A Dictionary of Costume and Fashion: Historic and Modern

If you need to discover all about a certain time period's costume details, this book isn't what you need. However, as a fantasy writer, I find this book an incredibly useful tool in helping me get the right word for costume parts. Organized in the form of a dictionary, the book requires you to know what you are looking to find; but it's still useful as more than a dictionary: You can look under general topics, such as 'skirts' or 'sleeves' and learn a lot about various styles in a backwards fashion. All in all, a bit difficult to use, but a good book to have in your library.

I believe the book is very complete, not only because of the word definitions, but also because of the pictures which show how costumes were in each fashion trend and in which we can see diferences between time an place. I have just recieved the book and that is the impresion I have from a quick look.

I just received my copy today, and I am thrilled with it. It is exactly what I was hoping for, a useful, easy to pick up (it's lightweight and not so large that it's a difficult reference), simple to use reference material for our costume shop. Includes broader headings (sportswear), as well as specifics, the pictures are great (although more would be helpful), and there are fabric descriptions as well. Highly recommended as a reference, do not purchase as a reading book. Perfect for a work setting.

I found this book to be rather comprehensive in terminology and volume of terms. I would have liked to have seen some dates for items, at least approximately. Eg: It is important to know when the zipper was invented in order to make a historically correct dress. But all in all the book has been helpful with definitions and illustrations.

The previous reviewer, Michelle Willingham, does not seem familiar with the use of a dictionary. It is not intended to be read, but consulted when information is needed. This is an excellent reference work, a classic in its field.