William Lester Eagleton Jr. was a United States Foreign Service Officer and diplomat whose writing delves into the intricacies of the Middle East and North Africa. His enduring fascination with the Kurdish people, dating back to the early 1950s, forms a significant thread in his published works. Through his scholarship, he explores pivotal historical events and cultural expressions, notably the artistry of Kurdish rugs. His contributions offer readers a nuanced understanding of regional politics and cultural heritage.
This book combines a comprehensive classification of Kurdish weaving with notes on Kurdish history, religion, and society. A tribal list provides information on more than 120 Kurdish tribes. In addition, there are color illustrations and structural data on 126 Kurdish rugs and kilims representing all major Kurdish weaving districts.