Description
Book SynopsisThis study of clothing during British colonial America examines items worn by the well-to-do as well as the working poor, the enslaved, and Native Americans, reconstructing their wardrobes across social, economic, racial, and geographic boundaries.
Trade ReviewThe authors, both textile historians and curators, offer an extensively researched and comprehensive guide to a multifaceted period of American history that will serve as a good reference resource for libraries of all types. * Choice *
Although it's written for an academic audience, the readability of the information makes this a good source for high school students as well. . . . Recommended for most public and academic libraries. * Booklist *
Uses for this volume are numerous. Students or historians researching the era would obviously be interested, as would those seeking information for a theatrical production or even a reenactment event. The volume would also be useful as a tool to introduce children not only to the clothing itself but to the many individuals and trades necessary to produce and supply it. * ARBA *
Table of ContentsPreface Chronology, 1585–1785 1. Settling British Colonial America The People The Individual and the Family Health and Hygiene The Economy References
2. Society, Culture, and Dress Clothing as Fashion Clothing as Communication Clothing and Ornamentation as Mediating Agents Clothing for Social Rituals Clothing and Fabrics as Currency Access to Clothing References
3. Clothing and Textile Technologies and Trades, 1607–1785 Clothing Technology Problems in Terminology Bespoke and Ready-Made Clothing Imported Fabrics Colonial Production of Textiles: Homespun Fabric Quantities for Clothing Colonial Clothing Trades and Crafts References
4. Women's Fashion 1608–1714 The Evolution of Cut, Construction, and Silhouette, 1608–1714 Clothing for the Enslaved, 1620–1714 Clothing of American Indians, 1607–1714 Clothing in Portraiture, 1616–1714 Composition of a Wardrobe, 1608–1714 1715–1785 The Evolution of Cut, Construction, and Silhouette, 1715–1785 Clothing in Portraiture, 1715–1785 Clothing for the Enslaved, 1715–1785 Clothing of American Indians, 1715–1785 Composition of a Wardrobe, 1715–1785 References
5. Men's Clothing 1607–1714 The Evolution of Cut, Construction, and Silhouette, 1607–1714 Clothing for the Enslaved, 1620–1714 Clothing of American Indians, 1607–1714 Composition of a Wardrobe, 1607–1714
1715–1785 The Evolution of Cut, Construction, and Silhouette, 1715–1785 Clothing in Portraiture, 1751–1785 Clothing for the Enslaved, 1715–1785 Clothing of American Indians, 1715–1785 Composition of a Wardrobe, 1715–1785 References
6. Children's Fashions Concepts of Childhood in Colonial America Infants: Birth to Three Months Infants and Toddlers: Three Months to Three Years Girls: Three to Eleven Years, 17th Century Boys: Three to Eleven Years, 17th Century Girls: Three to Eleven Years, 18th Century Boys: Three to Eleven Years, 18th Century Children over Twelve Enslaved, Apprenticed, and Indentured Children American Indian Children Composition of a Wardrobe Availability of Children's Ready-Made Clothing References
Glossary: The Colonial Period Resource Guide: The Colonial Period Print Resources Museums Index
