Lace provides a quick reference to over 60 different styles of lace — from Alençon to Youghal — written by Jean Leader, a recognized authority on hand-made lace, and illustrated with photos of lace from her own collection and that of The Lace Guild.

The distinguishing features of the styles are explained, and for each lace there is a photo of both a detail and of a whole piece. The laces are placed in their historical context, and maps are available showing the regions where they were produced.

Complementing this is a section describing the different grounds used in these styles, and one in which the differences between the various types of lace (bobbin, needlelace etc.) are explained.