The Arts and Crafts of Older Spain, Volume 3 (of 3)

"The Arts and Crafts of Older Spain, Volume 3" by Leonard Williams is a historical book that investigates Spain's textile arts, especially during the Middle Ages when Moorish culture significantly influenced them. It centers on textile crafts like silk making, needlework, bobbin lace, and weavings, revealing the creativity and cultural importance connected with them. At the book's outset, the author tracks the growth of textile creation in Spain, mainly pointing to the Moorish impact which began after the Visigoths' defeat. Cities like Almería and Granada grew into hubs of textile production, creating fancy silks and detailed fabrics that were highly desired. The book underlines the high appreciation for textile crafts in medieval Spain, highlighting the existence of strict rules governing their production and the societal meanings of fabric quality among different social classes. The book lays the foundation for a deeper look into Spain's textile legacy and its cultural connections with other societies over time.