Poison Pen Press

Costume Books


Basic Craft of Turnshoes - $5.00

John Frazier. Instructions for making your own period shoes. Including duct tape pattern making, cutting a wooden last, materials and tools, and finishing with ties and buckles. Paper, 82pp, references. SCA

Basics of Corset Building: a handbook for beginners - $29.95

Linda Sparks. This excellent guide has 4 parts: Tools & Materials, Building a Corset (working with bones & busks, setting grommets), Construction Techniques, and Alterations & Fit. Clear photos & diagrams illustrate various techniques & guide you through construction. Hardcover, 76pp, glossary. St Martin’s

 

Bedlah, Baubles, and Beads - $21.00

Dawn Devine. Focuses on the ‘cabaret’ style so common in the US. Discusses designing & crafting the elaborate bra & belts sets worn by belly dancers. Full of useful & thought-provoking information for the dance costumer. Tr pb; spiral bound, 132pp, biblio & resources list. Ibexa Press

 

Book of Kimono: the Complete Guide to Style and Wear - $28.00

Norio Yamanaka. This practical and attractive book contains the basic knowledge and vocabulary needed to select and put on a kimono and obi. All kimono are basically made from a single pattern, but a number of variations must be considered, depending on the occasion. This book gives guidelines to making these choices, and the way to dress in a kimono is carefully described & illustrated. Includes men’s garments, care, & etiquette. Tr pb, dw, 139pp, numerous diagrams & photos, glossary, index. Kodansha.

 

Chinese Minority Costume - $39.95

Oversized photo book illustrating traditional ethnic attire of China’s 55 minority groups. Provides overview of men’s & women’s garb, with brief explanations of how clothes are made. Bilingual, 218pp, photos almost every page, very brief biblio. China Intercontinental

 

Chinese Traditional Costumes & Ornaments - $39.95

Zang Yingchun. Similar in format to Chinese Minority Costume, this volume is chronologically arranged. Using statues, funerary sculpture, paintings, and extant garments & objects, the book recreates clothing of historical China. Covers Qin (21st century BCE) to modern Republic of China (1949 CE). Lavishly illo’d, with color photos on almost every page. Tr pb, 190 pp. China Intercontinental Press

 

Corsets: Historical Patterns & Techniques -$35.00

Jill Salen. Patterns & techniques for over 20 historically correct corsets, ranging from the 1750s to 1950, from boned corsets, ribbon corsets & basques to satin corsets. Each project includes pattern, finished drawing, close-up photos of historic item. Includes 2 step-by-step projects (hand-stitched pre-1850 corset & machine-stitched post-1850 corset). Tr pb, 128 pp.Quite Specific Media     

Costume 1066 to the Present - $19.95
John Peacock. A guide to English costume design and history. This handy guide is divided by monarchs’ reigns, and shows primarily upper-class attire. Each page features eight outfits, four male and four female, and includes useful notes detailing important or unusual features of each garment. Sketches are based on surviving clothing, contemporary paintings, and photos. 8½ x11, 135 pages. Thames & Hudson.

Costumes - $15.00

Clara Schmidt. These pictures, drawn from diverse sources from Vecellio in the 16th century to modern mail order catalogues, constitute an excellent source. Sketches & etchings. Tr paper, 123pp, captions in English, French, German, and Russian, accompanying CD-ROM (TIFF) suitable for both PC and Mac.  L’Aventurine.

 

Costuming from the Hip - $21.00

Dawn Devine. This book is a comprehensive reference for all types of Middle Eastern dance costuming. Readers will like the over 200 illustrations, historical patterns, construction techniques and the hundreds of hints and tips. Takes reader step-by-step through body measurement, costume research, pattern layouts, fitting, and accessorizing. Tr pb; spiral bound, 114pp, biblio & resources list. Ibexa Press

Cut My Cote - $8.95
Dorothy K Burnham. Brief book illustrating a number of tunic-like garments from a variety of periods and cultures. Includes very basic patterns for cutting the garments. 36p, paper. University of Toronto

Dress Accessories c.1150-c.1450 (2nd Edition): Medieval Finds >From Excavations in London - $37.95
Geoff Egan and Frances Pritchard. Catalogues, discusses, and illustrates over 1780 medieval dress accessories recovered from excavations in London. Girdles, buckles, brooches, buttons, hair accessories, pins, beads, chains, pendants, rings, purses, cosmetic sets, and needle cases were among the wealth of well-preserved finds recovered from these excavations in the City of London. The excavations provide an accurate framework within which to date the recovered items. This book presents the opportunity for statistical analysis of dress accessories based on the sheer abundance of detailed information. Catalog entries for all 1784 finds. A treasure-trove of detailed historical information, it offers sociological insight into the clothing choices of the "ordinary man/woman" during the three hundred years from 1150 through 1450 AD. The tome is a "must" for any serious medievalist and/or costumer. Fully illustrated: twelve colored plates, numerous black-and-white photos, hundreds of detailed line drawings. Notes, charts, extensive bibliography. 410 pp, pb. Boydell & Brewer Press.

Dress in Anglo-Saxon England - $40.00
Gale R Owen-Crocker. Revised & expanded edition. Considerably updated, this new edition focuses on English dress from the fifth to the eleventh centuries. It draws evidence from archeology, text and art (manuscripts, ivories, metalwork, stone sculpture, mosaics), and also from re-enactors’ experience. It examines archaeological textiles, cloth production and the significance of imported cloth, and foreign fashions. Dress is discussed as a marker of gender, ethnicity, status and social role – in the context of a pagan burial, dress for holy orders, bequests of clothing, commissioning a kingly wardrobe, and much else… (Pub note) 12 b/w, 13 color plates, 140 b/w drawings, glossary of clothing terms, possible cutting plan for 11th century gown. HC, 408 pp, extensive biblio & index. Boydell & Brewer

Dressing the Past - $50.00

Edited by Margarita Gleba et al. A collection of essays dealing with how we think people dressed in the past. Includes material on the Minoans, Scythians, & Romans, as well as medieval saints, Vikings, & Renaissance noblemen. Pb. Oxbow

Early Highland Dress – CD - $12.95
Matthew A.C. Newsome. "When one begins to research the history of Highland dress, it quickly becomes apparent that prior to the 17th century reliable information becomes hard to find…the historic record is not nearly as complete for this earlier period …In this little volume, I hope to share the fruits of that research, dispel some myths, and with any luck inspire the reader to further investigation…" The author’s own words speak eloquently. Includes material on wrapping the Great Kilt, Pre-Culloden Tartans, Gaelic footwear. Acrobat readable (included).
Scotpress

Elephant’s Breath & London Smoke – $32.95

Deb Salisbury. Discusses color in history - the names of colors, when they were used, how they were used, what they looked like, and where they came from. There are dye recipes, paint ingredients, poetic language and general comment – all in the words of Period writers. Includes material on mourning colors, the effects of artificial light on color, advice on what colors to wear, the colors found in cosmetics and theatrical make-up, and the names of the colors of horses, heraldic colors, and complaints about the names of colors. Material is drawn from fashion magazines, books of dye recipes, art books, painters’ manuals, mineralogy guides, period dictionaries, encyclopedias and more. Sources range from 1380 to 1920. This dictionary endeavors to define color names in the words of the English speaking people who used those colors. A unique resource. TR paper, massive bibliog., 300pp. Five Rivers Chapmanry.

 

Embellished Bras: Basic Techniques - $20.00

Dawn Devine. This ‘workshop in a book’ demonstrates the techniques for transforming a lingerie bra into a finished costume piece. Easy-to-follow processed is presented through clear, step-by-step photos and illustrations. An excellent resource for novice sewers and professional designers alike. Tr pb, saddle-stapled, 64pp. Ibexa Press

 

Fashion in the Age of the Black Prince - $35.00
Stella Mary Newton. In this rich resource for an under-represented period, Ms Newton discusses costume in considerable detail, with emphasis on the dramatic & extravagant fashion of the time. In addition to visual evidence, she also draws heavily on court accounts, chronicles, & poetry. Although basically English in focus, there are many references to clothing on the Continent. Photos of sculpture, portraits, drawings. 5 appendices, biblio. Tr pb, 150p. Boydell & Brewer .

From The Neck Up - $25.00
Most complete book on hat-making now available. Techniques explained step-by-step. More than 400 illos. Historical & modern patterns, list of suppliers. MadHatter Press.

From Turban to Toe Ring - $21.00

Dawn Devine. Explores the various layers and elements that compose the tribal-style costume. From jewelry & cosmetics to cholis, skirts, and pants, this book is loaded with directions for designing & making garments. With over 300 illustrations & diagrams, this is an essential addition to your reference library. Tr pb; spiral bound, 96ppbiblio & resources list, b/w sketches. Ibexa Press

 

Headdresses of the Fourteenth & Fifteenth Centuries - $5.00

Marie Vibbert (Lyonnete Vibert) In this pamphlet, Vibert describes in loving detail hoods, templets, and cauls, and their evolution into the elaborate horned and veiled headdresses most people think of as medieval. Separate chapters describe constructing cauls, internally supported cauls (‘the heart-shaped headdress’), and hennins. Pb, saddle-stapled, 52pp, biblio, endnotes, annotated list of illustrations. SCA

 

Hispanic Costume, 1480 – 1530.  - $29.00

Ruth Matilda Anderson.  Covering an important transitional period in Iberian history, this book is essential for students of the area. Material on both outer and inner garments is supplied. Covers every aspects of dress, from headgear and hair styles to shoes and hose. Discussions are accompanied by a multitude of photographs of sculpture and period art. Exceptionally clear pictures make this a very useful title. Impressive notes, bibliog., and index. Cloth, 269 pp, 569 b/w, 8 color illos. Hispanic Society

Hooked-Clasps & eyes – $39.95

Brian Read. A classification and catalogue of sharp- or blunt-hooked clasps and miscellaneous hooks, eyes, loops, rings or toggles, cloak-fasteners, and scarf-hooks. The author explains both textually and illustratively what is known about when, where and how these objects were used and their manufacture. Includes both base- and precious-metal examples, from Roman through late post-medieval. Each item has a sketch and/or photo, and is given a description of material and provenance. Especially useful for metalworkers! TR paper, 238pp, bibliog. Portcullis Publishing.

Kimono: Fashioning Culture - $26.95
Liza Dalby. Delves into the history, aesthetics, and cultural and social mores of kimono from its seventh century Chinese origins to its current role as the national dress of Japan. With impeccable scholarship, Dalby contends that "dress can never be analyzed separately from the universe of possibilities that shape its particular historical meaning" and that clothing, wearer, and culture are nowhere more integrated into a cohesive whole than in Japan. Part I explores this interplay of clothing and culture, while Part II moves on to a study of kimono in the modern world. Part III looks at two important developments of kimono: Heian imperial court dress of the ninth to the eleventh centuries and Genroku urban and mercantile traditions of the seventeenth century. The final chapter of Part III, Kimono and Geisha, looks at length at these so uniquely Japanese traditions. Dalby’s passion for her subject matter comes through in her lucid, engaging prose. Lavish photographs and illustrations highlight the beauty of kimono. The narrative explores the subtle nuances of color, design, material, and decoration that clearly mark the social and economic status of the wearer for anyone with the knowledge needed to interpret the signs. Illustration and narrative notes, extensive bibliography, index and glossary. 384 PP, 8¼ by 8¼ inches pb. University of Washington Press.

Little Costume Workbook Series - $8.95 (each)
Bonnie Ambrose. These provide lively, simple patterns and instructions for basic garments, plus variations and modifications thereof. Saddle-stapled mini-books, 4x6. Drama Books.

Little Bodice Construction
Little Corset Construction
Little Hatmaking Book

 

Make Your Own Japanese Clothes - $28.00

John Marshall. Instructions for making Japanese garments, from kimono to two-toed socks, with traditional Japanese sewing methods or easier modern methods. Includes patterns, fabric suggestions, and sizing instructions. TR paper, 8 color, 10 b/w photos, 360 line drawings, 136pp.

 

Making Elizabethan Gloves - $5.00

Franchesa V Havas. After a brief discussion of the status of glove wear and the use of gloves in period, the author proceeds to instruct us in the mystery of taking proper measurements, creating a pattern and mock-up glove, and then on to the actual glove construction. A unique resource. 13pp annotated biblio. Pb, saddle-stapled, 56pp, many b/w illus & patterns. SCA

 

Medieval Clothing & Textiles Volume One - $49.95

Owen-Crocker & Netherton, eds. First volume in series, interdisciplinary in approach. Broad geographical & temporal coverage. Volume contains Anglo-Saxon embroidery, regulation of clerical dress, the tippet, evidence for dress & textiles in English wills. HC, 192pp, b/w illus, short bk reviews.  Boydell & Brewer

 

Medieval Clothing & Textiles Volume Two – $47.95

Owen-Crocker & Netherton, eds. Articles: Dress & Accessories in the ‘The Wooing of Becfhola’, Embroidered Word: Text in the Bayeux Tapestry, Making Textiles in 12th Century French Romance, Paris in the Int’l Textile Markets of 13th/14th Centuries, Apparel & Impoverishment in Medieval & Early Modern England, Textile cleaning Techniques in Renaissance Europe, Dual Identity of the English Embroidered Jacket. HC, dust jacket, 190p. Index, ‘Recent Books of Interest, 23 illos , extensive notes. Boydell & Brewer

 

Medieval Clothing & Textiles   Volume Three  $60.00

 Netherton & Owen-Crocker, eds. Articles: Cushioning Medieval Life: Domestic Textiles in Anglo-Saxon England, Matter of Style: Clerical Vestments in the Anglo-Saxon Church, Saints in Split-Stitch: Representations of Saints in Opus Anglicanum Vestments, Anti-Red Shift-To the Dark Side: Colour Changes in Flemish Luxury Woollens, Finishing of English Woollens, Poverty & Richly Decorated Garments: a Re-evaluation of their Significance, ‘Set on Yowre Hondys”: 15th Century instructions for Fingerloop Braiding, Tiny Textiles Hidden In Books… Multiple Strand Bookmarkers, ‘She Hath Over Grown All that Ever She Hath’: Children’s Clothing in the Lisle Letters. Also includes a list of recent books of interest, and the contents of previous volumes. HC, dw, 221pp, index. Tables, b/w photos & illus. Boydell & Brewer     

 

Medieval Clothing & Textiles  Volume Four $60.00

Netherton & Owen-Crocker, eds. Articles: ‘From Flax to Linen in the Medieval Rus Lands’, ‘Scarlet Clothing…in the Njals Saga’, ‘Wandering Wimple’, ‘From Head to Hand to Arm’, Visual Textiles’, ‘Cap of St Birgitta’, ‘View from Herjolfsnes’, more.  HC, dw, 227 pp, index. Boydell & Brewer

 

Medieval Clothing & Textiles, Volume Five - $60.00

Edited by Robin Netherton & Gale Owen-Crocker. Latest in this superb series, this book contains ‘Clothing & Conflict in the Icelandic Family Sagas’, ‘Obscure Lands & Obscured Hands’, ‘Failed Censures: Ecclesiastical Regulation of Women’s Clothing in Late Medieval Italy,’ “Cutting a Fine Figure: Costume of French Gothic Ivories’, ‘One Quilt or Two? A reassessment of the Guicciardini Quilts…’, ‘French Hood’, ‘Who was Cesare Vecellio?’ Hardcover, dj, 208pp, index, Recent books of interest, 40 b/w illus. Boydell

 

Medieval Dress and Fashion - $29.00

Margaret Scott. The author presents a fascinating narrative of the history of European clothing for roughly 600 years from the tenth century onwards. Illuminated manuscripts are a treasure trove of information on the clothing people wore, or wanted to be seen to wear, in greater or lesser European courts, but she reminds us that written records, like household accounts, are a valuable complement to the pictures. Scott has clearly not only examined the manuscript illustrations but also a great many medieval documents from many countries. Tr paper, 208pp, 120 color plates,20 b/w illus, chapter-by-chapter bibliog., glossary, index. British Library.

Metal Buttons c.900 B.C. – c. AD 1700 - $30.00

Brian Read. Among dress accessories, buttons are probably the most ubiquitous. Until recently, examples prior to 1700 were rare. However, technology, dedication, and hard work, have reveals a remarkable range of button-like objects and early metal buttons. In this book, metal button-like objects prior to 1700 are subjected to a detailed manufactory analysis, each being described both textually and illustratively. Serious garment historians and metalworkers alike will find this useful and fascinating. TR paper, 109pp, photos & sketches of each object described, bibliog. Portcullis Publishing.

 

Moda a Firenze 1540-1580: Lo stile di Eleonora di Toledo e la sua influenza - $110.00

Roberta Orsi Landini, Bruna Niccoli. Italian, with facing English text. Lavish color photos of period portraits focus heavily on the elaborate garments. A brief biography of Eleonora is followed by chapters on her style, costume in Medici ceremonies, and surviving clothing. Further chapters concentrate on individual garments, divided by types, such as: petticoat, farthingale and doublet, gown, jerkin and maternity gown; slippers, shoes, stockings and garters, etc. Includes chapters on tailors & embroiderers, and Florentine textile production. Lush, amazing; comparable to Queen Elizabeth’s Wardrobe. HC, dust jacket, 252p, glossary, list of illos, biblio, 35p chronological inventory of Eleonora’s wardrobe, list of documents cited, family tree of Cosimo I de’ Medici. Copious notes follow each chapter. 9 ½ x12 ¼. Univ de Caen

Old Irish & Highland Dress CD - $12.95
H.F. McClintock. Facsimile of 1943 edition. Thorough discussion of this hard-to-locate material, with references from 1169 onward. Many b/w illos, some also in color. The source and date of each illustration is cited. 188pp. Scotpress.
This title is no longer available in book form, only as a CD.

Pants for the Dance - $10.00

Dawn Devine. Addresses the exciting design possibilities for one of the most ubiquitous but unsung garments in the dancer’s wardrobe: pants! This book introduces a simple method for using body measurements to draft patterns that fit. Go beyond the basic harem style and explore a variety of options for creating pants for male and female dancers 8/12x7 pb, saddle-stapled, 40pp, b/w sketches. Ibexa Press

 

Patterns for Costume Accessories - $35.00

Levine & McGee. Patterns for period & contemporary accessories, including hats, neckwear, gloves & gauntlets, purses & reticules. Excellent basic patterns. Some post-period material, but a useful resource. Tr pb, 182pp, 83 patterns & 150 illos. Quite Specific Media

Patterns for Theatrical Costume - $35.00
Katherine S Holkeboer. A classic work. Ancient Egypt to 1915. Presents easily-enlarged patterns for accurate period silhouettes, and suggested modifications to sleeves, head-gear, etc. 8½ x11, 350pp, pb. Drama Book.

Patterns of Fashion
Janet Arnold. The cut and construction of clothes for men and women. Photos of actual garments & art showing details. Intricate graphed patterns for enlargement 128p, 15x11.

1560 - 1620 - $39.95
1660 - 1860 - $39.95
1860 - 1940 - $39.95

 

NEW – Volume 4 – Cut and Construction of linen shirts, smocks, neckwear, headwear, and accessories for men and women, 1540-1660. - $49.95 

Additional material by Jenny Tiramani & Santini M Levy. Same format, 128 pp, 56 color photos, 86 b/w illus. Quite Special Media.

Persian Court Costume and Dance in the 16th Century - $5.00
Hollie Williams/Mistress Blodwen ferch Maergred. "Persian costume is one of the most well-documented styles of Middle Eastern costume of the SCA time period. This article is a basic overview of the costume found in the court illuminations of 16th century Persia. … Because dance is a performing art, it is very difficult to reconstruct. Using visual depictions of dance and music from the era, it is possible to take a scholarly look at the art form of the female court dancers of medieval Persia…" (Author’s note). 40pp, 8-1/2x5-1/2, saddle-stapled. Biblio, list of terms, b/w sketches & line drawings. SCA

Purses in Pieces: Archeological Finds of late medieval and 16th-century leather purses - $40.00

Olaf Goubitz. Specifically, purses, pouches, bags and cases in the Netherlands. Another of Goubitz’s superb books, showing the actual restored purse plus sketches of its outlines and period illustrations showing similar items being worn. There are also some reconstructed items using modern leather.9” x 11”, perfect-bound, 118pp, brief notes & references, b/w sketches & photos on virtually every page. SPA Itgevers

 

Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock't – $180.00
Janet Arnold. This lavish book represents the pinnacle of Janet Arnold’s research. A massive volume (10 x 13, 372 pages), it contains full transcripts of the inventories of Queen Elizabeth’s clothing preserved in the British Library and Public Records Office, and the Folger Library in Washington D.C. It includes contemporary descriptions and portraits, designs for jewelry and embroidery, accounts of gifts of clothing to and from Elizabeth. It also describes the organization and staff of Elizabeth’s Wardrobe of Robes. 460 black-and-white photographs or portraits, miniatures, tomb sculpture, et cetera. In addition, the book contains extensive notes and a discussion of the various craftspeople who produced the garments, shoes, jewels, gloves, and purses used by Her Majesty. Quite Specific Media.

 

 

Rings: Jewelry of Power, Love and Loyalty - $50.00

Diana Scarisbrick. The first book on rings organized thematically rather than chronologically. Provides historical and literary context and she considers the various divisions. Covers material from ancient Egypt up to the 20th century. Material is drawn not only from great museums but also from private collections,  most notably that of the noted gem dealer Benjamin Zucker. Hardcover, dj, 384pp, 483 illus, 435 in color, notes on text,  notes on illus, bibliog., index. Thames & Hudson

 

Royal Jewels: from Charlemagne to the Romanovs - $75.00

Diana Scarisbrick, Christophe Vachaudez, and Jan Walgrave. This sumptuous book surveys wealth, power, and prestige of 800 years of European monarchies in the form of their jewels. Shows the exquisite range of gems worn by Europe’s fabled monarchs. Illustrated with exceptional photos as well as period paintings and vintage photos. Oversize hardcover, dj, 296pp, bibliog. Vendome

 

 

Saris: An Illustrated Guide to the Indian Art of Draping - $30.00
Chantal Boulanger. The author warns, "Draping is an art and a technique that requires some training… Learning how to drape saris took me a lot of time, patience, and perseverance." With this caveat, Boulanger presents the results of her extensive research: instructions for over 100 different styles of draping, reflecting geographical location, sex, social status, and sometimes religion. Many of these draping styles have not been studied or described previously, and are in danger of being totally forgotten, as the young adopt ‘citified’ costume. Includes men’s and women’s garments. B/w sketches on every page attempt to guide the user. The practical, interesting, varied, and often elegant garments shown here will reward the diligent student’s efforts. Spiral bound, 8-1/2x11, 131pp. Brief biblio, appendix of standard fabric lengths used in various types of saris. Shakti Press

 

 

Seventeenth and Eighteenth CenturyFashion in Detail - $39.95

Avril Hart and Susan North. Offers a rare, close-up look at the exquisite, labor-intensive details seen in find historical clothing. Drawing from the V&A’s fabulous collection, this book contains a gallery of full color photos, accompanied by clear line drawings showing the construction of the completed garment, and a text that sets each in the context of its time. Oversize trade paper, glossary, selected readings, 224pp. Victoria & Albert Museum

 

Shoes and Pattens: Medieval Finds From Excavations in London - $37.95
Francis Grew and Margrethe de Neergaard. Since the 1970s and ’80s, more than 2,000 shoes have been found in waterlogged conditions along the north bank of the Thames. All are in well-dated archaeological contexts, making it possible to trace the development of shoe fashion between the 12th and 14th centuries. With 27 B&W photos of the finds and 91 line illustrations showing the shoes’ and pattens’ construction, this book is a treasure trove for recreationists and theatrical costumers, although it is equally of interest to archaeologists and scholars. The introduction to this, the 2nd edition, discusses more recent finds and addresses issues that received too little attention in the 1st edition: the practice of making new shoes from older parts and the use of inserts; corrections to the terminology. Also, European discoveries in the ’80s and ’90s now make it possible to place shoe fashion in a broader context. Tr paper, 152pp, bibliography. Boydell & Brewer

 

Skirting the Issues - $10.00

Dawn Devine. Skirts are an important garment type for dancers, no matter what style of costume they choose. This booklet is filled with design ideas that go beyond the standard ‘three-panel’ skirt. From gores to godets, tiers to panels, this book includes directions for turning your body measurements into customized patterns. 81/2x7 pb, saddle-stapled,48pp, b/w sketches. Ibexa Press

 

Stepping Through Time  -$75.00

Olaf Coubitz et alia. Presents a typological catalog of footwear dating from 800-1800 AD, based on his analysis of an important assemblage of shoes recovered from excavations at Dordrecht (Netherlands). Examines evidence for shoe types in prehistoric Europe & the NW provinces of the Roman Empire. Discussion of styles & technology, including height standards, material, patterns, stitches, soles, etc. PB, 396pp, many b/w illus. David Brown

 

Style File: a visual vocabulary of Middle Eastern dance costume - $12.00

Dawn Devine. Designed with the beginning dancer in mind, this illustrated handbook helps you to identify the most popular styles of dance attire. From specific ethnic ensembles to popular stylistic themes, this booklet defines and describes a broad range of costumes, making it a very useful reference tool. 8 ½ x 7, pb, saddle-stapled, 40pp. Ibexa Press

Textiles and Clothing - $37.95
Crowfoot, Pritchard & Staniland. Newly reissued. Finds include knitting, tapestries, silk hair-nets, and elaborately patterned oriental, Islamic, and Italian fabrics. These objects reveal considerable information on the cut and construction of clothing as well. This highly readable account provides a wealth of new insights on fashions, clothing, and textile industries of medieval England and Europe. Trade paper, 250pp, 32 color illus, 132 b/w illus, 91 line drawings. Boydell & Brewer

Tudor Tailor: Reconstructing 16th Century Dress - $35.00

Nina Mikhaila & Jane Malcolm-Davies. Techniques & patterns for making historically accurate period clothing. Includes a social history of clothing in the 16th century, discussion of materials used, & a consideration of ‘people’s financial & social relationships with their clothes.’ Considerable emphasis on clothing of ordinary people. Advice on choosing materials, construction methods, and sewing kit. Based on 15 years of practical experience in making period costume for daily use at historic sites, this book promises to be a valuable tool & resource for many years to come. Tr pb, 160pp, 80 illos, 100 line drawings, 36 patterns with step-by-step instructions & photos of final garments. Quite Specific Media

A Veiled Reference - $5.00
Lisa Ford, Theresa Sherman, Melinda Sherbring. The 1st section of this book discusses Medieval & Renaissance women’s veils in Western Europe. The 2nd contains information on the various styles: how to construct, wear, & secure them, with patterns, sketches, & photos. Each example is carefully referenced to its historical source. The final section considers the history & use of pins, especially in headgear. A remarkably thorough & useful pamphlet. 56p. SCA.

What People Wore When: A Complete Illustrated History of Costume - $29.95

Melissa Leventon, consultant editor. Featuring the classic artworks of Friedrich Hattenroth & Auguste Racinet. Subtitled ‘From Ancient times to the 19th century for every level of society’, this book attempts to show clothing worldwide. Sections are presented first by chronology and then by subject. Silhouettes reveal the shape of style, while detailed cross-references draw the attention to recurring motifs, and navigation bars guide the researcher. Hardcover, full color throughout, glossary, bibliog., index. St Martin’s

Women's Costume of the Near and Middle East - $45.95
Jennifer Scarce. Examines the evolution of women’s dress within the geographic and historic confines of the Ottoman Empire. Now, for the first time, the interested reader can have an in-depth look at the variety and richness of women’s clothing in the many regions governed by the Ottomans during the six centuries of their reign. This scholarly work discusses both the distinct differences and the underlying similarities of feminine apparel in the diverse cultural and geographic territories that formed the Ottoman Empire. The author’s knowledgeable prose is amply illustrated by one hundred twenty-eight black-and-white photos. Twenty-one diagrams show cutting patterns and layout for select items of clothing. List of illustrations, list of diagrams, chapter notes, select bibliography. 192 pp, pb. Routledge

Women’s Garb in Northern Europe - $5.00

Christina Krupp & Carolyn Priest-Dorman. Covers women’s garb in Northern Europe 450-1000 CE, focusing on Frisians, Angles, Franks, Balts, Vikings, & Finns. Although brief, this remains an excellent, basic source. 71pp, pamphlet. SCA

 

Worldwide History of Dress - $100.00

Patricia R Anawalt. Every notable geographical region, historical period, and style of dress is covered here. The book discusses all aspects of dress and accessories, including face and body modification. More than 1,000 illustrations include both vintage and modern-day photos of local people in local clothing, color plates of museum quality artifacts, historic paintings and other artwork, line drawings, and more than 50 specially commissioned maps. Hardcover, 608pp, 1,100 illus (800 in color). Thames & Hudson.

Woven Into the Earth: Textile Finds in Norse Greenland - $49.95
Else Ostergaard. The book offers an account of the 1921 find of textiles in Herjolfsnaes, Greenland. The garments had been used as swaddling to wrap around corpses. The weather conditions preserved the textiles extremely well, & the result was a spectacular find, and amazing insights into sewing & weaving techniques as well as the materials used in the garments’ manufacture. Heavily illustrated in color & b/w. HC, index, biblio,


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