American Quilts: The Smithsonian Treasury

From the front flap of this 96 page book: "The quilt, one of the most popular forms of American folk art, combines practicality with artistic expression and often reflects social concerns, family milestones, and patriotic fervor. The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History has an extraordinary collection of more than three hundred quilts, many of which have never been seen on public exhibition. In this book, Doris M. Bowman presents more than sixty quilts from this marvelous collection. Included are examples of many of the materials and techniques used by American quilters from the middle of the eighteenth century through the early twentieth century, as well as many of the types of quilts that were made. Enlarged details make it possible to appreciate the fine stitches and ingenuity used in the creation of many of these exquisite pieces. Included is a quilt top made by Martha Washington, a Double Irish Chain quilt made from more than ten thousand squares, a Rising Sun quilt, two distinctive Amish quilts, the magnificent Russellville Fair quilt, examples of album quilts, and much more.