This book traces the evolution of the style of men's dress through a sequence of diagrams accurately scaled down from patterns of actual garments, many of them rare museum specimens. The plates have been selected with the same purpose. Some are photographs of suits for which diagrams have also been given; others, reproduced from paintings and old prints, show the costume complete with its accessories. Quotations from contemporary sources--from diaries, travelers' accounts and tailors' bills--supplement Norah Waugh's text with comments on fashion and lively eyewitness descriptions. "This is a practical book that gives complete plans for executing and tailoring a costume (there are 27 patterns). An invaluable aid to the student of costume design and execution." -- Choice: Books for College Libraries "Most works dealing with costumes discuss the actual styles of dress and. . . the basic cut and shape--the real foundation of any costume--is not always considered. This book does much to remedy this deficiency . . . The great importance of this work is in the many detailed cutting diagrams and tailors' patterns . . . There is also a list of artists, engraves, and illustrators for costume reference. A definitive work in its field, this is required on reference shelves of art museums, large public libraries, and art schools." -- Library Journal Norah Waugh lectured and supervised practical work on historic costume in the Theatre Department of the Central School of Art and Design in London. In the late 1930s she was in charge of costume at the London Theatre Studio run by Michel Saint-Denis. Used Book in Good Condition