Blackwork Embroidery by Elisabeth Geddes; Moyra McNeill (Very Good, 1976, Pbk, 128 pgs, Dover Pub.)

Cover and pages have some wear; pages appear to be unmarked; pages are lightly age-toned. ISBN 048623243x

Blackwork Embroidery by Elisabeth Geddes and Moyra McNeill is a comprehensive guide that covers the intriguing history of the craft alongside modern techniques and design applications.  Originally published in 1965, the book details the evolution of blackwork from its Tudor origins as "Spanish work" to its contemporary revival, emphasizing its nature as a counted-thread technique that uses shading contrasts with a single thread color. 

The text provides extensive practical instruction, including over 200 illustrations of embroidery patterns, guides on transferring designs, and instructions for creating motifs such as birds, animals, fruit, and architectural forms.  It also includes coverage of necessary materials and threads with full charts, making it a valuable reference for both historical study and practical needlework