FOLK AND FESTIVAL COSTUME OF THE WORLD

by R. Turner Wilcox

Illustrates and describes the traditional dress of countries, major geographic regions, and ethnic groups

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, History, Fashion, Art

240 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1977

Reviews

[April Helms]

I had mixed reactions to this book, which is a reprint of a book published in the 1960s, with intricate drawings of folk costumes and traditional garb. An impressive range of countries is covered, from Afghanistan to Yugoslavia. Most countries get one, sometimes two pages, with a brief description of the history of the country or ethnicity (British Crown colonies and various areas of the United States are covered, for example), plus a description of the apparel and accessories. This book is a sort of time capsule, not only for its sketches but for the countries represented (Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia don't exist anymore). The description and terms of the garb seems accurate, from my experience. But I'd double check some of the historical facts outline here. A couple things I read seemed a bit suspicious to me. One example I found was in reference to foot binding in China. The information states that it is believed that the tradition started in about 1200 with a Princess Taki, who was born with clubbed feet, so foot binding was started to please this princess. I was curious about how this practice started (arguably one of the worst "fashions" ever inflicted on girls and women). The only reference I could find to a Princess Taki is of a Japanese princess born in 751 (no where near 1200). From what I've been able to find, the practice of foot binding actually may have taken place earlier, about 1100 or even before 1000, but it's not certain). The origin on how this practice started is not clear but the two most popular stories involved concubines, not a princess. And the book refers to the description of the feet as "little golden lilies." It's not "golden lilies" - its "golden lotuses." I prefer "cruel," "barbaric" and asinine, but I digress. So yes, before using this book for any papers, double check the information.

[Debbie]

While I bought this book to primarily use as ephemera for some of my art, I was disappointed the descriptions and background on the costumes were not very thorough. It would have also been nice if the art had been in color.

Luckily, I found this book for $1 while thrifting, so I consider myself lucky.

[Tina]

In a nutshell: Brief descriptive text accompanied by black and white sketches of folk costumes from around the world.

Positives: Sketches are enjoyable to look upon and spark the imagination.

Negatives: The text is very brief, leaving a lot of history and costume details to be desired.

[Regina Hunter]

Neat

[Meredith]

Very dated. The drawings are very nice.