The story of how the humble bed cover has become part of the popular American cultural identity is a fascinating one. The tradition arrived on American shores with the early British settlers and in a very short time, various ethnic groups had adopted quilt making as their primary form of bedding for everyday use as well as special occasions. Quilts: A Beautiful History features over 120 unique quilt designs and spans almost two centuries o f quilt making. The wide range of designs presented in this exquisite book is a tribute to the inventiveness and expertise of the American women who have been responsible for this extraordinarily vibrant textile tradition.