Customer Reviews

1,000 Hats

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I guess I hoped this book would be as good as "Vintage Hats and Bonnets 1770-1970" but alas, it isn't. Not much history, just lots and lots of pictures. Over half the book is hats from the 1940'-1960's, which is great if you like those years. Also, I think some of the early hats stated from the 1870's are really 1950's, they certainly look modern for the 19th century. Sorry, but I was disappointed.

This is an amazing collection of hat photographs. Inspiring if you just love hats or are looking for ideas for hats to make. The photos are well taken and clear and accompanied by what they are made of and their approximate value.

There is a little history of hats but I would not classify it as a history book. This book is a book of photos, very well taken photos. I would guess that this book is aimed at the vintage collector but is also a good resource for the milliner.

I am fast becoming a fan of author Norma Shephard. I was duly impressed by her book "Accessorizing the Bride" which lead me to pick up a copy of her latest work - "1,000 Hats".
The title does not do the book justice since here are well over 1,000 visual representations, in this stunningly presented book outlining millinery history, that had me revisiting my past in a most romantic and fulfilling way.
Sheppard's skills with photography and her intelligent, carefully articulated descriptions of each piece bring the book to life and may well be the foundation of a millinery revival that is long overdue in North American culture.

I bought this book out of professional interest, as I am a milliner and collect books about hats.

On the upside, you really do get over 1000 pictures of hats.

On the downside, the pictures are not very good or detailed, often the hat is not even on a head; the descriptions are not very helpful, and to me it seems that several hats were estimated much older than they really are.

I was unable to gleam from the book whether the author has any background in fashion history or millinery, but I'm guessing not.

conclusion: if your happy with a lot of mediocre pictures of hats, it's great; if you're looking for detailed photography and good information, look elsewhere.

I can't speak to values of hats or text....but if tons of wonderful images of hats are what you are looking for this book is it. Fashion is definately my love, but if I had to pick one accessory I love the most it would be hats.
Cheers

I collect hats from all ages and job types. My preference is from 1920-1960. I bought the book for inspiration. I love buying what i call old lady hats at flea markets and antique stores. I then use them for period costumes. I wanted the book as a reference book so that i could take these flea market finds and transform them into beautiful hats. The pictures in the book are very nice and give you plenty of ideas. However, the pictures are quite small.The only portion of the book i found to have any real discrepency are the values the writer gave to the hats. Most of the hats were placed between $250-$300. I know that i buy many similiar hats in very good condition for $10-$15.Aside from that, i love the book and will keep it in my collection for a long time to come.

I do not want to say too many negative things about this book, but I cannot think of anything positive to say. The author clearly has little knowledge of hat history, millinery or hat making. Many of the hats are dated incorrectly, and the descriptions are incorrect also. This will be very misleading to the person wanting to learn about hats and is a pretty picture book at best. How she got a publisher is beyond me. If you want a book to help you learn about hats, this definitely is not it. Don't waste your money.

A recommander vivement pour les passionnés, et évidemment, malgré les magnifiques illstrations, pour ceux qui pratiquent la langue anglais.

This book made me want to wear hats and play dress-up. It is an engaging look at millinery history and trends that will tempt any hat lover or fashion enthusiast.
Shephard's books are quickly becoming essential additions to the fashion historian's library.

I sometimes need a lot of beautiful pictures to be inspired in my styling as I am a visual person and this book is a winner. Lots of gorgeous hats to look at for hours.