This attractive series is aimed at GCSE students following textiles technology courses, but should also appeal to art and design students or anyone with an interest in textiles and fashion.

The well-bound hardbacks share a common layout with clear text, highlighted technical terms, colour photos and attractive labelled diagrams. Each book is packed with information and includes case studies, interviews, fact boxes, project ideas, a glossary of technical terms, further resources and useful contacts.

The manufacture and uses of the various types of fibres and fabrics is well covered and illustrated. Fabric Types looks at a wide range of textiles and fabric production techniques and the impact of materials technology.

Printing, from traditional tie-dye and batik to modern industrial processes, is thoroughly explored in Dyes and Decoration, while Design and Cut and Shape look at garment manufacture, furnishings and accessories.

Students and teachers will find Fashion and the Clothing Industry helpful in gaining an overview of interrelated industrial processes. The section on computers provides user-friendly information on the importance of computer-aided design and manufacture in the industry. Fashion looks at changing styles and influences and will help students research coursework projects.

Although aimed at GCSE students, this series also provides teachers with plenty of ideas for lesson plans for key stage 3. Each book is self-contained, but together the series will make a valuable addition to many design and technology textiles resource libraries.

Roz Reyburn