Dress and Undress

Introduction

Originally published in 1958, this book deals with the details of dress – formal and informal – from the time of Charles II to the end of the eighteenth century. Most of the illustrations are taken from existing garments preserved in private collections or museums. Many verbatim descriptions are quoted from contemporary sources such as magazines, diaries, letters and newspapers. The popular idea of costume in this period is the formal aspect as shown in portraits, and the undress clothes of the time are little known although obviously commonly worn. These the author has illustrated together with the stays, hops, puffs and panniers, hairdressing and shoes that help to make up the complete appearance. The book will be of interest to those in theatre studies, costume design and social history.