Costume: 1066 to the Present

by John Peacock

More than a thousand illustrations, based on surviving garments and contemporary paintings and photographs, demonstrate the astonishing changes in men’s and women’s clothing over the centuries—from the simple tunics and gowns of the eleventh century to the petticoat breeches and ostrich-plumed hats of Charles II’s reign to the T-shirts and shorts of today.


Clear and detailed drawings, plus notes that pinpoint specific features such as fabric, decoration, accessories and cut, make each costume immediately comprehensible.


Completely up to date, and with a new chart showing the main changes in fashion through the centuries, this is an essential reference for students of theatrical design and fashion, drama groups and anyone interested in the history of costume.

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

140 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are lovely, and the contrast between the blue illustrations and the black notes makes it easier to read.

It should be noted that this book really only covers upper-class English fashion for the dates given, which was disappointing.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this, it goes through every reign with beautiful illustrations. Shame nothing in the way of lower class fashions.

[Nell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An invaluable quick find resource guide.

[Samantha Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick reference guide to English fashion (this version goes from 1066-2005).
Very interesting to browse through , and good collection of drawings with brief notes on the style etc , although you'll need something more in depth if you want to know more about fabrics and colours used at the time (the pictures are detailed but not in colour) , plus this deals with mostly upper class fashion until you get to 20th century. Very good for quickly checking styles though and well organized so it's easy to find the time period you're looking for.

[Helene Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review - I knocked one star off my review because the book fails to look at the lower class fashions. It tends to examine the upper class examples of clothing, and some pointers on the typical colours used would have been nice. However, saying that, I love the illustrations and the clear history to it all - you can see hemlines rising on women's dresses and the changing hairstyles, it's absolutely fascinating.

General Subject/s? - History / Clothing / Textiles

Recommend? – Yes

Rating - 19/20

[Kathryn Baron · Rating 2 out of 5]

Line drawings. Reasonably well done. A good overview before diving into a period.

[Eleanor · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3) obsessed with these people’s weird little faces

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8 stars. I found this guide to be very interesting, and filled with valuable insight on the history of clothes.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is clearly well-researched, however some of the silhouettes are a bit off. Also, the artist replicated only some of the more exaggerated examples of clothing from each time period- things that would have been worn only by the very rich on special occasions. It completely ignores the sort of clothing worn by more average people, which is disappointing. Color illustrations would have been nice, too.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It's so clearly laid out with each page progressing through history by ruler.The drawings are easy to see and changes in fashion are marked as they appear. If there is only one period clothing book that you own, it should be this one. Great for browsing!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some day, I shall return this borrowed book to my sister. This book is fascinating - you can really see the evolution of clothing! I used the book to make somewhat historically accurate medieval costumes for my husband's grandkids and it was a smashing success.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

fantastic reference book for history, but I have knocked off a point because it doesn't have anything on peasants clothing, and the modern (1960's onwards) is just wrong! pen and ink illustrations, no colour.

[Suvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful for making art.

[Alyxandra Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've used this book for years. I love historical costuming.

[Regina Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woman's bodies are drawn in a weird way!

[Alice Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book for me is the best book ever i mean the picters are great. It shows how you wore what the Kings or Qweens wore. You will love it if your in to fashion.

[Helena Eflerova · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very useful reference book when working on the site and period specific projects. Well illustrated and clearly explained.

[Simone Vd stadt beaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great overview of the Chang if costume through the ages although the sketches leave a lot to the imagination.

[Redsteve · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview but pretty much only upper-class fashions and specifically focused on England. If color plates were not possible, some notations on typical colors would have been nice.

[Maddy Walock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book for reference! I use it for my artwork.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, great sketchbook style pictures