Cotton

This book explores the fascinating history and present-day practices associated with cotton. This is a story of commercial and cultural enterprise, of war between East and West, of technological and industrial revolution, social modernization, colonialism and slavery. Although it prevails as one of the most significant mass commodities today, cotton has a tarnished history and reputation, even as cotton clothes have become the mark of modern industrialized society and cotton textiles and artifacts are part of a vibrant craft tradition in many parts of the world. This book explores the history, impact, and ongoing life of this hugely influential textile.

Beverly Lemire is Professor and Henry Marshall Tory Chair at the Department of History and Classics and the Department of Human Ecology at the University of Alberta.