The story of how the humble bed cover has become part of the popular American cultural identity is a fascinating one. The tradition arrived on American shores with the early British settlers and in a very short time, disparate ethnic groups had adopted quiltmaking as their primary form of bedding for everyday use and special occasions. Quilts - A Beautiful History features over 120 unique quilt designs and spans almost two centuries of quiltmaking. The wide range of designs presented in this exquisite book is a tribute to the inventiveness and expertise of the American women who have been responsible for this extraordinarily vibrant textile tradition.