A rich, illustrated tour of silk—from the insect world to the loom and the gallery. Explore the science, history, and manufacture of silk as showcased at a major 1887 exhibition, with focus on entomology, colonial collection, and reel­ing technology.

This nonfiction volume surveys the silk-producing insects of the world, the cocoon and thread-making process, and the many fabrics and techniques tied to silk. It blends natural history with practical detail, including descriptions of cocoons, reeling machines, and textile exhibits drawn from Indian and European collections.

• Learn how silkworms produce silk and how different species create distinct fibers and patterns.


• See examples of cocoons, moths, and larval stages, with notes on their growth and food plants.


• Discover historical reeling methods and the machines used to transform cocoons into thread.


• Experience the scope of silk exhibits, from raw silk to dyed fabrics and early textile art.

Ideal for readers of natural history, textile history, and cultural heritage who want a concise, image-rich window into silk’s world.

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