Oriental Rugs: An Illustrated Lexicon of Motifs, Materials, and Origins Hardcover – November 19, 2013

Generously illustrated compendium of information about the production, design, geography, and history of tapestry, primarily in the middle and far east. A few entries are brief; most are quite detailed and well-illustrated. It is likely the life's work of the author, a devoted and diligent amateur collector, at one time president of the Chicago Oriental Rug Society. Stone has published several volumes on rug repair and maintenance and structure and design of tapestries from a wide range of countries. I also recommend the author's "Tribal & Village Rugs: The Definitive Guide to Design, Pattern & Motif" which provides a detailed analysis of the designs of carpets. Filled with photos and extensive color diagrams illustrating details of every aspect of traditional carpet design "Tribal & Village Rugs" is an excellent source for collectors and designers. These two volumes are gems.

I own a lot of rug books, and several of Peter Stone's past works. This is a culmination of past research, and is packaged in a way that any rug enthusiast, whether a novice or an expert, can expand their knowledge of textiles. The photos are amazing, and the layout of the different areas of focus truly make this an easy-to-use, and fun-to-use, reference book. This will now be at the top of my list to those clients of mine (rug cleaners and rug owners) as a book they must own, and I absolutely love that there is a Kindle version (finally!) of a great rug book. I truly appreciate Mr. Stone's contributions to our industry, and especially this newest contribution.

The book is very well researched, but presents as a dictionary of Persian rug terminology in alphabetical order. I would have purchased a different book if I were looking comparatively at books in a bookstore or library. My error. The book arrived damaged.

Great gift for granddaughter. She sells handmade rugs.

Very good and detailed information. A great history.

I give this beautiful book only three Stars hoping to call the attention of potential buyers to the word LEXICON in the full title. This book is a DICTIONARY and not to my mind suitable as an instructive text (unless you wish to learn by proceeding A to Z). I overlooked LEXICON in the full title. The illustrations are beautiful, but the full page ones are not identified underneath or on an adjacent page. The type font used is very fine and not easy to read against the heavy stock semi glossy paper. . .a bolder, darker font would have been a better choice, and there is plenty of room to have done so. When a word is looked up, the information given is very complete and well illustrated. A good reference work, but not suitable for those looking for an overview of the subject organized by region, time line or motif.

I made sure to pick this reference book up as soon as it became available. This Motif book and his Lexicon are my go-to reference books. I will continue to recommend Peter F. Stone's books to anyone who asks where to start building their reference library.

I think it will take a lifetime to learn all there is to know about rugs. I am just starting and this book is very interesting