Customer Reviews

Unmentionables: A Brief History of Underwear

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

 

 

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.

There is not much to this book-it is just delightful fluff-but I enjoyed it immensely!

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

I bought this book after seeing Mrs. Benson being interviewed on national television and I just had to get it. After picking up the book I was unable to put it down. It was amazing to think that the book could be so enriched with information about what most people think to be a silly subject. The book has both text and pictures, making an absolute joy to read. I was crushed when I read Mrs. Benson's obituary in the New York Times on Sunday, October 4th 1998. I find it amazing that a 70 year old woman could write a book about underwear of all things. I recommend this book for anybody who likes to read at all. I have bought around 15 copies to give to friends and family, seeing as that it makes a perfect gift. I also have one on every coffee table in my house. I strongly suggest that you buy this book ASAP!!!

I thought when I read Don Quixote by Cervantes that I'd read the best book ever written. Then I happened upon Tolstoy's War and Peace, and I thought no reading experience could ever compare. THEN, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I FOUND IT: Elaine Benson's matchless "Unmentionables: a Brief History of Underwear." The pun in the title was divine! I thought the book could never live up to its wonderfully witty title! BUT, GENTLE AUDIENCE, IT DID. And more. The title is the least enjoyable part of the book! It is terrific! Witty and informative! Truly a masterpiece to rank with the great books of the millenium.