Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Synopsis
Discusses the history of various costumes worn in Italy and Switzerland.
Children's Literature
A representative of the "Cultures and Costumes" series, this book undertakes the difficult task of explaining both history and fashion in one short volume. Students with an interest in historical costume will find it a good introduction to the subject, emphasizing the relationship of dress to economic, social, and political conditions in a given area. On the other hand, if a researcher is searching for specific examples of costumes, headgear, or accessories from an approximate year, this is not the place to look. Discussion of Italy is confined to the Roman era and the Renaissance (and the aristocratic classes), while the treatment of Swiss costume deals only with regional folk costume. Many important elements mentioned in the text are not illustrated at all. If, for example, a devotee of Rosemary Sutcliff's novels set in Roman Britain wanted to know how the young heroes might have looked, she will find not one contemporary picture of a Roman soldier. The toga is acknowledged to be an important garment, but the only one shown is from a German costume print published in the late 19th century and has a decidedly Victorian air. Still, a number of fascinating costume facts are included, the illustrations for the most part are not misleading in themselves. If a student discovers from picking up the book that costume is indeed an intriguing subject, he or she can always seek out other more detailed or specific sources. Included are references to some relevant books and online sites, a timeline, and an index. 2003, Mason Crest, Talcroft