Dress in the Middle Ages

Rating:
Summary: Not a how-to book
Review: If you're looking for an overview of the evolution of style in the Middle Ages, this is not the book for you. If, on the other hand, you're looking for an overview of how clothes were perceived in medieval society and culture, you will find this book useful There are no patterns and only a few illustrations in this slim volume; the focus is instead on the people who made and wore medieval clothing. I think it tries to cover too much ground for such a short book, but I still recommend it to anyone who's trying to put medieval clothing into its cultural context.

Rating:
Summary: Social history
Review: This is not a costume book in the usual style of "how to design your own medieval garb" but it is a good introduction to the crafts involved in making clothing in the late Middle Ages and the attitudes of the people wearing those garments. It is a social history rather than a manual, and it is very interesting. My only complaint is that a great number of the illustrations are from the early 16th century and so are better examples of transitional styles than purely medieval ones.