Customer Reviews

Historic Costume in Pictures (Dover Fashion and Costumes)

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Comprhensive text on clothing, the influences and evolution of style. Covers the impacts of cultural changes and how the dictates of fashion are influenced by changes in daily life. Covers historical fads and fancies. A 'must have' basic reference for the amatuer historic costumer. This review based on the Hardcover version.

As a costumer for the high school i find it difficult to find books that are comprehensive with pictures of enough time periods to find what i am looking for. This book shows enough examples to get the styles across, unfortunately it is in black and white but it is still detailed and wonderful.

If you're a serious student of costume history, this book is not for you. But if you're a beginning re-enactor, or you work with them, it's an excellent source for getting the "feel" of a period. It is typically Victorian in line, as are many similar books still in print. BUT it's comprehensive through many time periods, shows accessories well (which a lot of similar books do not), and makes for a good beginning point.

I've found it very useful in getting beginning costume students to pick a period for further research.

This book is a picture-book of nineteenth century visions of historic costumes, possibly aimed at nineteenth century people interested in costume parties or plays.

Do not be fooled by the detailed nineteenth century engraving work or the look of these images. They are not old. They are not accurate. They are perniciously, convincingly realistic-looking, thanks to Victorian obsessiveness about fussy little ersatz details. They are not to be relied upon.

Thanks to that very fussy nineteenth century engraving style, they are very useful for collage art. They might also make a fun coloring book.

But rely on them as history? Only if you are interested in the history of late nineteenth century German romantic fantasies about the past.

Seems like you either love this book, or you hate it. I appreciate it for what it is: cheap. It's a Dover book, which means that it throws a bunch of pictures at you for a relatively small price. While I would love to own a full-color copy (with complete text translated to English) of "Die Geschichte...," I have yet to find one. I would imagine that it would be pricey. It is true that this book is not 100% accurate. It is, however, beautifully illustrated and it gives you an idea of the general style of the time period, and (perhaps more importantly) the region. Use it as a jumping-off point in your research.