Customer Reviews

Dress Accessories: Medieval Finds from Excavations in London

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

 

 

Giving this book a rating almost seems ludicrous. This is the only book currently in print that covers this subject, and boy does it cover the subject. Filled with pictures and diagrams it is absolutely a must for anyone deeply interested in medieval costuming, most notably those in the SCA doing pre-renaissance work.

The result of a decade long excavation of a medieval garbage dump on the wharf in London, this 5 book series is packed with information on the items that were part of the daily medieval life. This book in particular outlines the buttons, broaches, belt buckles, needle cases (and lots more) that went into the clothing of the time. And it does it in pictures, diagrams and text that are all far more accessible than most archeological texts. It is a beautiful book and one well worth the $70 US. You won't be disappointed.

This is superb source for costumers and those in the Society for Creative Anachronism. The other books in the series are: Textiles and Clothing (ISBN #0112904459); Shoes and Pattens (ISBN #0112904432); Horse Equipment (ISBN 0112904858), and one on Leatherwork/Scabbards (I don't have the ISBN).

If you are into medieval re-creation and want to get it right then this is the book for all those little details that finish an outfit off to perfection. The images are all from finds in London and are dated so you can be as acurate as you want. The drawings are very clear. This book should be re-issued as Knives and Scabbards has been so every one interested can own a copy.

Another good reference of the same kind is the book Gürtel des hohen und späten Mittelalters from Ilse Fingerlin, ed. Deutscher Kunstverlag. 1971