'Vanity was the beginning and the end of Sir Walter Elliot's character' wrote Jane Austen in "Persuasion". Yet, as John Woodforde demonstrates, it is not only the fictional who throughout history have concerned themselves with the trappings of vanity. This book looks at the history of vanity from Roman times to the present day in all its aspects: dress and disguise of the body and the use of false calves, cod-pieces and stays; cosmetics, including the practice of using white lead and belladonna juice, though poisonous, to ...
Read More
'Vanity was the beginning and the end of Sir Walter Elliot's character' wrote Jane Austen in "Persuasion". Yet, as John Woodforde demonstrates, it is not only the fictional who throughout history have concerned themselves with the trappings of vanity. This book looks at the history of vanity from Roman times to the present day in all its aspects: dress and disguise of the body and the use of false calves, cod-pieces and stays; cosmetics, including the practice of using white lead and belladonna juice, though poisonous, to enhance facial features during the Middle Ages; attitudes towards speech and conduct, such as that of Lord Chesterfield, who in 1853 felt it necessary to warn his son against 'illiberal and so ill-bred' laughter; false teeth and teeth transplants; wigs, wig-making and hair fashions. The book also considers the necessary trades which arose to serve the ever-growing demands of the vain, from wig-box makers to cosmetic manufacturers. Amply illustrated with contemporary paintings, photographs and engravings, this book will intrigue the social historian and general reader alike.
Read Less
Add this copy of The History of Vanity to cart. $3.25, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Baltimore rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Halethorpe, MD, UNITED STATES, published 1992 by St. Martin's Press.
Add this copy of The History of Vanity to cart. $3.25, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Austell, GA, UNITED STATES, published 1992 by St. Martin's Press.
Add this copy of The History of Vanity (Illustrated History Paperbacks) to cart. $6.91, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1995 by Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of The History of Vanity (Illustrated History Paperbacks) to cart. $16.00, very good condition, Sold by The Book House - Saint Louis rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from St. Louis, MO, UNITED STATES, published 1995 by Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd.
Add this copy of The History of Vanity to cart. $18.00, like new condition, Sold by Between the Covers-Rare Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Gloucester City, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 1992 by St. Martin's.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fine in Fine jacket. Later. Fine in fine dust jacket. Cloth covers, dust jacket and text are clean, illusrations, dust jacket top edges are slightly rubbed. Please Note: This book has been transferred to Between the Covers from another database and might not be described to our usual standards. Please inquire for more detailed condition information.
Add this copy of The History of Vanity (Illustrated History Paperbacks) to cart. $33.86, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1995 by Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd.
Add this copy of The History of Vanity to cart. $34.51, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1992 by St. Martin's Press.
Add this copy of The History of Vanity to cart. $52.86, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1992 by Sutton Publishing Ltd.
Add this copy of The History of Vanity (Illustrated History Paperbacks) to cart. $128.22, new condition, Sold by GridFreed rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from North Las Vegas, NV, UNITED STATES, published 1995 by Alan Sutton Publishing Ltd.
Add this copy of The History of Vanity to cart. $221.18, new condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 1992 by St. Martin's Press.
