Customer Reviews

Textiles for Regency Clothing: 1800-1850

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Textiles for Clothing of the Early Republic, 1800-1850: a Workbook of Swatches and Information by Lynne Zacek Bassett is a wonderful addition to the library of any fan of old textiles and fashions. The actual textile samples that have been glued in place along with descriptions of them are a charming part of the book. At three inches square, the swatches are adequate enough in size for one to see their weave and to experience their tactile sense. The author's well-researched text includes quotations from authentic print sources of the Regency time period, adding to the enjoyment of the book. In her introduction, she provides an overview of the "new" equipment of the Industrial Revolution, and at the end of the book, she lists sources to purchase similar fabric today as well as a lengthy Bibliography through which those who wish to access more information can follow up by reviewing other published material.

I particularly like her reference to Samuel Crompton's spinning mule as my grandfather worked as a "mule spinner" at the Amoskeag Mills in Manchester, NH for a time. Reportedly, it was grueling work, particularly for a disabled veteran. He served in the Spanish-American War of 1898.

Bassett's book covers dye chemistry, types of printing methods (block prints, copperplate prints, and cylinder prints); various fibers, and period fashions for both men and women. I purchased the book at Historic Deerfield, Inc. a museum in Deerfield, Massachusetts. I understand that the original spiral-bound version is no longer in print. I have not seen the CD or the printed book mentioned in the previous review that I just read here: the book that does not feature actual swatches. Perhaps, those who are lucky, you can find a copy of the original book, created with her usual care and meticulous attention to detail that is a trademark of her work. This book is a very worthwhile reference. Patricia Cummings, quilt historian

I had the opportunity to see this publication at a Rendesvous. One of the vendors had a copy for sale that was professionally printed. The swatches were mounted on heavy cardstock, and put in a three ring binder that had the book title and imagery on the actual binder. Each swatch was accompanied by period accounts of textiles and other general information. I thought that I would very much enjoy adding it to my bookshelf! My mother found it on the author's web site and ordered me a copy as a Christmas gift. It was an expensive publication at something like $50.00.

When it arrived, it looked like nothing more than a 5th grade book report!!! It was not a book bound in a pro-published fashion at all!!! It was in a bright blue childs school folder (you know the ones that have the 3 little folding tabs). The pages were a heavy paper (not cardstock) printed from a home computer with the fabric glued on poorly and crooked. No paper pages of text are included in my copy, unlike the publisher printed copy I saw. There is a C.D. that accompanies it, tucked into the pocket on the kiddie folder. The CD has all the pages of text that were in the original published work, it even shows the "empty box" where the fabric swatch was supposed to be glued. The author didn't even take the time to write on the CD what it is. It is just a blank, silver, cheap, faceless, homemade thing. Would it have cost her that much more to print off the pages of text and glue the swatches in where they belonged?? For FIFTY BUCKS you would think she'd be autographing it too?!!? Perhaps she was as ashamed to be sending that out as my mother was to give it as a gift.

At the time I found her phone number on her website and called to express my disaapointment with the product. I was affronted by conceit and self agrandizing. The message I got from the horses mouth was that her information was worth that much and I should be bent with gratitude that I was lucky enough to get it at all. No returns!! I wanted the book that was published and printed and bound for $50.00, I thought it was WORTH the price. I can only imagine that publishing and printing small releases is an expensive endeavor. But whipping a rag off a home printer and slapping it in a $.10 folder with a $.50 CDrom disc (not exagerating) is not worth the $50 price to me. My mother was actually embarrassed when she gave it to me for Christmas!!

BEWARE if you are purchasing this sight unseen! Be certain that you are getting the "REAL" book and not the cheap facimile.