There are numerous "Coffee table" art books available that serve as a catalogue of some Oriental rugs. Although useful, most of these books tend to leave people confused and are more akin to a museum catalogue than serving as a useful working book for one intending to purchase or identify oriental rugs. Invaluable for the prospective owner and experienced collector, the "Beginner's Guide to Oriental Rugs" presents clear illustrations of many of the most common designs found in Oriental rugs. Along with these designs are descriptions of the various rug makers that use the designs. To help refine things, the designs are followed by a detailed description of the rugs produced by each of the major rug producing tribes or towns. Complete advice is also given on evaluating a carpet, what makes one carpet more valuable than another, and how to take care of a carpet once you have it. Other useful features include a glossary, maps of all major rug producing areas, the history of Oriental rugs and how the carpets are made, etc. Here is the one book you will need to identify, evaluate and purchase oriental rugs.