Customer Reviews

The Female Economy: The Millinery and Dressmaking Trades, 1860-1930 (Women in American History)

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As a professional dressmaker myself, I was excited when I found this book. I'm very interested in the history of American women in general and dressmakers in particular. Gamber has done a great deal of research and presents a thoughtful portrait of these early entrepreneurs and how they succeeded and failed.

Unfortunately, this book is obviously a Phd. thesis--I say "obviously" because the text is dry and heavy with unnecessary five-dollar words. An idea is never presented simply if it can be presented in a complex and wordy manner. A good editor could have cut the length by 25%. Also, there are very few illustrations, which I found disappointing. Nevertheless, it's the best source available on this very specialized topic, so I persevered.

While informative and well-researched, the book lacks an overall spirit that would drive the point home in an entertaining manner. There is great information and insights here that are buried beneath too much raw data. Yet the book is a great addition to an overlooked area of women's history and a fascinating glimpse into turn of the century events that shaped gender, fashion and technology

I personally enjoyed this book. I belong to the Victorian Society and wanted information on Millinery and Dressmaking studies of this time era. I was very happy to have found this book as there is very little information on women's working opportunities in these fields in Victorian times. I would recommend to any re-enactment lady who is curious about these "working women".