Originally published in 1937 and reprinted as a fourth edition in paperback in 1979, this is a history of dress in England from the Norman Conquest to the mid-20th century. Despite being an excellent resource for the student or designer, this book also provides a wealth of material for the social historian. Indeed, the author argues that costume is important because it is custom, and custom and habit have helped to shape history just as much as political machinations and geographical discoveries.
1.William the conqueror to Edward III – 1066-1327 2. Edward III to Henry Vii – 1327 to 1485 3. Early Tudors, Henry VII to Elizabeth – 1485to 1558 4. Elizabeth to JamesI – 1558-1625 5. Charles I to James II – 1625-1684 6. James II to George III – 1685-1760 7. George III to George IV – 1760-1820 8. George IV, William IV and Victoria – 1820-1850 9. Victoria – 1850-1880 10. Victoria to Edward VII – 1880-1901 11. Edward VII to Elizabeth II – 1901-1970.
Biography
Iris Brooke (1905-1981) was a British artist, book illustrator and author who was an expert in the history of costume.
Original reviews of A History of English Costume:
‘Iris Brooke’s one-volume guide to English costume from the Norman Conquest to the present day has long been recognised as one of the best concise costume books available, with clear and detailed sketches without being over-elaborate – just the thing the costume designer and wardrobe mistress needs’ Amateur Stage
‘This book is well known to most people who have been concerned with dressing a historical production. It is a standard textbook on the subject…it should be available in every classroom, for it is not just another drama textbook but a reference work in its own right that history, sociology and art can put to good use.’ Speech and Drama
‘It is an excellent guide to an important subject, from the eleventh century to the present day.’ The Stage
