NZ-wide Delivery | Pick Ups 10-2pm Today

💕 Romance Sale | Shop Now

Women's Work

The First 20,000 Years
4.31 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 2,442 ratings, 360 reviews)
Brief Description
Twenty thousand years ago, women were making and wearing clothing created from spun fibres. In Women's Work, archaeologist-linguist Elizabeth Wayland Barber "weaves the strands of mythology and literature, ethnology and documented history into a rich tapestry" (John Noble Wilford, New York Times Book Review), illuminating the... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3599
OVERNIGHT DELIVERY

Found a better price? Request a price match

Women's Work

The 30th-anniversary edition of a historical account, called “brilliantly original” by Katha Pollitt (The Washington Post Book World), that reframed our understanding of women’s lives in early societies

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Twenty thousand years ago, women were making and wearing clothing created from spun fibres. In Women's Work, archaeologist-linguist Elizabeth Wayland Barber "weaves the strands of mythology and literature, ethnology and documented history into a rich tapestry" (John Noble Wilford, New York Times Book Review), illuminating the vital role women held in preindustrial societies.

With a distinctive and innovative approach to ancient remains, Barber examines ancient textiles from Stone Age string skirts and ancient Egyptian sleeved tunics to intricate Neolithic Swiss linens and colourfully patterned Minoan dresses. She offers us captivating glimpses into the daily lives of women through the cloth they made and wore.

"A fascinating history and prehistory of the making of textiles, a craft, exclusive to women (including queens and goddesses), that preceded and made possible civilisation itself." - New York Times Book Review

"Fortunately, this most distinctive of female occupations has a sympathetic and authoritative chronicler in Elizabeth Wayland Barber." - Mary R. Lefkowitz, New York Review of Books

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781324076025

Publisher: WW Norton & Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 August 2024

Country: United States

Imprint: WW Norton & Co

Illustration: 71 illustrations, 5 maps

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 211.0mm

Weight: 305g

Pages: 384

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)

About the Author

Elizabeth Wayland Barber has authored Prehistoric Textiles, The Mummies of Ürümchi, and The Dancing Goddesses, among other works. Professor emerita of archaeology and linguistics at Occidental College, she now lives in Utah.

More from Science & Nature

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent specialist on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our cozy 200m2 warehouse in Auckland holds over 10,000 books in-stock so you're not waiting for books to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Pick Ups

Auckland Pick Ups

We're an online-only store but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

Reviews from our customers