The materials used in needle making can be traced from the thorns of early man, through hand made wood, bone and steel varieties, to the first machine-made needles in 1851. This book traces the history of needles and needle making, touching upon the forces that influenced the development of the materials used, and the skills needed by the craftsmen. The author explores the experiences of the craftsman and their families, and the commercial pressure that moulded their lives.
