Animals have been popular subjects for needlework throughout the ages and this book has examples that show animals in detail on the original needlework pieces. The author explains their pattern sources and then goes on to discuss the materials and techniques used so that modern embroiderers can recreate or adapt them. The book describes their role through the different embroidery fashions and includes many drawings, charts and ideas for incorporating animals into embroideries - plus many patterns from 16th- and 17th-century embroideries, medieval bestiaries and pattern books. For every era, there is a new embroidery stitched by Sarah Don, with detailed description of stitches and materials used.