Part of my online presence here will include documenting/reviewing research materials I have found useful.
The first instalment is a slim volume that betrays the useful reference that it is.
One of my favourite reference books!
Costume: 1066 to the Present by John Peacock is mostly a picture book. It contains line drawings of both male and female costume from the Norman invasion of England up to 2005. This is the third edition of the book, and has been updated from the original publication in 1986. Peacock has written/illustrated several other costume history books, all with his fashion drawing style depictions based on his own research materials.
Costume: 1066 to the Present by John Peacock – Regency Fashions
I have turned to this book many times when costuming and dating costumes. It is laid out in chronological order, and is great for explaining to people unfamiliar with costume history the evolution of clothing styles, or the difference between Edwardian and Victorian. Of course, as the author points out in the preface, the garments depicted are limited to those of English/European civilian dress – mostly those of wealthy backgrounds. It does provide a good idea of the changing modes through the last 1000 years and the fashionable silhouettes of each period. There are also notes describing costume details to give hints about fabrics, construction and hairstyles.
Costume: 1066 to the Present by John Peacock – Edwardian Ladies
The last few pages provide a simplified overview and a section of Further Reading. It’s scant 140 pages are also desirable to costume consultants/designers such as myself who often have to haul reference materials from place to place…
If you are interested in fashion history and/or constructing period garments, I highly recommend this book!
Love Heather
