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Medieval Costume in England and France: The 13th, 14th and 15th Centuries
This carefully researched volume offers lovers of both costume and the medieval period a meticulously researched and accurately detailed study of the clothing of the Middle Ages. Following an illuminating discussion of the style and construction of costumes worn in the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth centuries, noted costume historian Mary G. Houston provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of actual apparel worn by all classes and sectors of society. Included are elaborate royal, academic, and legal costumes; Eucharistic vestments and garments of religious orders; working class apparel; civilian dress; and more. Also examined is a wide variety of accessories and ornaments, jewelry, armor, textiles, embroidery, coiffures, and other items.
The clear, succinct text is splendidly documented by 350 black-and-white line illustrations based on contemporary books and manuscripts as well as representations in paintings and sculpture. Indispensable for students of costume history, medievalists, illustrators, and fashion historians, Medieval Costume in England and France will delight anyone interested in the medieval period and its dress.
The clear, succinct text is splendidly documented by 350 black-and-white line illustrations based on contemporary books and manuscripts as well as representations in paintings and sculpture. Indispensable for students of costume history, medievalists, illustrators, and fashion historians, Medieval Costume in England and France will delight anyone interested in the medieval period and its dress.
256 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 26, 2021
It covers 300 years of fashion so it doesn't go in depth on anything really, but it does cover civilian, working, noble, and ecclesiastical fashion. Some common articles of clothing will have diagrams depicting what the patterns for them would look like.
I've noticed a few obvious typos/errors and it makes me wonder how much was accidentally swapped around or mis-labeled. (Writing "Joanna of Castile" from the 16th century when they meant to reference "Joan of England" in the 14th century; having captions of the figures misnumbered; some names of garments/accessories are misspelled; etc.)
Most of the captions will focus on just one part of the model's dress, like their wimple or sleeves, while ignoring anything else about them that might be different, or, even worse, the caption won't add anything to the picture. (Ex. Figure 173 depicts a man in a loose gown with pointed shoes that appear to have buttons running down the length of them, unlike every other pair of shoes shown in the book. Despite this, the caption reads "Fig. 173 wears the typical loose gown introduced in the early fourteenth century." Why even caption it?!)
Apart from those issues, it's a good book to use when you have absolutely no idea what medieval fashion was like and want something basic which you can later use as a jumping-off point to find other sources to truly learn about the topic, which is what I needed.
I've noticed a few obvious typos/errors and it makes me wonder how much was accidentally swapped around or mis-labeled. (Writing "Joanna of Castile" from the 16th century when they meant to reference "Joan of England" in the 14th century; having captions of the figures misnumbered; some names of garments/accessories are misspelled; etc.)
Most of the captions will focus on just one part of the model's dress, like their wimple or sleeves, while ignoring anything else about them that might be different, or, even worse, the caption won't add anything to the picture. (Ex. Figure 173 depicts a man in a loose gown with pointed shoes that appear to have buttons running down the length of them, unlike every other pair of shoes shown in the book. Despite this, the caption reads "Fig. 173 wears the typical loose gown introduced in the early fourteenth century." Why even caption it?!)
Apart from those issues, it's a good book to use when you have absolutely no idea what medieval fashion was like and want something basic which you can later use as a jumping-off point to find other sources to truly learn about the topic, which is what I needed.
September 15, 2019
A very interesting account of the construction of medieval costumes! Great source of information for anyone with a love of old fashion and anyone looking to do a themed party or wedding. Very informative for costume parties and renaissance faires!
March 6, 2023
Very informative!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews