Racinet’s Full-Color Pictorial History of Western Costume : With 92 Plates Showing Over 950 Authentic Costumes from the Middle Ages to 1800

Rating:
Summary: A rich visual history
Review: "Racinet's Full-Color Pictorial History of Western Costume," by Auguste Racinet, is a marvelous collection of illustrations that record trends in European clothing. The cover and title page boast that the book contains 92 plates showing over 950 costumes from the Middle Ages to 1800. The copyright page notes that this book is a selection of plates from the 6-colume "Le Costume Historique" published in 1888.

Depicted are costumes from France, Spain, Italy, Russia, and other nations. Many different types of people are depicted: soldiers, clergymen, nuns, noblewomen, peasants, etc. The plates of military dress are particularly interesting; in addition to showing knights' armor and other clothing, the illustrations also show many different weapons. Horses in regalia are shown in addition to human figures. Also depicted are musical instruments.

The pictures include both individual figures and scenes depicting costumed figures in social interaction. Some famous people, like Elizabeth I of England, are depicted. There are some really colorful and ornate items, like elaborate ladies' headdresses. I really liked the illustrations of kilted Scotsmen. Along the way are some curious sights, such as a bizarrely dressed and masked Venetian penitent. Overall, this book is a marvelous and educational visual feast.