The Well-Dressed Child: Children's Clothing, 1820-1940 [Hardcover]

Anna MacPhail (Author)

Book Description

This book presents a nostalgic look at baby and children's wear from the Victorian Era to the first half of the 20th century. It chronicles the changes in children's fashions over the decades and centuries, from the popularity of tartans and plaids in the 1880s, to Knickerbocker suits and box pleated tunics, introduced by the Victorians, to the ever popular and enduring sailor suit. Over 300 stunning, full color photographs showcase the many wonderful and unusual examples of vintage and antique children's clothing, along with detailed descriptions and pricing. From exquisite christening gowns made of cotton and silk, with beautiful embroidery and lace trimmings, to the poignancy of a baby's mourning outfit, this book is delightful and informative in its photography and historic content. It is a must have for anyone interested in the field of fashion and vintage clothing, as well as antiques and collectibles.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Anna MacPhail resides in Florida with her husband, Michael. Her Antique Textiles business continues to flourish and she divides her time between Great Britain and the United States.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Pub Ltd (July 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764308580
• ISBN-13: 978-0764308581
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #495,082 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fabulous, well written history of children's clothing, October 17, 1999

By 

Heidi Murray (Washington, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Well-Dressed Child: Children's Clothing, 1820-1940 (Hardcover)

This was an excellent book, both in terms of the writting and the photography. The section on antique christening gowns was particularly exceptional. I learned more concerning children's clothing from this single book than the last dozen antique clothing books I've read. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in antique children's clothing.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A TRIP INTO THE PAST, December 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Well-Dressed Child: Children's Clothing, 1820-1940 (Hardcover)

I ENJOYED THIS BOOK VERY MUCH. IT WAS EDUCATIONAL AND INTERESTING TO READ. THE PHOTOGRAPHS WERE BEAUTIFUL! IT WAS SUCH A PLEASURE TO SEE A BOOK LIKE THIS. I HAVE SEEN OTHER BOOKS ON VINTAGE CLOTHING BUT THEY ARE DISORGANIZED AND NOT FACTUAL. THIS BOOK TOOK ME BACK TO A TIME I THINK I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO LIVE IN. ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS IN MY COLLECTION.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a lovely book., June 23, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Well-Dressed Child: Children's Clothing, 1820-1940 (Hardcover)

Anna MacPhail's book is a work of art in itself. Every page is glossy photo paper, and only one page has no photos. Each photo is in color, (even the black and whites are sepia toned), and some of the items are priced, giving collectors an idea of value. This book has very little text, so if visual history is your thing, this book is superb.