For over two centuries, stitching samplers provided the major form of education for young girls. What little knowledge of reading, arithmetic and geography they gained came from the discipline and long hours with the needle. Today we study and enjoy all forms of samplers for their beauty and charm. In this book, the trees, flowers, animals, people and houses, as well as the alphabets that were the samplers primary exercise, are authentically recreated in black line drawings. The introduction provides insight into the creation of samplers, as well as an often neglected part of our history, the education of women. This important book, originally published in 1996, has been revised and enlarged by the author and joins the distinguished list of International Design Library® titles listed on the inside back cover.