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Take the journey with us!
The pages of Threads of Time illustrate exquisite textiles with location photography, from historical examples of centuries past to extraordinary contemporary expressions, revealing a continuum of inspiration and beauty. The 16 chapters, covering regions from across the globe, feature contributions from local textile makers and experts, bringing together over 30 voices to tell stories of cloth.
Locations explored include: Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Bhutan, Nagaland, Punjab, Egypt, Palestine, The Caucasus, Turkey, Madagascar, Tunisia, Ghana, Peru, Guatemala, Navajo Nation.
Searching for the unique and the individual motivates many of our journeys and underpins most instincts for travel. Threads of Time uses textiles to share the narratives of communities that map the historic arc of human experience, whether it’s a wedding preparation of a Sikh bride in Punjab; the way that weaving is an act of revitalization and cultural preservation against globalism for a Navajo weaver; or how textiles provide direct links with ancestors and are tokens of respect and honor in Sumba, Indonesia.
Printed in Italy with the highest quality and design, Threads of Time is a must-have for the culturally curious, textile lovers, interior designers, and travel enthusiasts. For the first time, a book will use our shared knowledge of textiles as a universal language to unite readers with communities from across the world, reveal little-known cultural traditions, and uncover our shared experiences.
Peak inside the book!
Specs
Publisher: Hali Publications Ltd
Publication Date: 2025
Language: English
Details: Hardcover, 424 pages, full color
Item weight: 2 pounds
Dimensions: 10.25 x 13.25 inches (257 mm x 332 mm)
Territory: UK, USA & Canada
Price: £75 / $95
ISBN 978-1898113744
Distributor: Acc Publishing Group Ltd
Reviews
“This is one of the most beautiful and thoughtfully produced books. It is much more than a book about textiles—it's an exploration of the people, traditions, and stories behind them.
The photography is absolutely breathtaking, and every chapter introduces fascinating cultures and artistic traditions from around the world.
I bought a copy for friends who are world travelers and collectors. Based on their overwhelming enthusiasm and delight, I bought two more copies as gifts to others. This is one of the best gifts you can give to travelers, artists, collectors, historians, or anyone who appreciates beauty and stories.
Highly, highly recommend!!”
Christina M"Threads of Time: A Cultural Journey is not a fashion book and it’s not a travel scrapbook. It’s a visual and intellectual exploration of how culture, identity, and memory are preserved in cloth. The authors have documented textile traditions with a seriousness that feels closer to fieldwork than tourism across regions as varied as the Indonesian archipelago, Southwest China, Bhutan, Nagaland, Punjab, Palestine, the Caucasus, West Africa, the Andes, and the Diné Nation. To conceive and execute a project of this scale took perseverance, intellectual depth, and a passionate curiosity. The net result is a work of art.
The content includes museum-quality images of garments, weavers, landscapes, and communities; stunning photography. But what makes the book compelling is the through-line: these textiles are not decorative artifacts; they are living expressions of continuity, migration, resistance, and belonging.
At nearly 400 pages, it is ambitious and unapologetically so. This is a book you return to, region by region, image by image, and the subjects are captivating.
This is an investment in scholarship, in preservation, and in beauty. If you care about cultural history, craftsmanship, and the deeper stories embedded in material culture, this book will inform you for years to come.”
SPC“Threads of Time: A Cultural Journey is a masterfully curated book. As an architect and interior designer, I am deeply inspired by the convergence of design, history, and craft. This book explores global textile styles seamlessly, offering a perfect balance of rich historical context and stunning visual storytelling. The vivid photography brings these global practices to life, capturing the essence of traditions passed down through generations. It is an inspiring tribute to world culture, yet written in a highly approachable, engaging way. An absolute must-read for any art, design, or history enthusiast!”
Marina“As someone who works closely with textiles and cares deeply about craft traditions, I found Threads of Time: A Cultural Journey: Textiles from Around the World both inspiring and beautifully done. The book thoughtfully connects the fabrics to the cultures, histories, and hands that created them.
The photography is stunning, and the storytelling brings each region to life in a way that feels respectful and deeply researched. It also beautifully captures the joy of collecting and traveling --the thrill of discovering something handmade, meaningful and rooted in place.
I just bought a 2nd copy to give as a gift. This is a book I’ll return to again and again — both for inspiration and to simply look at the gorgeous textiles.”
Lisa E. Bittan“I’m not a textile person. I appreciate the beauty when I see it but I’ve never truly thought much about it. Flipping through the pages of a friend’s Threads of Time book, I found myself being transported. Like in Dan’s introduction he wrote about a Navaho rug he saw at a trading post in Colorado. Something clicked for him. This book has history, traditions, culture and emotions. The wedding dress! I highly recommend.”
Wendy Pucci“Threads of Time: A Cultural Journey is stunning! Not only are the pages full of exquisite photos of textiles from many countries but the authors also explore the development of younger generations in these ancient skills. I enjoyed the personal connections they made with the artisans and the continuous of the art and history of the textiles which creates a beautiful journey”
Linda C“This is a rare and special celebration of rich and sacred traditions from all over the world. This book is a labor of love and devotion compiled over decades. It brings to life the cultural stories told through one of the world’s oldest crafts. It is a book filled with awe and wonder.”
Paul Stebbins“…Threads of Time is both a stunning visual collection and an entertaining and meaningful novel. A truly great read. Brewster‘s writing is engaging and a thoughtful reflection on cultures and characters. It takes the reader on a vibrant journey through magnificent textiles and their ever interesting creators. My wife and I have stocked up as we see this as a fascinating and thoughtful gift idea. Highly recommended!
Dale Bearden