This volume is a showcase for one of America's finest art forms. The collection of quilts featured here was started by Douglas Tompkins, co-founder of the multinational clothing company, "Esprit". Between 1870 and 1950, Amish women created abstract geometric arrangements of solid-coloured fabrics, works of remarkable purity, vitality and power. This particularly American form of expression is recognized as sharing the same aesthetic achievement as painting and sculpture.