I was startled to discover that I had reached the end of the book. Rutt provides few closing remarks, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions and to draw all of the information they have learned into a cohesive whole. The book would benefit greatly from a chapter summarizing and weaving together the various traditions and techniques employed within knitting in human history, perhaps with some commentary from the author.
A History of Hand Knitting will provide knitting aficionados with a broad, deep repertoire of snippets from history. These can then be inserted into conversations with knitting friends creating a sense of awe at the savvy listeners' historical prowess. Knitters however, are not the only interest group this title will appeal to. Historical re-enactors (such as those involved in the Society for Creative Anachronism or other groups) can indulge while stirring a pot of natural dye-stuffs. They will learn which colours of dye are authentic, which techniques, styles, and patterns should be employed in the clothing they garb themselves in. Indeed, anyone with an interest in the history of textiles and clothing, costume designers, writers of historical fiction, and those involved in other textile arts such as spinning and weaving will all find this a valuable addition to their listening libraries.
For a full listing of available knitting audio books, please visit Knitting Out Loud. Audio books are available for purchase on CD at Knitting Out Loud, Amazon.com, Interweave Press, and are available by download at Audible.com.
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