We often think of textiles as fashion, but textiles cross many media and platforms and this book looks at their varied uses. This academic book highlights recent technological developments to shed light on how textiles are being used today. New applications for textiles from around the world may astound you - from breast implants to carbon fibre tables, discarded textiles to seas of shining threads. The book looks at fibres such as spider silk - a lightweight fibre that is one of the toughest in the world. Interesting text supported by good photographs - this book makes you think again. This review first appeared on Karen Platt's book review website.