This book covers stump work too, another style of embroidery associated with the more advanced stitcher.  Neither is for the beginner to decorative stitchery, but then who said all how-to books have to be for beginners?  This one is not, although it is aimed at someone who wants to learn goldwork and covers all you need to know in an easy-to-follow format. 

Find out what you need (which is not cheap or very easy to obtain) and off you go, getting to know the unfamiliar materials (which are not used for any other type of embroidery) and learning the stitches associated with this unique craft.  There are plenty of projects to try, and lots of smaller things to make so you can learn while you work on something you will want to keep.  The handsome photographs and simple diagrams really bring this subject to life, reminding me why it will always be my own favorite type of embroidery.  One for the keeper shelf.

If you cannot find goldwork materials locally try SearchPress.com for a list of suppliers.