'A compelling literary journey through the social history of wool in the British Isles' Karen Lloyd, author of The Gathering Tide Travel the length of the British Isles with Esther Rutter, as she tells the story of wool's long and tangled history here Esther Rutter grew up on a sheep farm in Suffolk, and learned to spin, weave and knit as a child. Here she unearths fascinating histories of communities whose lives were shaped by wool, from the mill workers of the Border countries, to the English market towns built on profits of the wool trade, and the Highland communities cleared for sheep farming; and finds tradition and innovation intermingling in today's knitwear industries. Along the way, she explores wool's rich culture by knitting and crafting culturally significant garments from our history - whether gloves, a scarf, a baby blanket, socks or a fisherman's jumper - reminding us of the value of craft and our intimate relationship with wool. This Golden Fleece is at once a celebration on the craft and history of knitting, and a fascinating exploration of wool's influence on our landscape, history and culture. 'You don't have to be a knitter to enjoy this wondrous book, although as one, I did smile through most of its pages' BBC Countryfile 'The history of plain, purl and intarsia is woven together by Esther Rutter, whose own skill with needles, learned from practical experience, attests that this ancient craft is nothing less than a wonder of civilization. Beautifully written too' Janice Galloway, author of This Is Not About Me

A history of Britain's long love affair with wool, told through a year of knitting garments from around the British Isles.

About the Author
Esther Rutter studied English at Oxford University's Magdalen College, where she held an academic scholarship. She has worked at the Wordsworth Trust and at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, and is currently Writer in Residence at the University of St Andrews. Growing up on a sheep farm in Suffolk - where as child she learned to spin, weave and knit - she retains an affection for all things woolly. She lives in Fife. You can follow her knitting adventures on Instagram @thisgoldenfleece and Twitter @thisgoldfleece.

Reviews
A compelling literary journey through the social history of wool in the British Isles -- Karen Lloyd, author of * The Gathering Tide *
This is a book about wool and sheep, the making of Scotland, England and farming, textile manufacture, folk-lore and, crucially, the essential craft of knitting. The plying of wool had been a vital survival skill for over two millennia in Britain before the Romans showed up (bringing their own sheep with them, just in case) making this domestic skill a founding piece of 'civilisation'. From fairy tales to debate regarding national identity, from the year dot to the tragedy of the Scottish Clearances and beyond, the history of plain, purl and intarsia is woven together by Esther Rutter, whose own skill with needles, learned from practical experience, attests that this ancient craft is nothing less than a wonder of civilization. Beautifully written too -- Janice Galloway, author of * This Is Not About Me *
I love the sound of this * Bookseller *
Esther Rutter unravels the social history and allure of knitting, from Fair Isle to Cornwall via the Hebrides [...] in her fascinating book * Stornoway Gazette *



Book Information
ISBN 9781783784363
Author Esther Rutter
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Granta Books
Publisher Granta Books
Weight(grams) 308g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 21mm