Where Will This Shoe Take You?: A Walk Through the History of Footwear [Hardcover]

Laurie Lawlor (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up

A history of fashion in footwear through the ages.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8. Lawlor begins this exceptionally well-designed and illustrated book by walking readers down the many paths of footwear history and leading them through the byways of societies and cultures in which shoes have played a significant role. She details the importance of footgear in work, play, fashion, myth and literature, and as symbols of authority and status. Each well-researched chapter is full of interesting facts that support the straightforward, simply written text. Anecdotes are set off by a different font and attractive border designs. Readers are invited to slip their feet into a particular boot or clog and imagine what the original owner's life was like. The numerous black-and-white photographs and reproductions feature various persons throughout history and their shoes, as well as actual, and in some cases, unique, footwear. Helpful captions describe the pictures, which are sharp enough to show details. The impressive list of photography credits indicates the extensive research that was involved in locating examples of footwear discussed in the text. The glossy paper, layout, type design, and open margins all add to the book's appeal. An annotated bibliography is included. The index is useful, although the book will probably be read more as a whole than used for specific questions.?Wendy D. Caldiero, New York Public Library
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5^-8. Beginning with the first sandals and moccasins crafted by ancient peoples thousands of years ago, Lawlor tells the complete history of footwear. Early boots and clogs afforded protection from the elements, and as civilizations progressed, individual cultures dictated style. In almost all cultures, the type of shoe worn indicated social status, religion, and politics. The book is filled with interesting stories and customs surrounding shoes. Oxfords were first introduced as a low-cut shoe boot with laces instead of buckles by students at Oxford in 1640. Sneakers began as "croquet sandals," the first true sport shoe, in 1868. One chapter is devoted to shoes in myth and literature; another to the place that footwear plays in birth, death, and marriage. Sketches and photos enhance the book throughout, and an annotated bibliography will aid the older reader. This is a rich, in-depth study of a simple topic. Susan DeRonne

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 132 pages
• Publisher: Walker & Co (October 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802784348
• ISBN-13: 978-0802784346
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,260,525 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Do not judge a book by it's cover., June 17, 2002

By 

MAB (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Where Will This Shoe Take You?: A Walk Through the History of Footwear (Hardcover)

I was very disappointed when I got "Where Will This Shoe Take You? : A Walk Through the History of Footwear." I expected color pictures of shoes from every era, not classified by shoe style. Also, I expected more pictures of people wearing the shoes featured in this book, as there were few pictures. I do not recommend.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is superb!, October 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Where Will This Shoe Take You?: A Walk Through the History of Footwear (Hardcover)

If you love shoes as much as me, and that would be a whole lot considering the fact that I have an whole walk in closit full of shoes, then you would love this book. This book explains all about shoes from all over the world! I enjoyed it so much because I enjoy learning about shoes. This is amazing because I usually hate reading!