Wool

The story of wool's far-reaching influence in the United States over the past 400 years, though text and over 100 photographs



Keeping people warm for four centuries, wool has been an essential commodity from colonial times to the present. Wool's colorful and surprisingly epic tale has impacted millions of lives in the U.S., from immigrants, slaves, and Native Americans, to farmers and advertisers.



Author and wool weaver Peggy Hart reveals little-known but fascinating facts about the history of wool, and the sheep that have provided it, in the U.S.-for example, how huge flocks of sheep were driven to the California gold fields to feed hungry miners, why sheep grazed on the White House lawn during World War I, and more.



Moving from the realms of handcrafted artisanry to industrialization and back, Wool is a story of technological and social change, marketing forces, and above all, consumer choices. Wool is a must-read for anyone interested in offeat U.S. history, wool as a material and wool production, general crafting and fiber arts, and those who wonder about the stories and history behind their warm wool socks or sweaters.