Book excerpt: Flemish ranks the most luxurious tapestry among and skillful textile traditions in the world. At the height of their popularity, these sumptuous decorative panels were in overwhelming demand from wealthy and royal patrons for whom the tapestries represented the height of luxury and prestige. This lush volume is the first to provide a comprehensive overview of Flemish tapestry history, spanning the 15th century to shortly before the French Revolution. Guy Delmarcel, a Belgian expert in Flemish textiles, covers every aspect of the design and production of these treasures. The wealth of illustrations includes famous and never-before-published tapestries and many close-up details, as well as a number of complete sets of tapestry panels. An impeccably researched reference work that will be of enormous value to tapestry collectors, dealers, and scholars, this gorgeous, volume will also provide hours upon hours of browsing pleasure for art lovers.