Book description
- What is an earthquake gown? - Who wore eelskin masher trousers? -
What did the word "dudes" mean in the 16th century? A
Dictionary of English Costume by C. Willett Cunnington, Phillis
Cunnington and Charles Beard was originally published in 1960. A
monumental achievement and encyclopaedic in scope, it was a
comprehensive catalogue of fashion terms from the mid-medieval period up
to 1900. It was reissued and updated several times, for the last time in
1976. For decades it has served as a bible for costume historians. The
Dictionary of Fashion History completely updates and supplements the
Cunningtons' landmark work to bring it up to the present day. Featuring
additional terms and revised definitions, this new edition represents an
essential reference for costume historians, students of fashion history,
or anyone involved in creating period costume for the theatre, film or
television. It also is fascinating reading for those simply interested
in the subject. Clear, concise, and meticulous in detail, this essential
reference answers countless questions relating to the history of dress
and adornment and promises to be a definitive guide for generations to
come. Concise yet detailed, academic, and fabulous, it is truly a
dictionary. The Dictonary of Fashion History is an essential purchase
for any library serving patrons with an interest in fashion, clothing,
art, history, theater, anthropology, or nearly any area of the social
sciences. Library Journal Valerie Cumming is formerly Chairman, The
Costume Society (2004-2009), and Deputy Director and Chief Curator,
Museum of London.
