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Dressing Up
A History of Fancy Dress in Britain
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Dressing Up
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See moreThe colourful story of fancy dress in Britain.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
Pierrot, Little Bo Peep, cowboy: these characters and many more form part of this colourful story of dressing up, from the accession of Queen Victoria to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Fancy dress became a regular part of people's social lives over this period, and the craze for it spread across Britain and the Empire, reaching every level of society.
Spectacular and witty costumes appeared at street carnivals, victory celebrations, fire festivals and extravagant balls. From the Victorian middle classes performing 'living statues' to squads of Shetland men donning traditional fancy dress and setting fire to a Viking ship at the annual Up Helly Aa celebration, this lavishly illustrated book provides a unique view into the quirky, wonderful world of fancy dress.
Based on extensive new research, lucidly written, generously illustrated, this captivating book uncovers the remarkable 'lost' history of fancy dress and reveals its connections to community and national identity. Original, delightful, and unexpectedly topical. - Barbara Burman, co-author of The Pocket: A Hidden History of Women's Lives, 1660-1900
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Dressing Up by Verity Wilson explores the rich history of fancy dress in Britain, offering a vibrant and illustrated journey through time. This social history highlights how 'costume' has been pivotal in community events, village gatherings, and personal identity from the 19th to the 20th century. The book effectively blends scholarly insight with vivid imagery and engaging anecdotes, bringing attention to a previously overlooked aspect of British cultural history.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781789145298
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 15 August 2022
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Reaktion Books
Illustration: 144 illustrations, 36 in colour
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 171.0mm
Height: 220.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 352
About the Author
Verity Wilson worked at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London for 25 years. She is the author of Chinese Dress (1986) and Chinese Textiles (2004), and lives in Oxford.
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