Textile expert Meller is a tireless collector of these "superfluous necessities," which she presents in five main groupings: floral, geometric, conversational, ethnic, art movements and period styles. The result is a useful - indeed unparalleled - and visually various survey that conveys the profusion and interest of these designs. At last, it seems, calicoes and chintzes, so long treated as the poor relations of their silk and damask aristocratic betters, are receiving their just due...this volume (a physical joy to both hold and to behold) should prove a valuable resource for designers and collectors.