Dawn DevineThe Cloth of Egypt: All About Assiut: Assuit - Asyut - Tulle Bi Telli

The author's knowledge and research is clearly laid out in this book. Whether you are a sewist, a fashion historian or a dancer looking for costume ideas there is something for you in the book. I was fascinated by the in-depth description of the fabric, stitches, and the precursors to assiut. I would say that about half the book covers history, cultural associations, and a discussion of the types of motifs in the fabric. The balance of the book is an idea gallery for costumers with explorations of care/mending, draping, sewing, etc. I look forward to looking at the extensive bibliography in more detail. I found the book well worth the price (as another review notes only the cover is in color). Thank you Davina for sharing this information so clearly and beautifully!

There is so much myth, wish-story & disinformation about this fascinating art /fabric/ adornment that it was more than about time for somebody to "clean house" (but NOT using that fab fabric!), banish the b.s. & tell the more satisfying truth about "tulle bi telli". Dawn has done it again!! This book is a “must have”. The illustrations are from many sources, varied & top rate, many discovered in places one would least expect. The information is well-researched & delivered with the love & appreciation the author has for the subject. Can’t beat that combination. I bought 2 copies - one for me & one for a very lucky friend...I'veI already added "The Cloth of Egypt to my extensive library of MENAT-related books, articles, papers, etc. & I happily recommend you do likewise...

Book is clearly written, great pictures, and has good detail about how to craft your own.

If you are fascinated by the beautiful assiut cloth of Egypt, this is as good a book about it as you'll find. It is clear that Davina has worked very hard, and done very deep research, to provide correct history of the cloth and of it's impact on the western world of the late 1800's to about 1930, and on to the current era. She also includes a great deal on costuming for the belly dancer. I wish we'd had this book back in the 1970's and '80's! The book is filled with not only history and interesting facts about the cloth, but pictures and photos of many, many different dresses and shawls, showing different patterns on the assiut cloth, and different ways of wearing it. Excellent job, Davina! We're indebted to you! - Sahndra

Everything I ever wanted to know about this lovely cloth. I bought a shawl years ago in a thrift shop and it took me till now to find out all about it! The author is well-versed, and her writing is excellent--especially as to grammar and punctuation, which (I hate to say it) is rare these days.

Thanks to all the reviewers who had such great things to say about this book. As a novice dancer (I have yet to take a formal class) and someone who loves exotic fabric, this book is exactly what I needed. I appreciate the cultural information and the beautiful visuals of the dancers of all sizes, shapes, colors, ages. It is a treasure of a reference manual. I will recommend it to my fellow djembe/dance friends.

While the book was rich with information and content, I was disappointed that only the cover is in color. Especially for the price of $35. My intention in buying the book was as a resource to my students. Unfortunately, the book did not convey the beauty of the Assuit.

lovely, exceptionally well researched book about Assuit and numerous fine photographs throughout the book help to clearly illustrate what the author is describing.