The Encyclopedia of World Costume

by Doreen Yarwood

This history of world costume defines and describes designs, materials, accessories, and manufacturing techniques, placing them in historical perspective, and follows the development of tastes and the recurrence of motifs

Genres: History, Reference, Fashion, Nonfiction

471 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Deborah]

If there's anything you want to know related to how people dressed throughout history, this book covers it. The book covers various clothing-related terms, the clothing of various cultures, clothing materials, and techniques of making and decorating clothing. It also covers things like hair styles, wigs, perfume, and so on. Black-and-white drawings illustrate many of the entries.

The book is very informative and easy-to-read. This is one of those books that will stay in my personal library for future reference.

[Phair]

Wide coverage includes fabrics & techniques, fashion terms, prominent names, garment types, accessories. National/folk dress included. Copious small detailed line drawings and a few color plates. List of museum sources, bibliography arranged by topics. Large index provides access to terms and topics within the general alphabetical arrangement of articles. Comprehensive source for quick clarification or overview.
My copy is an original 1978 Scribners edition.

[Saleris]

Error on the Writer/Editor's name - it's actually Doreen YARWOOD.
Nicely written and compiled. The drawings are a bit small, but the information is good enough to compensate.

[Patricia Dietz]

Outstanding reference. Full color plates and detailed descriptions.