Satisfied Research Fanatic
As a novelist of historical fiction I am always looking for materials to bring plausibility and realism to my work. This (soft cover) book is such a tool. It includes black and white, as well as color plates, illustrating women's dresses, shoes, undergarments and the hair styles historically worn for each. The appropriate types of materials used to make each dress, such as brocade and pompadour silk is also included. A true bonus is the inclusion of the sewing patterns for the items shown, which are broken down piece by piece for enlargement and sewing ease. The author and illustrator, Aline Bernstein, was a Hollywood legend in costume design. She also was a teacher and advisor in her craft for movies and the theater. Her knowledge shines through each page making this book a real treasure for anyone needing insight into this subject.
