PLANT BIBLIOGRAPHY

NumberS

DYES FROM PLANTS:

AN ANNOTATED LIST OF REFERENCES
Thomas A. Zanoni Eileen K. Schofield
Jardin Botanico Nacional Agricultural Experiment Station
Santo Domingo Kansas State University
Domincan Republic Manhattan, KS 66506

The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries, Inc. ~

The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York 10458 CO
The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries, Inc.
Plant Bibliography Series

#1. McKiernan, Gerard (1978)

Desert gardening: Desert plants and their
cultivation, an annotated bibliography $2.50

#2. Schwartz, Diane (1978)

Vegetable cookery: A selected annotated
bibliography. 2.50

#3. Schwartz, Diane (1978)

Edible wild plants: An annotated list of references. 1.50

#4. Schofield, Eileen K. (1983)

Botanical crafts: An annotated list of references. 3.25

Cover Note:
Crocus sativus L.
Cover drawing by Bobbi Angell, Staff Artist, The New York Botanical Garden.

Editor:
Charles R. Long
The New York Botanical Garden
Bronx, New York 10458

Correspondence regarding submission of manuscripts for publication may be

addressed to the Editor. For ordering copies and requesting a complete list of
available bibliographies, please write to The Council on Botanical ancl Horticultural
Libraries, The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York 10458.

Copyright © 1983 by The Council on Botanical ancl Horticultural Libraries, Inc.

 DYES FROM PLANTS:

AN ANNOTATED LIST OF REFERENCES

Thomas A. Zanoni and Eileen K. Schofield

Jardin Botanico Nacional Agricultural Experiment Station
Santo Domingo Kansas State University
Dominican Republic Manhattan, KS 66506

INTRODUCTION

The use of dyes from plants has a long history. Evidence of naturally
dyed materials dates back to the Egyptians and Phoenicians. Good
techniques for dyeing were developed by the Greeks and Romans. Early
trade routes introduced new plant dyes from India, Turkey and the Orient.

By the 10th century, the dye craft was flourishing allover Europe.
Dyestuffs were important items of commerce and dyers' guilds were estab-
lished to maintain high standards of work. The popularity of natural
dyeing continued to spread for several centuries. An Italian book
published in 1540 contained over 200 dye recipes!

In the New World, explorers noticed native Americans using many plants
as sources of dyes. Colonists brought with them seeds of favorite dye
plants, but they were soon experimenting with local materials.

Natural dyes were used universally until the 1800's when the first
synthetic, aniline dyes were manufactured. These soon replaced nearly
all natural dyes for conunercial use, although plants were still used
by artists and craftsmen. The recent back-to-nature movement and renewed
interest in crafts has focused attention again on plant dyes.

It is interesting that several sources of ancient dyes are still available

to modern workers. Note the similar species names of the plants, a clue
that they are dye-plants.

Indigo, derived from lndigofera gn_Ci'_oria (Fabaceae) was first used in India
and later exported to Europe. Although it was difficult to process, indigo
was prized for its deep, bright blue color. Spaniards introduced the plant
to the New World and colonists brought i t to South Carolina. Wild indigo
plants can be found there still, remnants of an early export business.
Complex woven designs of indigo blue and white were popular throughout
colonial America. Indigo was the first dye to be reproduced synthetically
and now serves as tlle coloring agent for blue jeans.

Madder, from the roots of !~1}biC! _~~_~_~_~_~?T~!.~ CRubiaceae) was an important red
dye. Its exact ori.gi.n is unknown, but it t.J8S popular in India and L":lter
Greece and Rome. A particularly bright shade, called Turkey Red, was

1
 common in ancient Oriental carpets but its formula was a closely guarded
secret. Depending on the mordant, madder can yield colors of red, purple,
orange, brown or even yellow.

The safflower, Carthamnus tinctorius (Asteraceae), better known to us as a

source of oil, also yields dye. This native of the East Indies was cultivated
and used in Egypt (to dye linen) and China (for silk). The florets produce a
bright yellow color similar to the more expensive saffron. If processed
differently, safflower colors range from pink and orange to red.

The prized color of purple, often associated with royalty, was derived
primarily from a lichen, Roccella tinctoria. The use of orchil started in
the Mediterranean area where the plants grew, but quickly spread through
Europe. Related species of Roccella have been collected for dyes in the
New World. A small industry thrived in the Galapagos Islands until synthetic
dyes replaced the natural sources.

Preparing dyes from plants is a craft in which experimentation often leads

to failure. A beginner should read some general information on collecting
and processing appropriate plants and then follow recipes from a book.
After gaining experience, a dyer can specialize in certain plants (lichens
offer many color possibilities) or in modifying recipes to achieve new
colors.

We have included books, magazine and journal articles that should be

available in bookstores or libraries. Most of the books provide some
background information and history, as well as specific instructions.
The articles tend to deal '''ith more limited subjects, such as details for
using one dye plant.

We are grateful to the staffs of the libraries at New York Botanical Garden
and Kansas State University for their help in providing references.

2
Adrosko, Rita J. 1971. Natural Dyes and Home Dyeing. New.York, Dover
Publica tions. 154 p. $2.25, pap.
This book starts with a good history of natural dyes. There are
general instructions and recipes for using leaves, bark, flowers and
lichens. The bibliography includes a section of dye books printed
before 1870. There are a few black and white illustrations and
full color endpapers that show dye colors.

Bearfoot, Will. 1975. Mother Nature's Dyes & Fibers. Willits, CA,
Oliver Press. 152 p. $3.95, pap.
Discussion covers native American fibers, stains and paints,
preparation of dyes and mordants. The section on dye plants is
arranged alphabetically by common name. There is a line dralving
of each plant with explicit directions for use in dyeing.

Bemiss, Elijah. 1973. The Dyer's Companion. New York, Dover Publications.
310 p. $3.50, pap.
This reprint of an early 1800's manual provides over 100 recipes for
natural dyes. An experienced dyer would enjoy experimenting with
these old methods. An introduction and additional information have
been added to bring the text up to date.

Bliss, Anne. 1976. Rocky Mountain Dye Plants. Boulder, Juniper House
(Box 2094, Boulder, CO 80306). 122p.
Printed in an unusual format on flip cards held together by three rings.
There is a general discussion of fibers, mordants, preparation of dyes,
how to predict dye colors, colorfastness and more. The plants are
divided into those of plains and those of foothills and mountains.
Within each section, they are listed by common names, one to a card,
with notes about the plant and its use in making dyes.

Bliss, Anne. 1978. Weeds, a Guide for Dyers and Herbalists. Boulder,
Juniper House (address above). 113 p. $5.00, pap.
Fifty weedy plants, listed by common name, are discussed and each is
illustrated by a pencil drawing. There are notes on collecting,
preparing dyes, and mordants to give various results.

Bliss, Anne. 1980. North American Dye Plants. New York, Charles Scribner's
Sons. 288 p. $5.95, pap.
This pocketsize guide is based on the author's earlier book on Rocky
Mountain plants and covers 126 species of wider distribution. A short
introduction reviews collecting, methods and mordants. The catalog
of plants is arranged in alphabetical order by common name, but the
Latin name is given also. The brief descriptions are followed by
a list of colors achieved with different mordants. Each plant is
illustrated by a line drawing, some lacking in detail.

Bliss, Anne. 1981. A Handbook of Dyes from Natural Materials. New York,
Charles Scribner's Sons. 180 p. $14.95.
While this author's previous books concentrated on identific.ation of
dye plants, this volume deals mainly with techniques. There is a

3
 short history of dyeing, general discussion of dyes, equipment,
mordants and methods, including record keeping. Much of the book
presents individual dyers from around the country with notes on
their special techniques and a few of their favorite plant recipes.
An appendix lists suppliers of dyestuffs and fibers. Black and
white and a few color photographs illustrate methods and finished
products.

Bolton, Eileen. 1960. Lichens for Vegetable Dyeing. Newton Centre,

MA, Charles T. Branford. 63 p. $6.95.
A brief history of lichen dyes is followed by notes on the
structure of lichens and how to collect them. Lichens are
divided into two groups, the orchils (purple colors) and
miscellaneous colors to be processed in boiling water. Details
are given for water and other methods of extraction. Color
photographs show yarn dyed with lichens and color paintings
illustrate the various lichens.

Brooks, Jeanne. 1974. Plants as Natural Dyes. Design 76: 14-16.

This short article features color photographs of dye plants,
but includes dye recipes for marigolds and lichens.

BUhler, A. 1948. Dyeing among Primitive Peoples. ClBA Rev. 68:

2478-2512.
An interesting account of the development of the craft of dyeing
among early cultures. Plants were the main sources of dyes and
still are for primitive tribes around the world. Many dye
processes and dye plants are discussed, with notes on problems
and some recipes. There are numerous black and white photographs
and line drawings.

Casselman, Karen Leigh. 1980. Craft of the Dyer: Colour from Plants
and Lichens of the Northeast. Toronto, University of Toronto
Press. 249 p. $30.00.
The first half of this book provides a glossary of dyeing terms,
lists of equipment, notes on plant collecting (in the city as
well as the country), an explanation of and instructions for
mordants, general dyeing procedures, how to dye with different
plant parts and how to teach dyeing in the classroom. The
second half is a list of dye plants, arranged alphabetically
by common name, followed by Latin name. The inclusion of drawings
in this section would have added much to the book. The only
illustrations are some good color plates of dyed yarn.

Conner, Berenice Gillette. 1975. Dyes from Your Garden. Miami, FL,
E.A. Seemann Publishing. 128 p. $7.95, pap.
The introduction includes short discussions of equipment and
methods of dyeing. Most of the book is devoted to dye recipes
for specific plants, arranged alphabetically by common name.
Some of the tropical plants mentioned are not available in
northern gardens, but might be grown as houseplants. There is
an index to plants by color groups and a few color plates

4
 showing dyed y'arns. Unfortunately, there are several errors
and inconsistencies in the Latin plant names.

Crowell, Carolyn and Majtenyi, Joan Z. 1973. Color from the Fields.
Chemistry 46: 14-17.
Discusses chemical structure of some dyes but emphasizes mordants.
A table of dye plants shows the colors achieved by different
mordants. There are notes on gathering plants and directions
for dyeing wool.

Davenport, Elsie G. 1981. Your Yarn Dyeing. Mountain View, MO,

Select Books. 127 p. $5.50, pap.
Originally published in England, this book has been reprinted
several times in the U.S. It discusses all aspects of preparing
dyes and dyeing various kinds of yarn. The last two chapters
list many wild and cultivated plants that yield dyes, with notes
on plant part and mordant to use. Some methods are illustrated
by line drawings, but there are none for the plants.

Dyer, Anne. 1976. Dyes from Natural Sources. Newton, MA, Charles T.
Branford. 88 p. $7.50, pap.
A short introduction to plant dyeing, including notes on
equipment needed, mordants and additives, methods of dyeing,
gathering and storing plants. Then there is a lengthy chapter
with notes on dye colors obtained by the author from a wide
variety of plant materials, including nut shells, coffee grounds,
herbs and spices, as well as the more familiar garden or wild
plants. Unfortunately, there are no illustrations.

Flynn, Emily. 1971. Make Your Own Dyes from Plants. Horticulture
49(9): 42-45.
A good discussion of mordanting agents and how they work.
There are directions for dyeing wool with recipes for dyes
from six plants. A list mentions numerous other dye plants
and which parts to use.

Gerber, Frederick H. 1978. The Investigative Method of Natural

Dyeing. Ormond Beach, Gerber Publications (P.O. Box 1355,
Ormond Beach, FL 32074). 74 p. $4.75, pap.
This book brings together a collection of articles from various
craft periodicals. Subjects include the use of certain plants
for dyeing: indigo, milkweed, pokeweed, cactus, oaks and lichens.
There is a discussion of dye plants of the southern U.S .. Finally,
there are more general instructions for dyeing procedures,
including an organized investigation of variations in dyes and
mordants. Several chapters are illustrated with black and white
photographs or line drawings.

Gerber, Fred and Gerber, Willi. 1971. Milkweed and Balduinea in the
Dyepot. Handweaver and Craftsman 22(3): 23-24, 40.
The authors' purpose is to acquaint the reader with dye plants
usually not mentioned in literature. There is a general discussion

5
 of the influence of mordants and type of dyepots. Detailed
instructions are given for making dyes '\vith common milkweed
(wide U.S. distribution) and balduinea (mostly along Gulf Coast).

Gerber, Fred and Gerber, Willi. 1972. Notes on Vegetable Dyeing.

Handweaver and Craftsman 23(3): 28-30, 32.
Part of a series discussing various dye plants. Featured here
are the prickly pear cactus and pokeberry. The source of dye
in both is the fruit. Complete instructions are given for
preparing dyes.

Grae, Ida. 1979. Nature's Colors: Dyes from Plants. New York,
MacMillan. 279 p. $8.95, pap.
A good discussion of all phases of natural dyeing. Included
are notes on collecting dye plants) dyeing methods, mordants
and recipes for dyeing with lichens and other plants.

Graff-Small, Sharon. 1979. Natural Dyes from Plants. Herb

Quarterly 1(3): 33-36.
General directions are provided for dyeing with different
plant parts. There are notes on preparing the dye bath and
the effects of mordants.

Green, Judy. 1975. Natural Dyes from Northwest Plants. McMinnville,

Robin and Russ Handweavers (533 N. Adams St., McMinnville, OR
97128). 95 p. $5.95, pap.
This well-organized book discusses equipment, record keeping,
preparation of wool, mordants and collecting dye plants. Dye
recipes are arranged alphabetically by plant common names and
most are illustrated by a line drawing. A chart groups the plants
by color. There is also a section of helpful "trade secrets. 1t
Several plants and yarns dyed with them are shown in the color
plates.

Horwood, A. R. 1928. Lichen Dyeing Today: The Revival of an Ancient

Industry. Sci. Progress 23: 279-283.
A brief review of the use of lichens for dyes, followed by
discussion of various processes to obtain different colors.
Emphasis is on methods in Scotland, where lichens were popular
for dyeing wools used in tartans and Harris tweeds.

Hurry, Jamieson B. 1930. The Woad Plant and Its Dye. London, Oxford
University Press. 328 p.
A complete discussion of the history of woad (a member of the
mustard family) for dye. It includes the cultivation of woad,
development of an industry and trade routes throughout Europe,
the woad plant in art and herbals and finally, the decline of
the industry.

Jacobs, Betty E. M. 1977. Growing Herbs and Plants for Dyeing.

Tarzana, CA, Select Books. 126 p. $6.95, pap.
The major part of this book gives advice on how to grow 30 plants,

6
 listed by common name. Each is illustrated by a line drm"ing
and there are notes on dye uses. A shorter section gives
directions for making and using plant dyes.

Kierstead, Sallie Pease. 1972. Natural Dyes. Boston, Branden Press.

104 p. $4.95.
A concise discussion of: plant dyes: collecting the nlants, how
to extract dyes, mordants, color fastness, and how to dye various
materials. There are chapters on ancient plant dyes and those
available today and lists of dyes by plant source and by color.
Some plants are illustrated by line drawings. Dye recipes are
not as exact as in other recent books.

Kok, Annette. 1966. A Short History of the Orchil lJyes. The

Lichenologist 3: 248-272.
This "short" history actually is quite detailed. It surveys
the use of purple dyes from lichens by ancient societies, with
many historical references. There is a discussion of various
methods for preparing the dyes and the ways in which they were
used.

Kramer, Jack. 1972. Natural Dyes. Plants & Processes. New York,
Charles Scribner's Sons. 141, p. $9.95.
1\n inclusive, although somewh,:lt superficial, discussion of plant
dyes, telling \"hen to gather plants, which parts to use and hm"
to prep,1re and use the dyes. There are also notes on prep::1ring
various fibers and materials. The section of dye recipes is
organized by plant name and color. Many plants are illustrated
with line dravlings. Charts shm" the colors obtained from
different plants and mordants, and there are numerous other
color or black and white photographs.

Krochm'::ll, Arnold and Krochmal, Connie. 1971,. 'I'be Complete Illustrated

Book of Dyes from Natural Sources. Garden City, NY, Doubleday
and Co. 272 p.
This book begins with a discussion of: the history of natural
dyes. Then there are chapters on methods, supplies and dyes to
make. The formulas are organized by color, then by type of plant.
Each dye plant is illustrated by a line dra"i.ng to aid in
identification and color plates show the dye results.

Krohn, Val Fri.eling. 1980. Hm,aLi Dye Plants and lJye Recipes.
Honolulu, University of Hm,aii Press. 136 p. $8.95, pap.
The introduction of this attractive book includes notes on
equipment, methods and mordants, as well as a short discussion
of traditional plant dyes of Ha"aii. The rest of the text
features details on identification and dye use of about 50
tropical plants, each illustrated by a graceful line dra"ing.
Since many of the plants are avail.able in home or greenhouse,
these recipes could be tried even in colder climates. A color
plate sho"s the subtle shades achieved by dyes from all the plants.

7
 LaRue, Jane J. 1977. Natural Dyeing with Plants in Michigan.
Michigan Bot. 16: 3-14.
Concentrates on dyeing wool with notes on preparation of the
wool and use of mordants. There are instructions for collecting
native and cultivated dye plants and making dyes from them.
The information is applicable to the eastern U.S.

Lathrop-Smit, Hermione. 1978. Natural Dyes. Toronto, James Lorimer

and Co. 72 p.
An attractive book, printed with large type and bold headings in
brown ink on off-white paper. General procedures, such as
equipment, preparation of materials, mordants and preparation
of dyebaths, are explained. Dye recipes are organized by color,
with plants listed alphabetically by common name within each
color section. Each is illustrated by a line drawing. An
appendix discusses dyeing with lichens. This is one of the
most readable of recent books on plant dyes.

Leechman, Douglas. 1943. Vegetable Dyes. Toronto, Oxford University

Press. 55 p.
Most of the book is devoted to dye recipes, arranged by plant
species, then by color. There is also a list of dye plants
organized by color and directions for handling wool and pre-
paring dye baths.

Leggett, William F. 1943a. Madder-Ancient and Medieval. Jour.

New York Bot. Gard. 44(520): 85-92; (521): 108-114.
A detailed history of madder, probably the most important
source of that most popular color: red. It was grown and
used by many societies, for centuries, to dye carpets and
clothing, including soldiers' uniforms ("redcoats"). A
description of the plant and the dye process is included.

Leggett, William F. 1943b. Indigo-The Medieval "Devil's Dye".

Jour. New York Bot. Gard. 44(526): 233-238.
This concise history traces the use of indigo from ancient
times to the sophisticated era of dyeing in Italy. Competition
with woad, another blue plant dye, led to efforts to discredit
indigo by calling it a' "devil's dye." The introduction of indigo
to the New World increased its popularity, which remained high
until synthetic dyes were invented.

Leggett, William F. 1944a. Woad-Once the "Universal" Dye of Western

Europe. Jour. New York Bot. Gard. 45(533): 114-118.
Woad was the popular blue dye in northern and western Europe
before the introduction of indigo. The plant and the processing
of dye from its leaves are described. Historical notes mention
Julius Caesar's discovery of the ancient Picts with bodies
painted blue. Woad was used in a more traditional manner to dye
clothing. By adding different mordants, a wide range of colors

8
 could be achieved, so woad became known as the "universal" dye.

Leggett, William F. 1944b. Vegetable Dyes of Ancient Usage. I.

Saffron for Yellow. Jour. New York Bot. Gard. 45(536): 182-184.
A short history of the use of saffron, including the political
intrigue that often surrounded its trade. Saffron had double
value as a dye and a flavoring/medicinal agent. The expense of
processing saffron led to a search for cheaper yellow dyes. A
full-page plate illustrates the crocus from which saffron is
derived.

Leggett, William F. 1944c. Vegetable Dyes of Ancient Usage. II.

Safflower, the False Saffron. Jour. Ne,,, York Bot. Gard. 45
(539): 256-257.
The safflower is described and illustrated in a photograph.
Use of safflower as a source of dye spread from Asia to Europe.
Various processes could yield shades of yellow, orange, pink or
red. It provided a cheaper alternative to saffron for yellow.

Leggett, William F. 1949. Lichens as Dye Plants. Jour. New York

Bot. Gard. 50(593): 107-110.
Although dyes from lichens can be used only on wool or silk,
they have a long history. The purple dyes called orchils were
particularly prized in Europe and later in the Americas, until
replaced by synthetic colors. Many other colors can be derived
from the lichens growing in northern climates, where they still
are popular dye plants.

Lesch, Alma. 1970. Vegetable Dyeing. 151 Color Recipes for Dyeing
Yarns and Fabrics with Natural Materials. New York, Watson-
Guptill. 146 p. $12.95.
This book concentrates on techniques and explicit recipes,
arranged by color. There is a chart correlating color and
plants, as well as notes on what plant parts to use and where
to collect them. About one third of the plants mentioned are
widely distributed in the U.S. Color photographs on the end-
papers show swatches of material dyed with many of the plants.

Lloyd, Joyce. 1971. Dyes from Plants of Australia and New Zealand.
Wellington, N.Z., A. H. & A. W. Reed. 48 p. $6.65.
Of general interest are the history of natural dyes, notes on
equipment, fabrics, mordants and directions for dyeing. There
are separate chapters on various dye plant groups, using Latin
names and common names and including illustrations. Many of
the native plants are unfamiliar, but garden flowers, vegetables
and SOme houseplants are included.

McGrath, Judy Waldner. 1977. Dyes from Lichens and Plants. New
York, Van Nostrand Reinhold. 144 p.
A book emphasizing lichen dyes, although other northern plants
are included. There are instructions for preparing fibers,
mordants and dyes. A list of dyes is arranged by color, then

9
 by plant name and plant part. Color illustrations show attractive
examples of dyed wools.

Mairet, Ethel M. 1939. Vegetable Dyes. New York, Chemical Publishing

Co. 68 p.
Originally published in England, where a second edition appeared
in 1952, this book features British plants. The directions for
mordants and dyes include some historical information. The dye
recipes are organized by color and mention the major plant sources.
Additional chapters give details for dyeing silk and cotton.
There is a useful glossary but, unfortunately, no illustrations.

Mustard, Frances E. 1977. Dyeing the Natural Way. Matteson, IL,

Greatlakes Living Press, Ltd. 170 p. $4.95, pap.
The bold headings and fairly large print make this book easy
to read. There are notes on basic procedures, such as choosing
equipment, fibers and preparing dyebaths. Details on conmlon
mordants and a list of dye plants to grow in the garden are
provided. Ii'inally, there are instructions for top-dyeing and
making things with natural dyed wool. Much of the book is a
catalog of plants, arranged alphabetically by common name
(follm,ed by Latin name) and illustrated by rather crude line
drawings. For each plant there is a recipe for making dye and
most of the colors are shown in the frontispiece.

Oakland, Amy. 1973. On Lichen Dyeing. Handweaver and Craftsman 24(2.):20.

After some general information on lichen dyes, this short article
focuses on orchils. There are good instructions for using these
lichens to dye wool. The author notes that lichens often impart
a pleasant fragrance to \vool and that they are reputed to make
the wool mothproof.

Pettit, Florence H. 1974. America's Indigo Blues. New York, Hastings

House. 251 p. $19.95.
An excellent history of indigo dye and its use in colonial
America. Indigo is without doubt the most significant plant
dye and studying its history tells the reader much about dyeing
in general. Black and "'hite or color photographs illustrate
the intricate textile designs achieved with indigo dye.

Panting, K. G. 1980. A Dictionary of Dyes and Dyeing. London,

Mills & Boon Ltd. 207 p.
A useful reference for anyone interested in dyeing. Entries
are arranged in alphabetical order and include dyes, mordants,
methods, people important to the history of dyeing and dye plants.
Scattered throughout is much informati.on on the history and use
of plants for dyeing, as well as some recipes.

Ratner, Barbara. 1983. Natural Dyeing in a Workshop Setting. Kansas

Wildflower Soc. Newsletter 5(1): 3-13.
A brief discussion of the basic techniques, including plant
collection, preparation of dye baths, mordants and how to dye

10
 wool. A table of dye plants is organized into eight eolor groups
and lists both wild and cultivated species, tIle plant part used
and the correct mordant.

Rice, Miriam C. 1980. How to Use Mushrooms for Color. Eureka, CA,
Mad River Press. 145 p. $8.10, pap.
An unusual source of dyes is explored in this book. There are
instructions for collecting and preparing mushrooms for dyeing.
Drawings aid in identifi.cation and color plates show the range
of shades available from mushrooms.

Robertson, Seonaid M. 1978. Dyes from Plants. New York, Van Nostrand
Reinhold. 144 p. $8.95, pap.
A complete discussion of dyes, inchlding preparation of fibers,
equipment, mordants and detailed dye recipes. There are notes
on dyes of historical interest, lichen dyes and planting a dye
garden. Dye plants are arranged by season of availability and
illustrated with line drmvings from herbals. The several indices
include a list of plnnts arranged by color. Color plates show
dyed yarns and attraetive articles woven from plant-dyed wool.

Robinson, Stuart. 1969. A History of Dyed Texti.les. Cambridge,

MA, The MIT Press. 112 p.
A book for those interested in the history of dyes and textiles.
It follows the story of dyes (many from plants) from ancient
times to the modern use of synthetics. There are discussions
of special methods like tie-dye and batik. An appendix contains
references, lists of libraries and book stores where books on
dyeing are available and museums with textile collections.

Schetky, Ethel Jane McD. (editor). 1964. Dye Plants and Dyeing.
Brooklyn, Brooklyn Botanic Garden (1000 Washington Ave.,
Brooklyn, NY 11225). 100 p. $3.05, pap.
An excellent introduction to plant dyes, with chapters written
by many experts. Subjects include history, basic steps of
morcianting and dyeing, recipes for dyes and notes on plant
dyes from around the world. The section of recipes is arranged
by color, with a description and line drm"ing of each plant,
plus directions for preparing the dye. Additional recipes are
found in some of the articles on dyes from other countries.
Black and white photographs and a few color plates illustrate
techniques and results.

Shaefer, G. 1941a. The Cultivation of Hadder. ClBA Rev. 39: 1398-1406.

A detailed history of the origin and use of this important source
of red dye. The story is illustrated with interesting old
drawings.

Shaefer, G. 1941b. The History of Turkey Red Dyeing. CIBA Rev.

39: 1407-1416.

11
 Describes the history and use of a secret formula to obtain
from madder a very brilliant shade of red. It was valued
greatly for centuries. Illustrations include old photographs
and drawings.

Sharrer, C. Terry. 1971. Indigo in Carolina, 1671-1796. South

Carolina Hist. Mag. 72: 94-103.
A detailed history of the growing and trading of indigo dye,
including the economic importance of this plant. The declining
market and rising production costs at the end of the 18th
century brought an end to the indigo business.

Schultz, Kathleen. 1975. Create Your Own Natural Dyes. New York,
Sterling Publishing Co. 96 p. $6.95, pap.
Includes discussions of equipment, collecting plants, preparing
dyes and mordants. The dye recipes are exact and there is a
guide to dye sources, illustrated in color. Also included
are historical notes on ancient dyes.

Thresh, Robert and Thresh, Caroline. 1972. An Introduction to

Natural Dyeing. Santa Rosa, Thresh Publications (443 Sebastopol
Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95401). 37 p. $1.95, pap.
A brief, but adequate, introduction to dyeing, with notes on
mordants, supplies and preparation of fibers. Recipes for dyes
are explicit. The list is arranged by color, then plant source.

Thurstan, Violetta. 1970. The Use of Vegetable Dyes. Lewins Mead,

Bristol, England, Burleigh Press. 48 p.
This small book includes clear instructions for preparing
mordants and wool and collecting plants. The main section
of dye recipes is arranged alphabetically by common plant
name. There are additional recipes for lichens and imported
materials, like madder and indigo. Drawings of the plants
would have been a helpful addition, but the information of
well organized and concise.

Weigle, Palmy (editor). 1973. Natural Plant Dyeing. Brooklyn,

Brooklyn Botanic Garden (1000 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, NY
11225). 64 p. $3.05, pap.
Increasing interest in plant dyes and demand for more information
prompted the publication of a second book in the Brooklyn series.
This volume includes general discussions of dyes and mordants
(including a chart of seven common mordants), how and when to
collect dye plants, using lichens for dyes and a simple
explanation of the chemistry of dyeing. There are more notes
on plant dyes in other countries and details for setting up
a dye class for children. Scattered throughout are recipes
for dyes from specific plants, such as madder, pokeweed and
indigo. Illustrations are provided by black and white and a
few color photographs.

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Weigle, Palmy. 1974. Ancient Dyes for Modern Weavers. New York,
Watson-Guptill. 128 p. $12.95.
This book includes instructions for collecting plants, pre-
paring dyes and mordants. Recipes are provided for many familiar
and some unusual plants. Dyes are arranged by color, then by
plant source. Color plates on the endpapers show yarns dyed with
the plants discussed.

Wolcott, Jean. 1966. An Ancient Art-Revived. Parks & Recreation

1(2): 168-169.
This short article includes some historical notes and basic
information for mixing mordants and dyes. There is a list of
common dye plants to collect.

Young, Stella. 1979. Navajo Native Dyes. Their Preparation and Use.
New York, AMS Press. 75 p. $1'-.50.
This reprint of a book originally published in 1940 includes
general information on preparing and using plant dyes on wool.
Most of the text is devoted to a catalog of dye plants of
the southwestern U.S., arranged alphabetically by common name.
Latin and Navajo names are provided, as well as a line drawing
to help identify each species. There are brief instructions
for preparing the dyes that include a wide variety of colors.

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