Roderick Taylor (1)

Taylor may be a well-educated man and extensive collector of Ottoman embroidery. But while the volume appears to be scholarly and well researched in its approach, it isn't. Unfortunately his discussions of fibers, fabrics, clothing, and embroidery techniques leave much to be desired. Taylor makes sweeping statements about the whole of the Ottoman Empire, when the information actually pertains only to a narrow and limited period. He is clearly ill informed about Ottoman clothing, applying ideas to over 400 years that are only relevant to the 19th century. His information about the history of the fibers and weaving techniques are sketchy at best and inaccurate at worst.

The two chapters, "Islamic Style" and "Infidel Style", are frustrating. Each one introduces interesting and valuable topics. But what follows is shallow and superficial.

The photographs are beautiful and will please anyone interested in the topic covered. But there is more detailed and accurate information on historical, social, and cultural context, on textile history and techniques, and on embroidery techniques in Sumru Krody, "Flowers of Silk and Gold , from the Textile Museum", and Marianne Ellis and Jennifer Wearden, also titled "Ottoman Embroidery", but from the Victoria and Albert Museum.… (mais)