The Quilt Encyclopediaby Carter HouckThe Quilt Encyclopedia is a lush art book with premium paper, printing,photography and content. 8 1/2 x 11, 145 pages, 266 illustrations, 200full color photos. Published by Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Forward by RobertBishop and Elizabeth Warren, Copyright Museum of American Folk Art,isbn 0-8109, 1457-4.Although this volume qualifies as a coffee table/art book, it is so muchmore than that. Carter Houck needs no introduction, she is known to thequilt world and the art world alike. She knows everything and writes likea dream with no pretense or self serving. What can I say, the book is justplain beautiful. A joy to have, hold and savor in small doses or large gulps.It contains excellent information on every quilting topic under the sun,with illustrations and photography: pithy but comprehensive and just enoughto whet your appetite if the subject matter needs more in depth plumbing for your particular purposes.There is nothing cute or trendy about this book, it is a reference book forserious quilters and collectors. It has stood the test of time being a decade old, but its age does not show. It is, of course, pre longarm quilting and some of the gadgets and videos so prevalent today.If you are committed to quilting and/or collecting this book is a must have.Catherine Smith6/1/10