This history of lace and lacemaking was first published in 1908. It describes the development of lace from an early embroidery technique to its main branches in needle lace and bobbin lace. The author produces evidence that needle laces were being made at a much earlier date than is commonly thought. She supports her statements with references to early documents and even frescos showing examples of cutwork and needlepoint fillings. She gives the history of each lace with their major centre of production,and traces the influence of contemporary art and design on the development of lace and the distinctive characteristics of various hand and machine made laces. In the chapter devoted to English laces the author deals with lesser known areas of lacemaking, such as Sherborne, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. The book is a companion for both the collector and the lacemaker.