Historic Costume in Pictures (Dover Fashion and Costumes) [Paperback]

Braun & Schneider (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dover Fashion and Costumes | Publication Date: June 1, 1975

Over 1,450 costumed figures in clearly detailed engravings — from the dawn of civilization to the end of the 19th century. Features many folk costumes. Captions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; 2 edition (June 1, 1975)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 048623150X
• ISBN-13: 978-0486231501
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #500,832 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not useful to those interested in costume history, October 6, 2000

By 

Lilinah "bibliophiliac" (San Francisco Bay Area, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Historic Costume in Pictures (Dover Fashion and Costumes) (Paperback)

This is another book of Victorian redrawings of historical garments and outright inventions and fantasies where ancient clothing is concerned. While it might be useful to theatrical costumers, Victorian recreationists, or those interested in the history of costume illustration or interpretation, it is of no use to those doing historic costuming or interested in costume history.

If you want accurate representations of historic clothing, get a book with reproductions of art from the time period of the clothes you're interested in.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Inadequate details, October 25, 2003

By 

Christine Doyle (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Historic Costume in Pictures (Dover Fashion and Costumes) (Paperback)

This book is a reproduction of the 1907 book "Costumes of All Nations" (3rd edition), which in turn was reproduced from a series of plates produced by Braun and Schneider in "Zur Geschichte der Kostume" between 1861 and 1890. Unfortunately, in the process, all of the text (both the German and English) was removed (as was the color). So we have no way of knowing what went along with these drawings.

Furthermore, there are no references of any kind, so you can't go back to the "original" painting, or source to verify the information. It may be helpful for getting ideas, but not for any serious costume design.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars No-no-no-no!, November 25, 2002

By 

Maija Perfiljeva (Riga, Latvia (Europe)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Historic Costume in Pictures (Dover Fashion and Costumes) (Paperback)

If you are interested in the proper history of costume, this book is not for you. It was created in the 19th century, when costume history was at its beginning and it reflects all major faults of the researchers of that time. Many things, claimed to be true at that time, are now proven to be completely wrong. Personally, I have found some blunders in this book. So, if you want to do a thorough and accurate research for your costume, refer to the modern researchers, authentic paintings and manuscripts. Definitely not this book. It is like using 14th century manuscripts for studying modern English.
But if you want to compare the work of modern and Victorian authors - go ahead, this is a wonderful example.
This book can also be quite suitable for those, who are interested in theatrical costume, where looks come first and authenticity does not matter.