Fashion in the Age of the Black Prince: A Study of the Years 1340-1365 [Paperback]

Stella Mary Newton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 21, 2008

1340 to 1363 were years remarkable for dramatic developments in fashion and for extravagant spending on costume, foreshadowing the later luxury of Richard II's court. Stella Mary Newton broke new ground with this detailed study, which discusses fourteenth-century costume in detail. She draws on surviving accounts from the Royal courts, the evidence of chronicles and poetry (often from unpublished manuscripts), and representations in painting, sculpture and manuscript illumination. Her exploration of aspects of chivalry, particularly the choice of mottoes and devices worn at tournaments, and of the exchange of gifts of clothing between reigning monarchs, offers new insights into the social history of the times, and she has much to say that is relevant to the study of illuminated manuscripts of the fourteenth century.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Something of a landmark in the history of dress... the period is notably rich in its documentation, and by carefully analysing both the manuscript sources and published accounts (the author) is able to produce an abundantly detailed narrative of the changes in fashion... Tighter clothes outraged moralists, incensed monastic chroniclers and stirred poets... in the last chapter the author discuss(es) the relationship of the garments she has meticulously reconstructed with their possible representations in manuscript illumination, sculpture and painting... Of lasting value... a pioneering book which will be of enduring value to historians of dress and art alike. --Apollo

The evidence for this scholarly and detailed study is drawn in the first instance from documentary sources... contemporary illustrations reinforce the written evidence... The book contains much that is of wider interest than the subject matter suggests: the various mottoes used by Edward III are discussed, and the problem of his expanding waistline is revealed; there are interesting sidelights on the new orders of chivalry. --English Historical Review (Michael Prestwich)

About the Author

STELLA MARY NEWTON's lifelong interest in costume has been the mainspring of her work, from early days as a stage and costume designer (including designing the costumes for the first production of T.S. Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral) to her later work at the National Gallery advising on the implications of costume for the purpose of dating, and at the Courtauld Institute where she set up the department for the study of the history of dress.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Boydell Press (February 21, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 085115767X
• ISBN-13: 978-0851157672
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,458,178 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent reference, if a little hard to read, April 20, 2000

By 

E. M. Tanner "voracious reader" (Bowie, MD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fashion in the Age of the Black Prince A Study of the Years 1340-1365 (Hardcover)

This book is filled with useful information for those interested in the costume of the period, although it can be hard to untangle some of the author's sentences. Newton covers the period in short segments (a few years at a time), examining the changes to costume throughout Europe as documented in a variety of sources - contemporary descriptions in chronicles and literature, illuminations, condemnation of fashion by clerics, sumptuary laws, and household accounts. The glimpses into social history, economics, politics and class structure are also useful. My only regret is that she strictly limits herself to the period in question and that there aren't more illustrations. But this book is an excellent resource.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An integrated look at costume and culture, April 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Fashion in the Age of the Black Prince: A Study of the Years 1340-1365 (Paperback)

This excellent book will take you through the early years of the fourteenth century and not only illustrate the costume of England and France through historic art and illumination, but also explain the social and cultural influences of the era. Current sumptuary laws and literary references to the clothing of the time flesh out a very clear and entertaining look at the costume of the age.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not for the beginner!, January 16, 2001

By 

Megan R McConnell (CHERMSIDE SOUTH, QLD Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fashion in the Age of the Black Prince: A Study of the Years 1340-1365 (Paperback)

This book is definately for the experienced costumer - and for somebody who is deeply interested in researching fashion in this era.

It is a book that is full of detailed descrption, although the lack of colour illustrations is definately a minus. I had hoped that with the re-issue the photographs would have been re-taken in colour.

I found it to be very useful, but definately not something to sit down and read - it is definately a "study" type of read.