Customer Reviews

Tidings from the 18th century

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found the author's chatty yet informative style engaging and useful. The illustrations, while not always extremely professional looking, are nonetheless helpful and elucidating. I have made many garments from her patterns and found them often superior to separate commercial patterns, and her careful thorough instructions ensured highly satisfactory results. As a first purchase to aid in starting reenacting, or if you can only afford one, I'd strongly recommend this book.

Period clothing can be difficult to make, not least because many of the sources offer sewing instructions written in ancient Sumerian. Gilgun does a nice job of explaining how to put together the items she describes (and the recipes are a nice touch too!).

My field is more 19th-century, but as far as I can tell by originals I've seen and other trusted experts, she's pretty accurate.

The style and content of this book is interesting all the way around. The author uses the form of letters written to friends to describe many aspects of life in the eighteenth century. From fabrics and sewing techniques to food preparation and period beverage preparation. A really interesting jaunt back in time. Just remember that the womens clothing patterns in this book seem to be very small. You will need to enlarge the patterns for anyone over size 7. For those interested in participating in living history events of the eighteenth century, you cannot go wrong by making this your first reference book.

This book is written in separate letters on nearly every topic on 18th century life around 1750 - 1790, but not restricted to these periods. Written with reenactors in mind, it is nevertheless a good read for any one interested in history, sewing, food, camping, brewing, etc. The book contains many B&W photos taken at historic reenactments, patterns, period illustrations, etc. There is something in this book for everyone. I know quite a few non reenactor/historians who could not put this book down.

I can only echo what previous reviewers have said. I received my copy yesterday, and couldn't put it down. Ms. Gilgun has compiled here a wealth of resources for those interested in 18th century life, American history, costuming, re-enactors...you name it. I'd even recommend it as a resource for writers who write this period. Fascinating, useful, a classic. A bargain at twice the price.

This should be a primer for all 18th century reenactors. What a wonderful building block!

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in making clothing or performing other tasks as a reenactor of American history, especially during the French & Indian War period. The author's descriptions of how to sew period clothing, and of other activities, are easy to follow and accurate. The only part that isn't quite as accurate is the infant's clothing section, but this book was compiled in 1993 and new information has come to light since that time. The book is very useful for reenactors of the American War for Independence (Revolutionary War) as well. Overall, it's an excellent resource.

A highly delightful and highly informative source of information on the 1700s frontier living. Clothing most interesting.

I found the writer's meathod of conveyence in the form of letters to 'friends' most interesting.

If you are an 18th Century reenactor and make your own clothing you really need this excellent book. It is filling with photos and patterns. Everything is well researched.

This book is fascinating and informative. a must have for anyone interested in history and re-enacting. I love how she writes the letters as if she were in the time period. Makes you feel like you are there.