I mean, the title isn't lying, but my expectations were for something quite different. Can't really blame the author or book for that.
Adamson writes aI mean, the title isn't lying, but my expectations were for something quite different. Can't really blame the author or book for that.
Adamson writes about the concept of craft, crafting and craftspeople in the context of the large overarching themes in American history -- the Revolution, industrialization, the labor movement, civil rights, the counterculture movement. While using examples of particular craftspeople and how they fit into these histories, Adamson focuses on how the concept of craft, and how it's used economically, socially and politically, rather the describing in detail any particular one.
And the concept of craft is wide here -- it includes what you might expect -- needlework, pottery, metalsmithing, carpentry, etc. But it also encompasses the Zoot Suit craze, hotrod culture, communal living, items created in Japanese-American concentration camps. There's a lot here to consider as "craft." The idea of "craftwashing" -- akin to "greenwashing" -- using words like "handcrafted" and "artisan" by large corporations to give their products a bespoke or homey feel -- was definitely something I'll take away from this.
I really did appreciate my idea of craft being expanded, but much of this book was a bit over my head. Still quite readable and interesting, if not exactly my handcrafted cup of tea....more
I think I'd best convey my feelings about this book by pointing you to Janelle's excellent review of it. She covers all the bases, and much more eloquI think I'd best convey my feelings about this book by pointing you to Janelle's excellent review of it. She covers all the bases, and much more eloquently than I ever could. Suffice to say, I enjoyed every minute of it, too. I actually set aside knitting so I could focus on this. So there you have it.
Clara Parkes is a most excellent writer who can explain rather complicated concepts and machinery quite well. As a knitter, I was all in on her journey of exploring the history and current status of American wool manufacturing. I was most taken with her call to support this industry in the final chapter. Buy and wear wool, people!
A few format notes. The book wasn't illustrated, so I had to stop and look up pictures of what some of the equipment looked like from time to time. But it's a very well-made book printed on heavy paper and with green chapter running heads and page numbers, which were a nice touch. I found the magazine article-style pull quotes a bit distracting -- they weren't necessary and seemed to be there to take up space (this isn't a very long book)....more
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