A comprehensive analysis of clothing through time and place
Jill Condra has taught in the area of clothing and textiles history at the University of British Columbia, the University of Prince Edward Island, and the University of Manitoba. Her costume research has been largely based on using material history models to look at clothing in historical context, which has allowed her to do research at the most exciting costume collections around the world. Jill has also co-written a book on textiles called Guide to Textiles for Interiors, 3rd edtion. She is presently an independent scholar living in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Winnipeg, Canada.
"This scholarly, disciplined resource contributes much to the world
of reference books on clothing and dress. Organized by period and
then broad geographical or ethnic topic (Greek clothing, medieval
clothing), each section includes information on such topics as
textiles, women's and men's clothing, foot- and headdress, mourning
clothes, and so forth. Although illustrations are provided, the
bulk of the set consists of informed but highly readable text. . .
. Highly recommended." - Choice
"Independent scholar and editor Condra 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. 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.]" - Library Journal
"Editor Condra and six other scholars in the field of fashion,
textiles, art history, and classics have done an excellent job in
exploring the history of clothing. Condra notes that the field
cannot be studied in isolation so sections on culture, politics,
economics, art, religion, and architecture in specific eras are
included. . . . Each chapter starts with a time line, a detailed
general history, and descriptions of the textiles and other
materials used, and then goes on to the types of clothing. . . .
The index, glossary, and a list of museums are repeated in each
volume, which is useful. . . . The Greenwood set will be a very
useful source for academic and large libraries where students are
researching clothing and fashion for papers or theatre
productions." - Booklist
"These engagingly written volumes provide a comprehensive
examination of the history of clothing. . . . Each chapter targets
a specific period and opens with an accurate and selectively
detailed time line and an introduction to the era and the
milestones in clothing and textiles, laying an appropriate
foundation for the discussion that follows. The narrative is
interspersed with plentiful, boxed supplementary material about
historical topics mentioned in the text. Each chapter is appended
with further reading suggestions (including Web sites), and a list
of films, documentaries, and television shows. A user-friendly
glossary concludes each volume. The authoritative presentation is
enhanced by reproductions of paintings, decorations, and photos, in
black-and-white throughout and in several pages of color inserts in
each book. . . . An outstanding purchase with an ambitious scope."
- School Library Journal
"From costume designers to students of social history, this set
will prove a valuable tool." - Lawrence Looks at Books
". . . a very thorough and well-organized coverage of its subject.
. . . The surveys of history are factual and very concise and work
well enough for their purpose. . . . I would expect it to be of
most value to senior school and undergraduate students, to
interested general readers, and to students of other disciplines
coming to the study of clothing within or as a background to their
own disciplines. . . . for many libraries serving those users,
including large public libraries, it could prove a useful
investment." - Reference Reviews
"The essays are informative . . . The best ones engagingly
integrate political and cultural history with textile and clothing
information." - ARBA
"Every chapter in the collection is soundly written, highly
readable, and full of absorbing detail." - Journal of
Anthropological Research
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