A History of Hand Knitting is promoted as the only history of hand knitting. While there are other books addressing the history of knitting in specific regions, the history of specific knitting techniques, and smidgens of the history of the craft here and there, Rutt can claim the most comprehensive work on the subject. Originally published in 1987, A History of Hand Knitting has proved to be a classic and definitive title in the history of textiles and techniques.

Knitting Out Loud, a company developing audio books for knitters to listen to while busy with their needles (see my review of Knitting Memories) chose to take Rutt’s work to their audience. In doing so, drastic abridgments were needed in order to make the title accessible to listeners in terms of cost. Due to the vast amount of knowledge contained in Rutt’s volume, the unabridged work would have consisted of seven to eight CDs as opposed to the four -- running 4 hours and 52 minutes -- that make up the abridgment. Never fear, A History of Hand Knitting on CD provides a wealth of trivia for curious knitters to tuck away for the next meeting of their knitting club.

Rutt provides not only a history of hand knitting, but a history of the history of hand knitting as well. During the opening of the audio book he thoroughly examines various contributions to knitting history, their degree of reliability, and the extent of their accuracy. Throughout the recording he continues to sprinkle in the names and works of other contributors to the history of hand knitting as he describes knitting developments in their region or time period.

During his initial examination of the history of knitting he examines various possibilities concerning the origin of knitting in both time and place. He then goes on to describe possible routes for knitting techniques to spread, and compares the differences between techniques that are used in various regions. Most delightful are the detailed descriptions of knitted garments, presented like snapshots representing the techniques, styles, construction, and colours of a country or region at a specific time. It's everything you ever wanted to know about vintage, hand-knit stockings in the British Isles, but were afraid to ask.

Rutt’s research is not limited to stockings however. Hats, jerseys, jumpers, shawls, gloves, and others all make an appearance - each described with precision. Strangely, my husband was fascinated by the impeccable detail devoted to these little known treasures. Or perhaps, it is not so odd after all. Richard Rutt has devoted much of his life to ferreting out these ancient garments; the fascination with knitting history is clearly felt by both genders. He does not limit himself to the usual suspects when piecing together the history of knitting, but also examines appearances of knitting throughout literature and art, speaking to the plausibility of the descriptions given.

While the vast majority of the hand-knitting history presented originates from the United Kingdom, information for other countries is provided, though these sections are much briefer than those pertaining to the UK. This is understandable - Rutt is an English native. Scandinavian, Continental, South American, African, American, Eastern European, and other knitting traditions are all touched upon, if only briefly. I found some of the most delightful portions to be those dealing with the history of Fair Isle knitting techniques and the history of multi-coloured knitting, but these will vary according to each listener's interests.