WOOL GATHERING: Sheep Raising in Old New England

by Elizabeth Gemming ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 27, 1979

How sheep were raised and wool was made into cloth in early New England, as distinguished from Eiseman's description of how it might be done by ""you"" today (above). Gemming's introduction is a more utilitarian, school-report-oriented introduction, with a chapter on ""What Is Wool?"" and a history of sheep-raising from prehistoric and Roman days up to the arrival in America of the superior Merino--and later, ""for better or worse,"" of mill towns and modern industry. Gemming begins invitingly with contemporary descriptions of shearing festivals, includes some attention-catching observations (""A spinner could easily walk the equivalent of 20 miles in a day while making [her] six twisted skeins of yarn. . .""), ends with a nod of respect and regret for the old ways, and appends tips on making a muffler--a gimmick that fits less well here than Eiseman's poncho does in her book. Still, respectable and easy-going overall. Illustrated with photos from Old Sturbridge Village, plus old prints, paintings, and folk art objects.

Pub Date: Sept. 27, 1979

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Coward, McCann & Geoghegan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1979

Categories: NONFICTION