The golden thread: how fabric changed history

Fibers in the cave

Dead men's shrouds

Gifts and horses

Cities that silk built

Surf dragons

A king's ransom

Diamonds and the ruff

Solomon's coats

Layering in extremis

Workers in the factory

Under pressure

Harder, better, faster, stronger

The golden cape

Golden threads.

Fibers in the cave: the origins of weaving

Dead men's shrouds: wrapping and unwrapping Egyptian mummies

Gifts and horses: silk in ancient China

Cities that silk built: the silk roads

Surf dragons: the Vikings' woolen sails

A king's ransom: wool in medieval England

Diamonds and the ruff: lace and luxury

Solomon's coats: cotton, America, and trade

Layering in extremis: clothing to conquer Everest and the South Pole

Workers in the factory: rayon's dark past

Under pressure: suits suitable for space

Harder, better, faster, stronger: record breaking sports fabrics

The golden cape: harnessing spider silk

Golden threads: a coda.