Richard E. Early

Based on facts preserved in the business records of the Blanket Makers of Witney, or passed down through the generations by word of mouth. ... This novel tells of Thomas Early's rapid progress as a Master Weaver, leading to the presentation of a pair of gold-fringed Witney Blankets to James II in 1687, and the gracious bestowal by Queen Anne of a Royal Charter upon the Blanket Makers of the town in 1711.