Reviews

Independent scholar and editor Condra (coauthor, Guide to Textiles for Interiors) has created a broad and unique history of clothing and textiles from prehistoric times to 2006 and spanning world cultures. Articles are authored by experts with a broad (but relevant) range of credentials, specialties, and research interests, including textiles and clothing history, forensic archaeology, art and art history, classics, fashion history, ancient religion and medicine, fashion design, and costume design. Each of the three volumes averages 400 pages and contains seven to 11 articles ranging in length from eight pages (Korean clothing) to 88 pages (the 19th century). Entries are similarly structured, but, as Condra explains, "The time, events, and place dictate the differences in [the entries] to most appropriately fit the subject matter." The authors attempt to include as much information as possible given the available evidence about the differences in clothing between men and women, between adults and children, and among various social classes. Each article ends with a bibliography of sources for additional information--English-language printed materials, web sites, and, sometimes, films. BOTTOM LINE Although it does not claim to be comprehensive, the set succeeds remarkably well in placing clothing in its historical and social context. Recommended for academic libraries supporting curricula in history, social history, art history, fashion, and costume and for large public libraries. [Available electronically through Greenwood Digital Collection.]--Sarah Sutton, Texas A&M Univ. Lib., Corpus Christi Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.