The Victorian Age

A History of Fashion and Costume #6

by Peter Chrisp

A History of Fashion and Costume examines the development of costume and fashion over time--from the earliest cave dwellers to the present--along with the social history that gave rise to it. Introducing readers to the rich world of fashion and dress, this eight volume set vividly depicts the changing styles, processes, and trends--from the first people to wear clothes in the last Ice Age to the courtly fashions of medieval Europe to the globalization of Western style--that led to the clothing of today.

Describing both the practical uses of clothing and the highly impractical clothes that have been used throughout history to convey social status, these volumes provide a compelling look at the effects of fashion and costume on society. Each accessible volume describes the fashions of the time, influential styles and designs, and the changing use of materials. Beautiful illustrations and engaging test examine clothing as well as the jewelry, hairstyles, hats, and footwear that accompanied the fashions and made them unique.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

64 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2005

About the author

Peter Chrisp is a British children's author of books on history. With over sixty books published, his various works include Blitzkrieg!, Dorling Kindersly's Ancient Egypt Revealed and Ancient Rome Revealed, The Spanish Conquests of the New World, and many more.

He first began writing history after working on the Mass-Observation archive at the University of Sussex. He has also worked as a writer on the online project "Icons of England".

Aside from his publications in literature, he is also an artist, who has exhibited collections of his cartoons and hand-drawn postcards during Brighton Festival. He is an inveterate theatre- and concert-goer, and during the Edinburgh Festival regularly views three shows a day. He collects original art works, and is a fan of Eric Ravilious and Jonny Hannah among others.

At present, Mr. Chrisp acts as one of Brighton's cultural attaches to Lewes. This is believed to be largely an honorary position. He is also being talked of as a possible future Mayor of Brighton.

Reviews

[Kaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's interesting (and very funny) how fashion evolves through the decades and realizing some things that are widely accepted today were appalled way back then (and vice versa.) Take Joseph Palmer for example, the bearded prisoner of worcester (page 13.) I've never felt more sorry for a man who wanted to exercise his god given right to wear a beard in 1830 but was met with so much animosity, ridicule, and harassment from children, men, and the local preacher that he was thrown into prison for it. Ironically, 20 years later growing a beard was the most fashionable thing for a man to wear on his face. History is a cavern full of comedy gold XD

[Tory · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of Victorian fashion with excellent visuals, this book delves into the societal trends reflected in fashion at upper, middle and lower class levels, town and country levels.

[Jacinta Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, basic information. Easy to reference.

[Katherine Cowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a useful and engaging book on Victorian fashion. It focuses primarily on England, though there are several pages on New York and American fashion, and a bit about the crossover of fashion between England and France. I like the pictures, and that it's a concise introduction. The author also does a good job of looking at the cultural and historical relevance of fashion details, and spends a number of pages on the clothing of ordinary people. Further, there is definite "social awareness" in the book, including some of the problems and vices of the Victorian age and its fashion.

My library had this book shelved in the "Young Adult Nonfiction" section. That may explain its length (only 60 pages) and how filled it was with images (though I would hope any book on fashion would be filled with images). Chrisp did a great job of finding really fascinating facts and details. Did you know that women used jars called hair receivers? When their hair fell out they would collect it in a jar, and then use the hair in lockets and to make jewelry.

Part of me wished the book was a lot longer and went in greater depth. Of course if it had been, I might have lost interest or not had time to read it.