Customer Reviews

Masterpieces of Women's Costume of the 18th and 19th Centuries (Dover Fashion and Costumes)

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This is a slightly altered reproduction of a book originally published in 1959. Aline Bernstein, who among other things was a theatrical costume designer, produced the material in 1930 with the aid of a Rockefeller Grant. All are based on actual costumes.

Bernstein has presented drawings of 31 dresses and 3 Regency spencer jackets. There are small, but clear color reproductions, four to each approximately 9" x 12" plate, on eight plates in the center of the book. In addition, there is a full page sized black-and-white reproduction of each costume.

The strength of this book is that each fashion is accompanied by a drawing of a contemporary hair style, shoes, and the undergarments, including corsets, petticoats, etc., which would often have to be pulled from different reference sources. Many are also accompanied by a drawing of the pattern for the main item. The patterns are not scaled to different sizes.

A useful reference book, especially given the price.

I found this to be a worthwhile purchase for an individual interested in the details of women's clothing from these periods. I am using this book to get ideas for creating authentic reproductions of Victorian clothing.

The patterns are not detailed enough to duplicate. Great for ideas, if you are able to create your own patterns.