Customer Reviews

Fashioning the Bourgeoisie: A History of Clothing in the Nineteenth Century

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This book presents a unique look at history. It gives wonderful detail about how dress, an often overlooked or glossed over subject, played such an important role in society. The subjects are well chosen and the book flows smoothly.

This book is perfect for anyone wanting to add to their knowledge of 19th century society.

Shakespeare said that fashion wears out more apparel than the man. This may well be true and, according to author Perrot, clothing can also reflect a culture's sociology, thus revealing beliefs, values, and hopes.

This delightful and engrossing peek into the closets of the bourgeoisie, those who dressed in opposition to popular clothing worn by workers or peasants, is rich in historic information and charmingly illustrated.

Perrot charts the rise of the ready-made fashion industry in Paris, and traces how the worldwide passion for shopping was born.

The author notes that when department stores opened in the middle of the nineteenth century in Paris, shoppers were offered much more than clothing - they were given the opportunity to adopt a lifestyle. Have we changed so very much?

- Gail Cooke