WHAT CLOTHES REVEAL: The Language of Clothing in Colonial and Federal America

Baumgarten, Linda

ISBN 10: 0300095805 / ISBN 13: 9780300095807

Published by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation / Yale University Press, Williamsburg, Virginia and New Haven, Connecticut, 2002

xii, 265 pages. First printing. Signed, without inscription, on the title page by author Linda Baumgarten, who was the Curator of Textiles and Costumes for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. This profusely illustrated book is based upon the 900 costumes and 2,400 accessories in Colonial Williamsburg's collection and is arguably the most important reference for those interested in American clothing in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. In 2003 the Costume Society of America named this book the winner of Millia Davenport Publication Award which "recognizes and promotes excellence in the publication of costume, dress, appearance, and fashion related scholarship. The award is given annually to a newly published book or exhibition catalogue that makes a significant contribution to the above studies, reflects original thought and exceptional creativity, and draws on appropriate research methods and techniques." The book is in as-new condition in a virtually as-new dust jacket. Size: Folio - over 12" - 15" tall. Seller Inventory # W2261

Synopsis:

Paintings of upper-class men and women tell an important part of the history of costumes, but surviving garments themselves reveal even more. Every crease, stitch and stain in a piece of clothing supplies information about its wearer and its era. This volume features 18th- and early 19th-century garments from the collection of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Illustrated with more than 300 colour photographs, including many details and back views, the book treats not only elegant, high-style clothing in colonial America but also garments for every day and work, the clothing of slaves, and maternity and nursing apparel. Drawing on contemporary written descriptions and on actual costumes of the period, the text analyzes what Americans in the 18th century considered fashionable and attractive and how they used clothing to assert status or to identify occupations. It also examines the myths and meanings of clothing in British and American society, clothing for the entire life cycle, and a history of clothing alteration. There are informative sidebars on a variety of topics.

Review: "A great read for non-specialists, a valuable resource for art historians not used to looking at objects, and an essential tool for introducing students to the history of clothing in the Americas."--Emma Hart, "Textile History"--Emma Hart "Textile History "

"Beautifully produced. . . . Like the best of exhibition catalogs, this book reaches far beyond the objects presented. . . . Well written, well priced, and full of pertinent details about the daily lives of our American ancestors, this book for both scholars and casual readers is recommended for all libraries."--Library Journal
"Beautifully produced. . . . Well-written, well-priced, . . . . full of pertinent details. . . . [F]or both scholars and casual readers. . . . [R]ecommended for all libraries."--Library Journal
"This important title blends history and fashion in a coverage which includes formal clothing to daily garments, and which also includes apparel of slaves and nursing apparel. The wealth of historical background and information is complimented by color photos throughout. [An] unusual and exceptional recommendation."--Bookwatch
"Lush illustrations. . . . A useful tool for teaching and reference. Extensive notes and selected bibliography volume. Recommended. All levels/collections."--Choice
"Hats off to Linda Baumgarten and Colonial Williamsburg. They have put together a book that is an exhibit catalogue, synthesis, and a piece of decorative art itself. Like the museum, What Clothes Reveal isworth its high price of admission."--David Waldstreicher, Common-Place
"Superlative quality of . . . photography and presentation. . . . What Clothes Reveal makesa wonderful text book for students, as it not only includes a wealth of factual information on historical dress, but also outlines how to carry out analysis of the material record, information rarely documented in dress history literature. . . . Yale Press, too, must be thanked for such a high level of production. What Clothes Reveal setsa new and very high standard of publishing on the material record of dress publishing."--Susan North, Costume Society
"Baumgarten is perfectly positioned to examine the role of fashion in colonial and federal America. . . . Historically informed, engaging prose. . . . The book will prove indispensable to students, historians, curators, and amateur collectors who use artifacts or who want to better understand the clothing of the colonial and federal periods."--Linzy Brekke, The New England Quarterly
Winner of the 2003 Millia Davenport Publication Award given by the Costume Society of America

Chosen as an "Outstanding" Title in the 2003 Association of American University Presses (AAUP) University Press Books for Public and Secondary School Libraries

Bibliographic Details

Title: WHAT CLOTHES REVEAL: The Language of ...
Publisher: The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation / Yale University Press, Williamsburg, Virginia and New Haven, Connecticut
Publication Date: 2002
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Fine
Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine
Signed: SIGNED
Edition: First Edition.
Book Type: Book