the point where collectors and museums pay six-figure sums for certain unique examples.

This magnificent volume is a major addition to the literature devoted to our native folk arts.With its wide-ranging and informative text, its wealth of splendid colorplates, and its scope, it will prove invaluable to the countless individuals who make or collect quilts and who avidly attend the scores of quilt festivals, contests, and seminars held annually from coast to coast. It is an unequaled reference work that offers a splendid collection of the finest quilt examples, and as such it will also attract lovers of abstract art, students and scholars of American folk art, collectors of Americana, textile and graphic design-ers, and anyone who takes delight in brilliant color and stimulating patterns.

Hardcover with dust jacket.

Authors: Dennis Duke and Deborah Harding 

Edition/Year: first edition, 1987, Hugh Lauter Levin Associates, Inc.

Condition: Minimal wear on dust jacket. Otherwise in good vintage condition 

Dimensions: 14" x 10"