Author Dorothy Wood follows the history of cross stitch throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and then amasses 150 highly original, decorative projects. Beginning with the rich motifs of the Celtic and Medieval eras, the book then moves on to the more formal cross stitch styles reminiscent of Victorian England. In the Folk Art section the simple patterns of the Shakers are juxtaposed with the bright ethnic designs of South America, Eastern Europe and Asia, while the Contemporary section highlights the bold modern motifs of the late twentieth century.