Medieval Costume and Fashion

by Herbert Norris

This Dover edition, first published in 1999, is an unabridged republication
of the work originally published in 1927 by J. M. Dent and Sons
Ltd., London, under the title Costume & Fashion, Volume Two: Senlac to
Bosworth, 1066-1485.

A panoramic study of clothing worn in the Middle Ages. A meticulously researched text is enhanced with nearly 700 illustrations depicting all manner of apparel — from fur-trimmed cloaks and brocaded robes of courtiers and the nobility to simpler mantles, tunics and trousers worn by merchants, huntsmen, and other commoners.

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

564 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1927

Reviews

[Noel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve rated this so highly due to the extreme detail of costume descriptions for all levels of society - I’ve not been able to find such detail in any other book, and the illustrations are wonderful. However, this book is from the 1920s, so a lot of information and opinions from the author are very outdated, so perhaps supplement reading this with a more modern book to add context!

[Stacy & David Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I was searching for pictures of historical dresses and I found myself not able to put the book down. Love all the references on how the information obtained. I ended up picking up all four for my library. Since these are re-prints from around 1927 I have been wondering if anyone has tackled trying to update them ?

[Rebus7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It helped me out a lot while researching how to make an at least halfway historical correct costume for going to a medieveal fair. And it's going to be used very soon again for an "updated" version of the dress, as my sewing skills have (hopefully) improved.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more of a reference book than a reading book. It was written 1927 so more historical research might have changed some of the material. I was interested in how clothing was made in medieval times e.g. how did they make the spectacular head coverings for the women and how did they get the tights for the men to look decent. The book provided a lot of insight into not only the making of the clothes but the style changes over time.

[Phair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully detailed look at costume and culture from 1066 thru late 1400s, mostly English. Small line drawings, simple patterns and some period plates cover everything from hair and headdress, shoes, accessories, jewelry, trimmings and fabric patterns. Includes middle class dress and extensive section on heraldry including horse trappings. Extensive historical data pages in each section put it all into historical context.

[Dina Haggerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reference book if you are interested in the fashions of the time period.

[Leah]

Very thorough. A good reference.

[Alessandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Exhaustive, yet filtered through the aesthetics of the 1920s and 1930s. Be cautious relying on this source.