“An engaging glimpse into the ancient past [and] a worthwhile work on a number of counts. Though sometimes a bit technical, the book is a fascinating glimpse into the methods, rigors, and rewards of archaeology. On another level, the authors add to a larger conversation about the historicity of the Bible while describing a find of true significance.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“The parts of the book that are not detailing the archaeological findings summarize the sometimes-conflicting biblical tradition regarding David's life and past archaeological study of the region.”
— Publishers Weekly
“An armchair archaeologist's delight.”
— Booklist
“[Legrand] uses her book to tell the story of our emotional attachment to garments and deep connection to color and craft.”
— Home Design with Kevin Sharkey, marthastewart.com
“Legrand …writes with enthusiasm about the history of this shade and its evolution.”
— Women's Wear Daily
“A sumptuous new book.”
— House Beautiful
“Diverse images of people at work convey the enormous range of conditions in which indigo dyeing takes place.”
— Surface Design Journal
“A visual feast of 550 images offers textile details, proud locals wearing their garments, and process shots illustrating how the dyeing is done.”
— Shuttle, Spindle & Dyepot
“This sumptuous book can be appreciated on all levels: a history of the production and trade of dyes and textiles; an anthropology of textile production; and a stunning visual catalog of the international production of cloth colored with the blue dye, indigotin.”
— The Art Blog
“[Julie Halls] does a lovely job investigating the social and cultural back stories that led to the design of an Improved Pickle Fork and a Bona Fide Ventilating Hat, to name just a few, revealing the Victorians to be not just ingenious but wildly insecure about their social status, their bodies and their safety.”
— The New York Times
“Many of the contraptions may seem silly today, such as a current-cleaning machine or a 'portable smelting apparatus' that would allow you to meld metal on the run. Still, notes Ms. Halls, the devices vividly illustrate the era's rising consumer demand and fascination with innovation and practical science.”
— The Wall Street Journal
“A gorgeous compendium of crackpot ideas, reminding us that design is a Darwinian struggle—only the fittest inventions survive.”
— Fast Co.Design
“Shows us that we were always obsessed with technological innovations that promised to make our lives better.”
— Fast Co.Create
“While no single gadget in [this] books changed life as we know it, collectively they shaped an outlook on innovation that exists even today.”
— Smithsonian.com
“A remarkable collection of design drawings for inventions long forgotten.”
— The Miami Herald
“Covering everything from home and garden to sport and safety, these misfit inventions tell as story that grew curiouser and curiouser. This is the perfect book for your quirky uncle who spends too much time tinkering in the basement.”
— The Washington Post
“Whether or not all the inventions stood the test of time doesn't matter so much; the culture of amateur inventing as a whole can be credited for creating an environment that encouraged tinkering, discovery, and therefore progress.”
— Wired.com
“Sometimes an idea isn't as wonderful or useful as its inventor thinks. Halls takes you on an illustrated tour of some of the most unique and unusual inventions registered in Britain in the 19th century.”
— New York Public Library
“Looks at the forgotten side of the Victorian age of invention—not the steam engine or the light bulb but the Improved Sausage Machine, the Epanalepsian Advertizing Vehicle, and the Moustache Protector…And everywhere, there's the firm belief in social progress through technological innovation.”
— Quartz
“More than just a fun and beautifully printed collection of odd and curious patents. The author's knowledgeable commentary gives an interesting cultural account of the demands for, and uses of, these Victorian-era gadgets…Highly recommended.”
— Choice
“A rich collection.”
— Islamic Horizons
“An exemplary and detailed practitioner account of Islamic pattern design…the lush photographic images are accompanied by visualized formal analysis that gives the patterns conceptual depth…Highly recommended.”
— Choice
“An extremely effective and thorough work on the geometric designs found throughout Islamic art and architecture and the process by which these designs were created…Well written, well-thought-out, and extremely well-illustrated. Enthusiastically recommended.”
— Library Journal
“This visually stunning look conveys the beauty and complexity of Islamic patterns …”
— Saudi Aramco World
“A hybrid of coffee-table, informational, and how-to book.”
— Protoview
“Uniquely comprehensive…Clearly written so that a total understanding of the material is possible for specialist and novice alike.”
— American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences