THE ART OF DRESS

Descriere

During the four centuries treated here, fashion was the province of rank and wealth; myriad conventions applied to all occasions and social strata. Historian Ashelford offers not only descriptions of garment details and of the manner of wearing in historical context but also excerpts from writtings by contemporaries. Her presentation is synchronized with over 260 paintings, drawings, and photographs?England's National Trust allowed remarkably well-preserved period garments to be taken out of storage and photographed for this sumptuous volume. Men's and women's attire are discussed in depth, and a chapter each is devoted to children's and servants' clothing. Costume historians and students should welcome this rich source of information?there is a lengthy section of notes?but general readers will enjoy this book as well.