Susan E. Wildemuth

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Eagle Motifs In America

Representations of historical eagle motifs from the 1700s to today from across the United States are presented by contemporary quilters. In engaging text and 117 crisp color photos, the story is told of the American bald eagle, as the symbol of the United States, through 28 quilted wall hangings. These capture the spirit and times of each decade from the Revolutionary War to the first decade of the twenty-first century. The American bald eagle is by far the most common and prevailing patriotic icon found in American culture and, like furniture makers, wood carvers, and potters, quilt makers quickly appropriated it. Among the quilted eagle motifs displayed and discussed are the new nation's symbol of 1770 to 1779, Civil War eagles, a Pearl Harbor eagle motif, a commemoration of the Kennedy assassination, and a September 11, 2001, commemoration. This book is unique in its exploration of the great bird's use in quilts.