Dressing Up

Name: Dressing Up
Brand: NewSouth Books
SKU: 9781789145298
Price: 57.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

A History of Fancy Dress in Britain

By Verity Wilson

Summary

Dressing Up by Verity Wilson explores the intricate relationship between fashion and societal developments throughout history. The book delves into different eras, showing how clothing styles reflect cultural, economic, and political changes. It offers an insightful examination into how fashion has influenced military attire and vice versa, providing a well-rounded perspective on historical and military dress.
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Format: Hardback

$57⁹⁹

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Dressing Up

$57⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you have an interest in exploring the rich history of fashion and its cultural significance. It delves into how garments and dressing traditions shape and reflect societies, bringing history to life through the lens of clothing. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply intrigued by the evolution of style, this book offers a captivating journey through time.

The colourful story of fancy dress in Britain.

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

Collections

Arts & Culture Education & Reference European History History & Archaeology History & Military Non-Fiction Verity Wilson

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.