A fascinating, scholarly exhibition catalog. While focusing on textiles, their diversity and cultural signnficance, this book is also an insightful history of the Malagasy people and Malagasy-American ties. The accompanying essays, edited by two curators at the Smithosnian Institution, consider cloth production, how textiles have played a role in international diplomacy, and how Madagascar and its people have been viewed in Europe and the United States.  (MAD32, $35.00)