20,000 Years of Fashion: The History of Costume and Personal Adornment

by François Boucher

Oversized Hardcover tells the story of how people have dressed themselves from the earliest recorded times to modern times. A definitive study featuring each epoch and region, clearly discussed so that the novice can enjoy this volume as well as the scholar. A must for any student of the arts or anyone interested in how fashion has evolved.

Genres: Fashion, History, Nonfiction, Fashion History, Art, Reference, Historical

441 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1965

Reviews

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The content would be great if the title has been more precise: Fashion of Rich Europeans.

With a brief exception at the beginning with ancient Middle Eastern fashions (so Boucher can gloss over the fact that Europeans were barbarians who had barely come up with Conan the Barbarian-level of clothes at the same time that the peoples of Northern Africa and the Middle East were inventing all the still in use basics of high style – strappy sandals, eye makeup, lipstick, wigs, perfume, shaving, hair gel, etc.) the book is all about the fashions of upper class Europe. That's fine – but again – with a title like this, I'd like more than just Europe.

Also, the end of the book had photos of styles of the 1960's and 1970's and they were all VERY high end and ultra out there fashions, more like Star Trek than Madison Ave, which made me question if the rest of the examples in the rest of the book were anywhere close to what would actually be worn in the various time periods.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you ever find yourself thinking well reading a historical novel (ok romance) what did they wear, what type of style was in fashion during that period. This is the book that answers those questions. I find myself reaching for this book often. Not only does it give you the description of the clothes but the best part is that there are over 1200 illustrations. I happened to find this at the used bookstore for $5.00 and it’s been worth its weight in gold.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I doubt I will ever finish... not for at least two years. I sort of look through it and read a few pages at a time. It's my treasure book, my kindered spirit.

[Mica ☆☆☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Si tuve que sufrir todos estos años que cuente para algo (pero fuera de joda, este libro tiene banda de información y por más que sea tedioso es uno de los textos más completos sobre la historia del traje).

[Ender Wiggin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome! From my own personal research using archaeological sources, it's very well-researched, too.

It would have been nice to see more pictures of costumes in pre-history, even if notations might have been needed in regards to accuracy.

[Elle Cee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things to keep in mind:
1. This only covers Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and the latter two really only in regards to ancient times. The book is definitely Eurocentric and even its take on European history is outdated and lacking in the nuance you'd find in more modern publications.
2. The book was published in I think the late 1960s or early '70s, so the knowledge and cultural norms reflect that era.
3. Similarly, the photos are mid-20th century quality and can lack crispness of detail.

I found this book at a used book shop and for that setting and price, it's a great find. This is a book to use for more casual research -- think artistic inspiration for characters and costumes -- since more rigorous, accurate, and updated material is certainly out there, both in print and online.

Also weirdly, my copy came with some of the pages uncut at the top, which I take to be a printer's error? They needed to be cut open in order to be able to read some pages. Don't @ me for taking an Xacto to a book, please.

[Aidan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great reference book. It can be a bit dry to just sit down and read, but it's great for when you think, "I wonder what people wore in...." My main complaint would probably be image placement. The images aren't always on the page they are meant to be illustrating. There are generally image number references so you can track the right picture down but I would prefer everything to be on the same page. Really good though - lots of pictures and great descriptions!

[Laurette Tesla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contains fantastic details that helps illustrate human progression through the ages via fashion trends.

[Alan Culler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best guide to fashion throughout the ages.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, old book with mind-boggling details.

[Red Shoes]

Ah, the university. Seat of all learning.

[Meltha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has some very good pictures from various time periods, but also has a rather large number of errors.

[Laurie Carr]

will be looking out for this in my local book shops...

[Fif]

this book is amazing , i will recommend it to my class

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved checking this book out from the library when I was younger. It was fun.