My review is of the 3rd ed dated 2004. From this book you will learn about fashion trends & trendsetters that influenced dressmaking throughout costume history. This book would be great for costume & fashion designers, historical re-enactors, SCA enthusiasts, ebay sellers who want a more thorough background in costume history so they can identify their fabulous finds, & dressmakers (although no specific sewing instructions or patterns are given in the book; it is really more for reference and inspiration.) This book is used as a text in college-level fashion design programs. If you always wanted to go to school to be a fashion designer, this is one of the books you might have had to read as part of your education. If you ARE going to school to be a fashion designer, please make sure to buy the latest edition. If you are interested in this book simply because you want to learn more about costume history, you can save yourself a bit of $ and buy an older edition since the contents are costume HISTORY which hasn't changed much. Contents: Part 1: The Ancient World c. 3500 B.C. - A.D. 300 The Ancient Middle East 3500-600 B.C. Crete and Greece 2900-300 B.C. Etruria & Rome c. 800 B.C. - A.d. 400 Part 2: The Middle Ages c 300-1500 The Early Middle Ages c. 300-1300 The Late Middle Ages c. 1300-1500 Part 3: The Renaissance c. 1400-1600 The Italian Renaissance c. 1400-1600 The Northern Renaissance c. 1500-1600 Part 4: Barque and Rococo c. 1600-1800 The seventeenth century 1600-1700 The eighteenth century 1700-1800 Part 5: The nineteenth century 1800-1900 The Directoire Period and the Empire Period 1790-1820 The Romantic Period 1820-1850 The Crinoline Period 1850-1869 The Bustle Period and the nineties 1870-1900 The twentieth century The Edwardian Period and World War I 1900-1920 The Twenties, Thirties and World War II 1920-1947 The New Look and Beyond 1947-1964 The Decades Between 1975-1996 Bibliography Index Quote from the book: "Survey of Historic Costume is intended for use as a basic text for readers who desire an overview of the history of costume in the West...this book focuses on historic costume in the western world and does not attempt to survey the vast topic of historic costume in all parts of the world. Our purpose is to present a survey of this vast subject rather than an infinitely detailed picture. At the same time, it is our intention to make that picture as complete as possible within the limitations of space. Costume of each period must be viewed within the context of the period. To assist readers who may have a limited background in history, a brief summary of the major historical developments related to the chapter is provided. Clothing is a part of the basic equipment for everyday life and so in each chapter, brief note is made of some of the important aspects of the life of the people of the time. The technology and economy of the production and distribution of fabrics often influences clothing, therefore changes in technology for the making of cloth and clothes and in economic systems of production and distribution are noted where these are appropriate. Where the arts, specific individuals, events, or societal values can be seen to influence style, these are discussed...(End Quote.) Great info, but the grammar and editing in the book leave much to be desired. If you can overlook that, the book is well worth owning.Read full review
THE BOOK IS COVER FASHION FRON IT BEGINNING TO THE PRSENT. IT A GREAT REFERENCE FOR THOSE WHO LOVE FASHION AND FASHION DESIGNER.
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Books
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Books