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Cover of THREADS OF EMPIRE
4.11

Based on 109 Goodreads ratings

THREADS OF EMPIRE

by nomads. From earliest times, Armstrong asserts, carpet weavers have been women, honing their skills in carding, spinning, dyeing, knotting, setting warps and wefts, and designing or reproducing patterns. Considerable skill, as well, Armstrong has found, is involved in rug restoration and repair. For centuries, rugs have been associated with the rich and powerful: Potentates, chieftains, robber barons, and collectors considered the acquisition of prized rugs as a reflection of their own status. Attribution of a rug’s creation and provenance also connects to power. The startling beauty of a particular rug in the collection of the Victoria \u0026amp\u003B Albert Museum led to the assumption that it was made by a team of men. That conclusion, Armstrong asserts, “suited a nineteenth\u002Dcentury Western view which held that if an object was art then it was created by men, and that what women practised was a lesser form of creativity described in the West as craft.” Armstrong reveals the exploitation of rug makers that continues to the present. Twenty\u002Dfirst\u002Dcentury rugs sold in department stores are often crafted by “weary refugees in makeshift encampments” who create products for international trade to design and color specifications and are marketed through export houses. Nevertheless, as Armstrong’s richly detailed history shows, even modern rugs can shimmer with glamor and mystique."

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Pages:154
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9781250321

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This sweeping historical epic plunges readers into the heart of a crumbling empire, weaving together the fates of a defiant street thief, a reluctant heir, and a scholar guarding dangerous secrets as...

Our Review

This sweeping historical epic plunges readers into the heart of a crumbling empire, weaving together the fates of a defiant street thief, a reluctant heir, and a scholar guarding dangerous secrets as rebellion ignites. The narrative masterfully balances intricate political machinations with raw, character-driven moments, creating a world where every alliance is fragile and every choice carries the weight of history. Fans of complex world-building and morally gray characters will find themselves immediately absorbed by the rich tapestry of cultures, conflicts, and the high-stakes game of power.

What sets this story apart is its unflinching exploration of the human cost of conquest and the blurred lines between oppressor and liberator. The pacing is relentless, moving from tense council chambers to explosive battlefield confrontations, all while developing a cast that feels authentically flawed and compelling. Young adult readers who crave sophisticated fantasy with deep thematic resonance—questioning legacy, loyalty, and the price of freedom—will be thoroughly captivated from the first page to the last.

Themes

Food supply

Subjects

Food supply