| Jacket Description/Back:
In Dressed for the Photographer, Joan Severa gives a visual analysis
of the dress of middle-class Americans from the mid-to-late 19th
century. Using images and writings, she shows how even economically
disadvantaged Americans could wear styles within a year or so of
current fashion. This desire for fashion equality demonstrates that
the possession of culture was more important than wealth or position
in the community. In presenting a broad overview of common fashion,
Severa gathers letters and diaries as well as photographs from
various sources across the United States. She provides graphic
evidence that ordinary Americans, when dressed in their finest
attire, appeared very much the same as their wealthier neighbors.
But upon closer examination, these photographs often reveal
inconsistencies that betray the actual economic status of the
sitter. These fascinating photographs coupled with Severa's insights
offer an added dimension to our understanding of 19th-century
Americans. Intended as an aid in dating costumes and photographs and
as a guide for period costume replication, Dressed for the
Photographer provides extensive information for understanding the
social history and material culture of this period. It will be of
interest to general readers as well as to social historians and
those interested in fashion, costume, and material culture studies.
Review Citations:
- Library Journal03/01/1996 pg. 78
(EAN 9780873385121, Hardcover)
$63.60 |
