National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside

This is a fabulous bargain for people interested in this period. When I first saw the price, I feared that perhaps it was only a listing of holdings, but no, it is beautifully illustrated with more than 50 photographs in full color.

The text is relatively brief, but extremely well-written so as to be very informative and not make too many assumptions about the prior knowledge of the reader. Styles in fabrics as well as in cut are noted. It is accompanied by a selection of well-placed illustrations. The only flaw I detected is that "calamanco" is used several times before being defined. That such a trivial error stands out it indicative of the high quality.

Most of the pictures are together in a section following the text. The introduction notes that there are gaps in the museum's collection of men's clothing, so these are supplemented with period portraits. The pictures include many accessories such as shoes, kerchiefs and aprons. I was particularly intrigued by a shoe that was shown with its matching clog. Both front and back views are shown of the gowns. There are also many shots of the details of trim as well the complete garment. The costumes are all middle and upper class, excepting one painting featuring a jockey; the introduction notes that working class people generally wore out their clothing.

I think that any costume library would be enhanced by this book.… (meer)