This book brings together embroidered images from the world around us: symbolic objects and figurative scenes from everyday life, narratives and dreams. A personal selection of 23 pieces made by embroiderers from the past, present and a variety of cultures reflects differences in approach to the images and messages conveyed, colour and composition and the use of stitch. An historical example such as the Bayeux Tapestry is included along with contemporary work by Audrey Walker, a 17th-century binding for the New Testament is followed by a modern example of stympwork. Embroideries from Peru, Japan and Bangladesh counterpoint pieces by individual contemporary artists from Britain, France and the USA, among them Beryl Dean, Nicola Henley, Lucienne Lanski, Salley Mavor, D.R. Wagner and Audrey Walker. As well as photographs, stitch diagrams and notes on materials, there are research drawings and eight stitch samples worked to explore how stitches have been used to draw, create tone and mix colour.