Customer Reviews

Children's Costume: The Complete Historical Sourcebook

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an excellent and enlightening book for anyone with a curiosity about children's fashion through history. To the casual reader, it is interesting to compare the way styles changed and to reflect gratefully that children have won the right to comfortable and well-fitting togs. Those with a deeper inclination to study will find this book rewarding.

High quality textile representations on simple human figures are accompanied by detailed explanations of the garments. Various patterned fabrics are rendered beautifully in pencil and perhaps watercolor. The artist does a good job with presenting accessories like hats and shoes in a separate section to allow for closer inspection.

I make reproduction fashions for dolls and this book is immensely helpful. I also occasionally create period costumes for children and believe this book will be an indispensable reference in that regard as well. See an example here:
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I gave this book 5 stars for its excellence in communicating clothing styles realistically. Its engagingly organized eras are easy to plumb for as long or as briefly as one desires. There is a brief section at the beginning of ancient cultures for added interest. The centuries prior to 1800 are represented with a plate or two. The time following 1800 is very comprehensive indeed. The visual time-line even leads up to the present time, which in many instances makes for amusing reminiscence. This is a fun book to browse.

It must be said that there is a general detraction artistically in the human figures themselves, as well as the occasional scale issue between "characters", but as the book focuses on the clothing and textiles, this is of minor importance. If anything, it keeps the eye on the play of fabrics and textures. The clothing and accessories are impeccable, and very natural looking.

I do highly recommend the this book and the author's considerable time and talent in researching the subject matter are plain to see in this comprehensive effort. I look forward to companion works.