In ancient Greece, women strapped lengths of cloth across their breasts and then covered them with tunics. These bosom protectors were the antecedents of the brassiere, which didn't come along until the 20th century. With the use of fine art, photography, film stills, cartoons, and ads, Unmentionables describes the social history of a subject that holds a powerful fascination for us all. 120 full color and b&w illustrations.
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
"Boxers or Briefs?" has become a political litmus test for presidential candidates, but what does the answer really tell us? Quite a lot, argue Elaine Benson and John Esten in Unmentionables: A Brief History of Underwear. The question posed to Bill Clinton in 1992 may seem silly, but undergarments have a distinctly political part to play in history. During the women's movement, it was not effegies of men that women burnt, but bras, a daily reminder of difference--if not inequality. The history of underwear is an exposition that marks out the roles of culture and nature, the position of women, and the American love affair with the T-shirt. This thoroughly illustrated volume covers all, from the first fig leaf to the newest Fruit of the Looms and from bloomers to panties, revealing a side of humanity not often seen in public.
Review
Without flogging the idea to death, Elaine Benson ... and John Esten ... suggest we are what we wear underneath it all.... The text is full of fascinating tidbits about the fripperies we take for granted.... The biggest news flash in Unmentionables? We finally learn what Scotsmen wear underneath those kilts. The answer is not "nothing." -- The New York Times Book Review, Judith Newman
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not worth its salt,
By Sharon "azriona" (Fairfax, VA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Unmentionables: A Brief History of Underwear (Hardcover)
This book told me nothing I didn't already know. Wow, they wore CORSETS in the 19th century! Gosh, what a revelation! Actually, there was a good deal of information packed into the 72 pages, except most of it was information I already knew from my experience as a seamstress and historical connesieur. The pictures, while interesting, were uninspiring and singularly unhelpful, although that was a function of layout more than visual choice: all of the pictures are grouped at the ends of the chapters instead of scattered throughout the text (preferably next to their descriptions). In other cases, there aren't even appropriate pictures for visualization purposes. For instance, Benson talks about various undergarments such as farthingales and bustles and paniers, but there are no pictures of even the full outfit to give you an idea of what might be worn underneath. Benson talks fancy and seems to be excellent at telling you that she doesn't know a heck of a lot more than you do -- except that she's the expert.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cute but overpriced,
By puffinswan "puffinswan" (Brigadoon) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Unmentionables: A Brief History of Underwear (Hardcover)
There is not much to this book-it is just delightful fluff-but I enjoyed it immensely!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
unmentionables,
By A Customer
This review is from: Unmentionables: A Brief History of Underwear (Hardcover)
fabulous overview of the history of undergarments, both male and female. delightful photographs and artwork, as well as readability. i am happy to have purchased this book
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