Costume in Detail: Women's Dress 1730-1930

This book is very detailed with drawings descriptions of everything worn for each era. It’s a great study guide for those of us just learning but I don’t recommend it if you need the pattern pieces and how to assemble. I think it’s a great addition to your costume collection.

The media could not be loaded.  Introduction: The author pretty much explains why she chose to focus on women clothing,where she obtained the garment, detail information and some brief thank yous.AcknowledgmentsChapters: are broken down into years.One: 1730-1800Two:1800-1835Three:1835-1870Four: 1870-1900Five: 1900-1930Appendix: This section includes 4 detailed dresses that is in the authors possessionFurther Details: Which is also the appendixCycling in the 1890's: Interesting section about womens cycling pants. BloomersBooks ConsultedIndexFor every garment you are given the description of the fabric including lining and color of thread. The author includes dimensions about the actual width and length of some of the garments details. Shoes, hats, trim, undergarments, purses, belts all included.For someone interested in historical garments, this book is at the top of the list. The author took great care to deconstruct these garments coupled with the sheer amount of years spanned in this book, it’s invaluableCons: Sometimes I could not understand the writing that was next to the garment. The garments next to the text is a bit busy as well you cannot always make out details. In other words, you really have to study the illustrations and text. For the price and information in this book. I don’t mind but I can see how someone can open this book and feel a bit overwhelmed.Men and children clothing are barely touched upon.Is it worth it? Yes. Is it a must have? Yes. Even with the cons it is an invaluable resource.

The book I order came quickly and was in great condition. Very happy.

There are hundreds of costumes, with a wide assortment from every time period. They are ALL beautifully rendered with accessories, umbrellas, belts, purses, dress clips, shoes, capes, cloaks, etc. and each article of clothing or accessory comes with an explanation of materials used and how it was employed. she even gives detailed drawings of the insides of these garments and drawings of old pictures with garments in use, which includes hair styles, etc. This book, however, is more for an advanced seamstress who has the skills to make their own patterns because none are offered here. This is the most wonderful book on my collection and is well worn with notes and bookmarks already. This book focuses on women's clothing almost exclusively, but that allows it to be thorough. I can't give this book enough credit. Every costumer of this time period should have a copy!

I purchased this book because I was hoping to find some inside detail of how the clothing of earlier era's were constructed, and this book did not disappoint. I was concerned about the description that indicated that the book was comprised of 'drawings' but when I received the book I was impressed and amazed by the detail. I must admit that there are times when I am so taken by the drawing detail that the construction was overlooked! This is one of the most amazing books I own, and I it is one that I return to time and time again when I have construction questions. If I were to change one thing...I would wish for an actual photo of the item to correspond with the illustration, then it would be totally perfect!

Great book though no pattern included. Unlike books by Ms. Frances Grimble, at first glance, you may find the content of this book a bit messy since 95%of which are draft hand drawings with notes all around the pictures. But when you look into them you will love this book. What the content shows is just as the title of the book "Costume in Detail".The author even mentions the shade and motif of the dress. However, since her drawings are so rough, it is not easy to imagine what the real patterns and colours are like.Since there is no pattern included, it would be perfect to have Ms. Grimble's pattern books and books with real photos or fine drawings of that era in hand.

Not only have I learned an amazing amount from this book, it has truly saved me from making very costly mistakes in selling vintage clothing. I adore period costume but good research books, especially when you are just beginning...are VERY hard to find. This book offers measurements, construction details and puts smaller accessories into context. Many times I would purchase a large box of antique clothing at auction that contained smaller items which would have me baffled. Countless times I find them in her illustrations. Pretty pictures are great, but her details will truly educate you. Thank you for this great reference. I wish you would do one entirely on personal accessories.

I love this book! The sketchbook appearance of the drawings is perfect if you are planning or creating your own costume or period dress. Not having the drawings in color is a bonus, as you can imagine the design in the color you choose....there are notes and discussions of fabric types and some colors used in certain time periods, but overall this is a designer's treasure. Whether you want to be 100% accurate or if you are just trying to achieve a "look" of a time this book will be helpful.

I had got fed up borrowing my friend's book to look at all the drawings whenever venturing into making a historic outfit for re-enactment; so many useful little details that a photograph of the whole dress would miss. In itself, the book is an interesting read, each page crammed with drawings, large and small, which is all annotated to help the explanation. Whether you are someone who intends to go on to actually make an outfit or just are interested in a certain period or the history of clothing as a whole and to see how it has developed over the years, this book is a useful addition to your collection.

Initially had this book on loan from my library and kept renewing it for reference. Love the line drawings and explanations. Very helpful in making two Victorian dresses - 1850 and 1880, currently working on a Regency dress. Love the book, like leafing through it. The text is informative, short detailed paragraphs about the era and notes on construction. It's nice to see 'inside' a costume i.e. drawings on how the item of clothing was constructed in earlier years. As an amateur this book is helping me improve my expertise. I enjoy looking through it and have no doubt others will enjoy this purchase.

I am very pleased with thus publication ,very interesting and informative,lots of written information on each page excelant discription of colours onthe garments.

a superb book for anyone interested in costume, for whatever reason. For writers of historical fiction, costume designers, readers interested in the details of history - or as in my case, for my daughter who competes in side saddle costume classes.

I have always wanted to own this book since I borrowed it from the library about thirty years ago so was pleased to see it on Amazon and to buy it. It is an absolute joy and full of inspiration for anybody interested in ladies clothes over a period of time