XIX century: clothes in Europe

[Fabienne]

I am looking for a book, if possible with plenty of illustrations and photographs, about the history of XIX century clothing in France or Europe. It can go into the XX century, but would have to encompass the 1830's to the 1890's. I would be most interested in a book that focuses on details, examines various social levels of society and gives the story behind fashion choices. If such a book also included America, that would be great.

I looked on the internet and at various Border's. Border's choices were limited where I went, and the internet seems to be giving contradicting reviews on various books.

Any opinion would be welcome.

 

[chorse123]

I think your best bet will be in a large city's main public library, or a university library at a place like FIT, rather than a store. The books I've seen in shops on the topic tend to be rather generic sourcebooks on looks in a given decade, and therefore not very informative or useful.

 

[philosophe]

Fabienne,

You need the help of a real reference librarian. S/he is a specialist in finding things out.

Two books that come to mind are Paul Fussell's study of uniforms and Marjorie Garber's study of clothing. (Alas I can't remember the titles.) Fussell is an historian (his best know work in on World War 1); Garber is in Engligh or comparative literature at Harvard. I'd check their bibliographies.

Best of luck

 

[stache]

Lucy Barton is also a good author to look up.

 

[LabelKing]

I suggest Taschen's publication of the vast compendium of Auguste Racinet's illustrations. Taschen

 

[Fabienne]

Maybe I'll try an inter-library loan.

I had heard of Racinet, I will try to find a used copy.

Thank you for the suggestions.

 

[ViroBono]

This site may be useful: Costume

 

[Fabienne]

I suggest Taschen's publication of the vast compendium of Auguste Racinet's illustrations. Taschen

I found it for about 100 dollars on Amazon. Â It looks like it is a trilingual edition, am I right? Â If so, it would be more perfect for me and my use of it. Â I didn't even want to hope for a bilingual French/English, but having German included is unbelievable. Edit: I just found a review that does state it is a simultaneous trilingual edition.