Author: Dorothy Armstrong
Subtitle: A History of the World in Twelve Carpets
Publication Date: February 27, 2025 (UK); April 1, 2025 (US)
Length: 368 pages
Genre: Nonfiction, History, Art, Textile Studies

Threads of Empire: A History of the World in Twelve Carpets is a spellbinding exploration of global history through the lens of twelve extraordinary carpets. Carpet specialist Dorothy Armstrong traces the journey of these textiles across centuries and continents, revealing how they became symbols of power, spirituality, and status for emperors, shahs, sultans, samurai, and the world’s elite. Yet, these luxurious objects were crafted by poor, often illiterate weavers, using simple materials and ancient techniques—hedgerow plants for dyes, animal fibers, and age-old weaving skills