Medieval Costume in England and France: The 13th, 14th and 15th Centuries (Dover Fashion and Costumes) - Softcover

Book 33 of 74: Dover Fashion and Costumes

Houston, Mary G.

  • 3.68 out of 5 stars
    147 ratings by Goodreads
 
9780486290607: Medieval Costume in England and France: The 13th, 14th and 15th Centuries (Dover Fashion and Costumes)

Synopsis

This carefully researched volume offers lovers of both costume and the medieval period a meticulously researched and accurately detailed study of the clothing of the Middle Ages. Following an illuminating discussion of the style and construction of costumes worn in the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth centuries, noted costume historian Mary G. Houston provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of actual apparel worn by all classes and sectors of society. Included are elaborate royal, academic, and legal costumes; Eucharistic vestments and garments of religious orders; working class apparel; civilian dress; and more. Also examined is a wide variety of accessories and ornaments, jewelry, armor, textiles, embroidery, coiffures, and other items.
The clear, succinct text is splendidly documented by 350 black-and-white line illustrations based on contemporary books and manuscripts as well as representations in paintings and sculpture. Indispensable for students of costume history, medievalists, illustrators, and fashion historians, Medieval Costume in England and France will delight anyone interested in the medieval period and its dress.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review

Medieval Costumes In England And France is a carefully researched volume offering costume aficionados and enthusiasts of the medieval period a meticulously detailed and splendidly illustrated study of clothing worn in the Middle Ages. Lucidly written accounts of the style and construction of costumes worn in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries are followed by accurate descriptions and illustrations of royal raiment, elaborate ecclesiastical dress and vestments, academic and legal robes, as well as civilian dress for all classes. Mary Houston is a noted costume historian who brings her special expertise to discussions of accessories and such related subjects as ornaments, jewelry, armor, textiles, embroidery and hair-dressing. The 350 black & white line illustrations are taken from contemporary books, manuscripts, pictorial and sculptural representations. Medieval Costumes In England And France provides superbly documented information that is both clearly and succinctly presented in the text. Medieval Costumes In England And France is a "must have" reference for theatrical costume designers, members of organizations like "The Society for Creative Anachronism", science fiction & fantasy conventions, Madrigal performances, or even halloween parties and costume balls! -- Midwest Book Review

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.