The Umbrella Unfurled: Its Remarkable Life and Times

by Nigel Rodgers

A delightful illustrated history of the umbrella—protector against rain and sun, weapon, and fashion accessory   Culturally ubiquitous and multi-functional, the umbrella comes in many colors, shapes, and sizes, and its significance in different forms and throughout time is explored here. Its use in the ancient cultures of Egypt is discussed, where it was often made of palm leaves and colored feathers, denoted rank, and even had a religious significance. The place of umbrellas in Roman times is also explained, where it was commonly used by women of fashion—and supposedly by effeminate men to defend themselves. This entertaining history also covers the Edwardian times, the Duke of Wellington, London stockbrokers, and the KGB.

96 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2013

About the author

Nigel Rodgers, who has a degree in history and history of art from Cambridge University, has written widely on history, philosophy and art. (Barnes and Noble)

Reviews

[Pipedown]

This is a most unusual and delightful book. Small and light-weight (in every sense), it shoots through the centuries and round the world looking at umbrellas great and small, famous and forgotten. The illustrations are often most original. It would make a very good present