American Quilts: The Democratic Art, 1780-2007 – A New Book!
Saturday, November 7th, 2009American Quilts: The Democratic Art, 1780-2007 is a book that will become a “must-have” for anyone interested in the history of quilts. Written by Robert Shaw, this heavy, hard cover volume, comprised of 376 pages was just published by Sterling Publishing of New York/London in 2009.
Surprisingly, the dustjacket features a “tied” quilt, which to some purists’ way of thinking would be called a “comforter” or a “comfort,” instead of a quilt, as it is not quilted (held together by running stitches). Nonetheless, the photo is a cheerful introduction to a book that is full of Shaw’s personal observations and thoughts about the process and history of quilting.
Amazing, full-page views of quilts are offered in this very colorful book, as well as smaller photos.
The inside book cover declares this statement:
Spanning more than four centuries, American Quilts is the first book to cover the entire historical panorama of quiltmaking in the United States, from the quintessential patterns to their cultural significance … ”
While many of the quilt photos have been published in other printed documents, and therefore, are extremely familiar to me, other quilts seem to be appear in print for the first time, in this book. It is great to have photos of these important American quilts contained within one volume.
I am especially fond of “Amigos Muertos” by Jonathan Shannon and am pleased to see that quilt included. No matter what style of quilt you prefer, from traditional to modern art quilts in America, you will most likely find examples provided. Shaw has gathered quilts from all historical time periods that will amaze you and inspire you to quilt a little faster on your own creations!
If this book were only used for a coffee table book, it would still be worth its weight in gold. However, I am sure that you will want to linger over every word of history and every point of reflection. In a discussion of “time” and “quilts,” Shaw states:
“Quilts ask us to slow down, to step into their world and partake of their full and measured sense of time, to allow them to envelop us in their own languid, slowly unfolding tactile language.”
With a great deal of insight, Shaw has managed to elevate the art of quilting to a higher level. I do suspect that he had a lot of fun while compiling the information and images for this new quilt history edition. I can’t wait to read all of the words in this book and view all of the beautiful quilts. This is an exceptional work, and one to put on your holiday wish list!
The following is one of two books of which I am aware that have the same title, It’s Not a Quilt Until It’s Quilted.
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications








