Customer Reviews

Costume History and Style

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Russell's Costume History and Style is a very good resource for students, theatrical designers, or anyone interested in learning more about the history of fashion. The book accurately covers what is known about the evolution of costume from the Prehistoric to modern times. I was introduced to the Russell's text as a reference for a university History of Costume course, and it soon became a favourite reference for the class's research. The book not only gives an accurate description of the costumes for each period, but also outlines the events of the era, as well as interesting stories surrounding the adaption of various styles. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a general overview of fashion history, or as a supplement to more period-specific and detailed works.

In a nutshell, I really like having this book as a reference. I was taught from it and wouldn't give it up for anything in my historical collection. None of the photos are in color but that doesn't bother me because all the historical information that is needed is there and it's all divided by male and female. It's a really great read. If anything, buy a used version unless you really want to stay away from highlighting and such. It's worth having in your collection!

This book is helpful in more ways than one. At the start of every chapter it gives a brief historical timeline that helps you place what is happening during the particular time period and follows it with an in depth description of the clothing worn by both men and women, of nobility down to peasants. I will say that mine came without the book jacket but that is to be expected with a gently used copy.

It is quite descriptive and well written, but lacks having enough pictures. A new edition with more pictures would benefit this otherwise highly detailed book.