History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Byzantine Dress: Representations of Secular Dress in Eighth- to Twelfth-century Painting (The New Middle Ages)

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Byzantine Dress: Representations of Secular Dress in Eighth- to Twelfth-century Painting (The New Middle Ages)
Jennifer L. Ball
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 1403967008
Release Date: 2006-01-19

Book Description

In Byzantium two overlapping systems of dress existed: a semiotic one whereby dress was a code for rank and wealth; and a fashion system where dress was based on the desire to look a certain way. Courtiers participated in a semiotic system of dress, but fashion crept into their prescribed outfits; the nobility chose their clothing based primarily on individual taste, but status was encoded within their fashions. This book elucidates secular dress from the eighth to the twelfth centuries through an examination of painted representations, helping the reader to envision an entire society of dressed citizens.

Dress Accessories, c.1150-c.1450 (Medieval Finds from Excavations in London)

Average customer rating:

Fabulous Find!
A must for researchers and writers of historical fiction
An Invaluable Research Tool

Dress Accessories, c.1150-c.1450 (Medieval Finds from Excavations in London)
Geoff Egan , and Frances Pritchard
Manufacturer: Boydell Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0851158390

Book Description

Brooches, rings, buckles, pendants, buttons, purses and other accessories were part of everyday dress in the middle ages. Over two thousand such items dating from the period 1150-1450 are described and discussed here, all found in recent archaeological excavations in London - then as now one of western Europe's most cosmopolitan cities, its social and economic activity compounded by the waterside bustle of the Thames. These finds constitute the most extensive and varied group of such accessories yet recovered in Britain, and their close dating and the scientific analysis carried out on them have been highly revealing. Important results published here for the first time show, for example, the popularity of shoddy, mass-produced items in base metals during the high middle ages and enable researchers to identify the varied products of rival traditions of manufacture mentioned in historical sources. Anyone needing accurate information on period costume will welcome this book, which will appeal to the general reader interested in costume and design, as well as to archaeologists and historians. THE AUTHORS are members of staff of the Museum of London.

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous Find!.......2005-09-15

An excellent piece of work for those interested in fashion history or the items of everyday life in Medieval London. The extensive bibliography has been of great help to me in my own research.

I was highly entertained when I came across the section dedicated to the "compact mirror"! I must also point out that the section on pins was very informative. I was a little disappointed that the 3 sections on belt buckles and bits takes up almost half the book.

However, one cannot blame the authors for what the people of London threw away over 500 years ago. What has survived has been revealed in the best possible light with this book. A must have for the avid and sometimes historian. Bravo!

A must for researchers and writers of historical fiction.......2005-08-06

The Museum of London is putting out invaluable book for writers and researched. This is never going to be a bestseller, or even something the casual reader will be interested in. It's very details, extensively photographed artifacts of dress accessories for the Medieval Period, running 1150-1450.

They go into the field work and the finds, how the items are date. They cover girdles (not the kind Marlyn Monroe tells Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon to take off and spread out!) but the style women wore around the waist of their gowns. They ranged from fabric ones to metal. They cover buckles, how they were made, very detailed pictures, then diagrams of how they were constructed. Brooches, buttons, belts, pins, hair accessories, chains, pendants, fingers rights, bells, purses, mirrors, combs, cosmetic sets, needlecases and more. Often they included patterns.

They discuss the metallurgical of these items, how they were made. It will bore most people bloody stiff. To the historical writer of the period, they will be in heaven.

Highly recommended for the Historical Romance writer who wants to get it right. It's perfection for someone wanting the tiny details.

An Invaluable Research Tool.......2003-01-12

This book, part of a collective of what has become to be known as "the London Excavations" is invaluable for academic or hobbyist alike. Complete in its recording and detailing of dress accessories such as brooches, buttons, buckles, bells, purses,hair accessories, etcetera it provides a complete breakdown of information with excellant quality illustrations. Provides extensive commentary on materials and methods, uses, and contextural information. This is not just a compilation of data, its an extensive body of work on dress accessories of the period and their use.

Period Costume for Stage & Screen: Patterns for Women's Dress, Medieval-1500

Average customer rating:

I expected better from Hunnisett

Period Costume for Stage & Screen: Patterns for Women's Dress, Medieval-1500
Jean Hunnisett
Manufacturer: Players Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0887346537

Customer Reviews:

I expected better from Hunnisett.......1998-10-08

I already own and love "Period Costume for Stage & Screen, 1500-1800 Vol 1," so I rushed right out and bought this book as soon as it came out. I was very disappointed.

It is a decent book, especially for theater use, but it lacks the excellent understanding of period cut displayed the 1500-1800 book. I expected mush more from Hunnisett.

There are many poorly-drawn illustrations which manage to get the point across, but they do not always show what is really in the paintings they purport to be redrawn from. No explanations are given for some of her more unusual cutting decsions, such as the use of big obvious darts on 15th cent. bodices. In other cases, period garments are pictured next to pattern layouts that could never produce anything resembling them-- almost as bad as Hill & Bucknell. None of the example costumes shown in the book are actually intended as authentic-looking medieval dresses-- all are more or less fantasy-inspired.

If you are looking for a general book on how to make pseudo-medieval fantasy costumes (that look like tie-dyed nightgowns), perhaps for children's theater, this is an okay book, but not great-- nothing inspiring here. If you are looking for a book showing an expert cutter's conjectures on period cut to use as a starting point for developing an authentic-looking costume, either for theatrical or historical reenactment use, don't bother with this one except to check the one page bibliography in the back, and the single useful one page spread of 15th cent Italian sleeves. The rest is nothing special at all. Like so many of these books, you must take everything she shows you with a big grain of salt.

Book Description

Carefully researched, meticulously detailed account of the style and construction of period costumes. Includes descriptions and illustrations of royal apparel, elaborate ecclesiastical dress and vestments, academic and legal garments, and civilian dress of all classes. Also discusses jewelry, armor, textiles, embroidery and hairdressing.

Customer Reviews:

Great Period garb overview.......2006-11-10

Medieval Costume in England and France provides a great overview of the different styles of garb during the specified periods. It is divided by century, and further grouped by Royal/Religeous/Common styles. The line drawings are helpful in giving a general idea of how the different styles look. There are some general layout illustrations that would be helpful to an experienced sewer, but a beginner would need additional information to create the look, not provided by this book. ("The Medieval Tailor's Assistant" is perfect for this additional sewing information) I'm not a historian, so I can't comment on the reliability of the sources, but as a newcomer to the SCA I found this book very helpful in finding garb that would fit chosen personna. There are excellent historical descriptions, and frequent reference to sources. For what it intends to offer, this is an excellent book.

Excellent resource.......2005-09-15

Very informative. Excellent historical reference. Describes the hows and whys of fashion evolution the 13th through the 15th centuries, very well. An informative and interesting resource.

Makes me want to sew even more!!!.......2004-08-09

I use this book as a refrence for all of my hopelades and Surcotes, and several of my men's things. I love this book!!

Great book for beginning researchers!.......2004-06-04

Absolutely love this book. Though it is simple, I feel it's one of the essential clothing books if you're doing recreations. The layouts are great, the explanations well-done, and there are easy-to-follow diagrams for patterns. Documentation in the form of illuminated manuscripts and rubbings from funerary monuments, etc, also are VERY helpful. Personally, I don't make a single thing without consulting this book at least once!

Please save your pennies.......2004-06-01

I bought this book because I needed a read and was busted at the time. This book reminds me of my 10th grade reasearch paper. Short clips, pictures second hand. It contained very little actual information on the period,reasons or construction. I give it one point for effort and another because it has pictures. It might be good for an elementary school or junior high library to do a short paper with. Otherwise save your pennies.

Average customer rating:

quite a good book for re-enactors
Plenty of pictures
Quite good if you know what you're looking at
Super resource !

Medieval Costume, Armour and Weapons
Eduard Wagner , Zoroslav Drobna , and Jan Durdik
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486412407

Book Description

Accompanied by a scrupulously researched and well-documented text, over 400 royalty-free illustrations trace the evolution of clothing styles, armor, and weapons during the medieval period in Central Europe — from simple tunics and robes of peasants to the battle equipment and armor of warriors and the fur-lined cloaks and brocaded garments of the aristocracy.

Customer Reviews:

quite a good book for re-enactors.......2007-07-21

I especially like this book because it's almost the only one that gives information about Bohemian clothing and weapons. I'm a costumer, so the costume section is much more interesting to me than the weapon section, but I think this book gives quite a lot of information about weapons, there is quite a number of paintings and sources they came from. As for the costume section text, it all guides you through the fashion change in the half of the 14th century to the 15th century and gives several examples and proofs. Nevertheless, there are some facts that seem to be a bit confusing, like stating that there were "detachable sleeves" without giving any proofs etc.

Plenty of pictures.......2004-10-07

Heaps of pictures, particularly good for people interested in 14th and 15th century eastern european stuff.

Quite good if you know what you're looking at.......2001-09-10

I've seen some of the originals these images are taken from and they are quite well done. As the drawings are from art works they are not as detailed as some costume books so be carefull if using them as references for garment making. A great idea to have a wide range of weapons, clothing and armour in one book.

Super resource !.......2001-01-03

This book contains an enormous amount of drawings, most from the bible of King Wenceslas and a variety of others. The book covers many items of medieval life from 1350 to 1450, like the title promises and then some. The drawings are not so great, but most are provided with backgound information, dates, who the person was and from which source it may have been taken. This book has been hard to find and I can recommend it to anybody who is interested in recreating the middle ages.

Average customer rating:

Just guidelines
Disappointing from the title
a very good book to know and sew medieval costume
For the serious Re-inactor
Medieval Costume and How to Recreate it

Medieval Costume and How to Recreate It
Dorothy Hartley
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486429857

Book Description

This unique reference classifies the clothes and accessories of the 12th through the 15th centuries along social lines. Garments of every type, from the wardrobes of peasants and nobility, appear in over 200 period illustrations and patterns. Helpful advice covers: choosing fabrics, placement of seams, draping and folding garments, more. 203 black-and-white illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

Just guidelines.......2007-09-16

It's a nice book, it covers all the areas of the medieval society... but briefly.
It has a lot of images, and some sketched patterns, but it's of no great use if you're a newcomer to both medieval clothes and sewing techniques.
Used together with some other books, it can come in handy.
With goods and bads, it worths its price.

Disappointing from the title.......2007-02-13

Medieval Costume - yes. Sorta. I guess. She doesn't give much in the way of proof for her costuming conjectures. Lots of drawings and narrative, but really no citations worth mention.

How to Recreate it? Not at all. not a bit. Not even so much as a cutting diagram or a single discussion of how to cut, sew, assemble or reproduce the garments.

Very disappointing.

a very good book to know and sew medieval costume.......2007-01-09

Even if I am french I can use this book to realize medieval costumes. The patterns are very good and the explanations quite easy.

For the serious Re-inactor.......2006-10-28

I'm of mixed feelings on this book .
First, if you don't own a single costuming book, then get it, just for some inspiration.

The best reason for anyone to get the book is the illustrations......over 200 period illustrations to use for inspiration.
Granted, they're in black and white.......so you don't get the colors to see, but Ms Hartley often describes the colors, so that helps.
She has provided a number of pages of detailed line-drawing illustrations to help explain/show how cloth was cut and sewn to create various outfits.
As such, they are helpful, sometimes.
Ditto, other times they are off the mark.

Some of her interpretations are, shall I say 'creative' without adequate proof in her period sources to support her theories of construction.
With that, I have some major problems, but if her purpose is to give a resonable facsimile for stage interpretation, then her theories are adequate.
If her purpose was to provide accurate historical information, then she is often being misleading in regards to the needs of the serious historical re-inactor.
i.e. she interprets the 'modesty panel' triangular insert, in a 15th c. gown as a 'vest'. Granted, she says "a small triangular vest" so maybe her idea of a vest, and mine, are merely a difference in understanding. But her perception of a Hellsgate overgown is off the mark. Because the upper portion of the winter worn ones is often covered in, or lined with, fur, she incorrectly interprets the upper portion as a totally seperate garment, calling it a 'sleeveless jacket/coat' and both her line drawings and her text clearly indicate she genuinely believed it to have been such, stating : ".........shows a sleeveless jacket which must have been comforting in drafty halls-it may be fur-lined, or only fur trimmed- but it is definately part of the jacket. The front seems to be stiffened by light strips of wood or whalebone (I have major problems with this, as it has no sound basis, at all. Stiffening elements were used, in later times, as means of support, but were not needed for this garment, which hung loosely. Her interpretation is apparently based on the stiff appearance of the panels, but this is due to the heavy weight of the (Attached)skirts holding it vertical)..... and the jacket secured to it firmly by metal studs or clasps. The whole jacket is essentially a sturdy little affair, and though in some cases it seems to have been worn as part of the robe, we believe it was always made and put on seperately."

Her line drawings shows it as a simple fur-lined vest (with a normal sleeveless opening......which her period illustrations do not support, at all ) and a line drawing of one (vest) with a button-front panel down the center, which she has taken the creative measure of showing 'how' it was 'surely' attached to the edges of the front vest opening, by way of 4 buttons at the corners of the front insert, going through button holes, in the vest, barely concealed at the edges of the fur edging along the front edges. There is absolutely no historical evidence to support this theory; she had, clearly gotten it in her head, that this was a seperate jacket, and is attempting to demonstrate how the period variations might have been achieved, to support this silly idea. I need to add that in many of her other line drawings she seems to rule out the cut of the cloth pieces being a shaping factor, and, instead, resorts to the use of darts to show how to achieve a fitted look. Only in two incidences has she shown the use of gores to widen a skirt. In at least two cases (of men's garments) she has done something interesting with the cloth directly below where the cut goes into the body of the cloth, to isolate the sleeve for sewing the underarm seam. She has, instead of cutting it from the body of the garment, (to use as sleeves, etc.) left it, open and seamless, to wrap the front, back around the sides of the body, and the back panels, forward over those to create a double layer of cloth at either side of the torso, (for warmth ?) held in by the belt. I've never seen the first bit of period source to support this theory, nor does any of her period sources provided in the book, support it. She also shows an interesting theory on the cut of a laborer's shirt with high collar (under her chapter on 'Artisans' oddly enough) Cuts are made down either side of what is to be the high collar, and the cloth, to either side of the collar, is folded down over the shoulders in a manner like the side panels earlier mentioned, and stitched into place. Once again, she tucks in darts to shape with. She also elaborates on her 'padded shoulders' theories by showing two other drawings of "shoulder flaps" again, un-supported by any evidence in the form of period illuminations, etc.

Dispite all of this, believe it, or not, but I Still LIKE the book !!!
It's well worth the money in period pictures, if for no other reason.

I also like the fact that she's steered away from the usual emphasis on royal garments, and has concentrated her efforts on the clothes of the everyday common man, dividing her chapters to cover individual professions. Her line drawings are excellent, even if off-the-mark at times with her theories of construction......she has nicely isolated some interesting details of accessories to go with the different professions and situations, as in the clappers, etc. that the lepers were required to announce their approach,...her text in these things, elaborates more on the assorted situations, with helpful historical information.

All in all, my single largest problem with her concise little book is when it comes down to her attempts to introduce her own theories as to construction; using her line drawings to try and prove how her theories might have been achieved, while she neglects to provide period sources to give visual support to her ideas. As a quick guide to theatrical costuming, it has it's merits. As a first costuming book for Medieval Historical re-inactors, it is valuable for the period illustrations, but her interpretations often need to be taken with a grain of salt, as many will not fly if entered in an A & S costuming competition, judged by informed judges...so you be the judge of how valuable this book may be in your library. I have over 100 costuming books in my own, and I'm still glad I added this one, if for no other reason than as a sometimes bad example,....but, again, the period illustrations are well worth the cost of the book. R.D. Wertz/Shara of Meridies

Medieval Costume and How to Recreate it.......2006-03-10

This book is a "dreams-answered" book on medieval clothing design and sewing for me. Finally, some tricky things in medieval clothing design were explained or sketched. This along with some historical information makes it a superior book.
I make a lot of medieval clothing, often without a pattern, though I do use commercial patterns to help with difficult sewing areas This book is very, very helpful. I have already recommended it to my friends who also sew medieval style clothing.

Average customer rating:

Good source for Pre-Raphaelite clothing
Do yourself a favour, wordsmith
Wonderful book, excellent resource
A beginning
Great to look at but horribly inaccurate.

Medieval Costume and Fashion
Herbert Norris
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486404862

Book Description

A superb panoramic study of clothing worn in the Middle Ages. A meticulously researched text is enhanced with nearly 700 illustrations depicting all manner of apparel — from fur-trimmed cloaks and brocaded robes of courtiers and the nobility to simpler mantles, tunics and trousers worn by merchants, huntsmen, and other commoners.

Customer Reviews:

Good source for Pre-Raphaelite clothing.......2007-09-28

I have this book at home. It's really a good source of information if you've ever wanted to recreate a dress from a Pre-Raphaelite Victorian/Edwardian era painting. (If you are making something for fun.)

For SCA use, check with other sources. It's a good starting point for an overview of styles.

Do yourself a favour, wordsmith.......2006-02-11

Several reviewers have reported Norris's work as containing many inaccuracies. Be that as it may (and I don't have the time or inclination to research this, especially given the dearth of available clothing from this period), this book is an excellent source of inspiration for the fantasy writer.
"Fashion" may be in its title, however the book contains far more than that - lots of interesting tidbits such as heraldic devices, horse "furniture" (saddlery), information on various guilds through the centuries, types of fabrics used, names of colours, shoe sole patterns and jewellery - as well as a brief history on each century and those in power. The list could go on.
The book is set out in chronological order, and looks at all classes, from royalty down to the poor. The emphasis on royalty and noble is greater, but that is to be expected since much of fashion flowed down from these people - and the lower classes certainly didn't wear such elaborate garments or ornamentation. There are two indexes: a general index and an index of names (though these are of course influential nobles and royals rather than their subjects).
So, IMHO, don't sit down to write your epic without this book to hand.

Wonderful book, excellent resource.......2005-09-15

The pictures are beautiful! the historical descriptions are detailed and informative with good representations of materials used and the purpose of each item/article of clothing.

A beginning.......2004-06-01

I too am always looking for the one book that does it for me. This was my 1st Norris and it was hard to read, didn't have the info i needed and did'nt sight references but it must have done something right. It got me started researching, reading and experimenting. Norris sights Norris. He has the expert at the time the books were written. If you keep that in mind and love history, you can see how we got off base and why. It is a beginning book on basic costuming history. It is repeatative and rambling but valuable for values sake. If it's all you can afford go for it,you will be entertained and inspired. If you need to be exact. Go for something else

Great to look at but horribly inaccurate........2003-10-01

This book is one of the medieval costume sources heavily influenced by the Victorian era. Norris' redrawings are changed quite a bit from the originals. He tends to base his thoughts off of the romanticized Victorian view of the middle ages rather than the actual middle ages. What he can't find from that, he just makes up. If you are looking for the "feel" of the middle ages in a halloween costume, this book will be fine. If you are interested in accuracy, you would be better to spend your money elsewhere.

Medieval Fashions Coloring Book (History of Fashion)

Average customer rating:

Nothing dark and medieval here
Historical Re-creationists will love it!
Fun and Edecational all in one!: or : Where's my crayons?
A Costumer's Delight!

Medieval Fashions Coloring Book (History of Fashion)
Tom Tierney
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486401448

Book Description

Nineteen centuries of European fashions appear in a remarkable coloring book that doubles as a comprehensive fashion retrospective. From modest peasant garb to the regal attire of the nobility, the meticulously researched drawings depict soldiers, minstrels, lords, ladies, and many others in authentic garb from the 5th through mid-15th centuries. 45 black-and-white illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

Nothing dark and medieval here.......2007-04-11

I just purchased these Dover COloring Books for my mother and she loves them. The detail is out of this world and the variety of colors you can use are only limited by your inagination. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Historical Re-creationists will love it!.......2005-09-08

This coloring book has some terrific pictures of medieval fashions. SCA and Faire Folk can get some great ideas for garb here. There's no documentation for the clothing, but it's still fun to color!

Fun and Edecational all in one!: or : Where's my crayons?.......2004-05-12

I picked this one up at a local store (sorry amazon) as a gift to a little girl in the medieval group I belong to, and while flippig through at the checkout line, I relized I needed a copy for myself. I only wish that the documentation refrenced some sorses. Paintings or brass rubbings would be cool.
But still a really neat book.

A Costumer's Delight!.......2000-12-29

This book is really fun. There are pictures of men and women from various countries and different social and economic backgrounds, and a good amount of detail in each drawing. If you were attempting to reconstruct the costume of a 14th century French baker's wife, for example, you could get many good ideas here! I can't stress enough what a good resource this book would be: the pictures are large and detailed, the captions clearly identify the time,place, and economic status of the persons being depicted. Just a wonderful, gorgeous book!

Average customer rating:

Tudor
Love it!!!
makes a great christmas present
detailed
Basics with an open mind

Tudor Costume and Fashion
Herbert Norris
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486298450

Book Description

Monumental, profusely illustrated study of English fashions from 1485–1603. Highly authentic, detailed survey exuberantly describes clothing, headgear, hairstyles, jewelry, collars, footwear, more worn by royalty, nobility, middle and lower classes. Most illustrations from contemporary sources. 1,000 black-and-white figures. 24 halftones. 22 color plates.

Customer Reviews:

Tudor.......2007-08-02

It is great book to learn more about Tudor era clothing. You are able to learn the details of the costumes that is wore in Tudor era. Learn more about Tudor fashion. Good to make some copy clothing to attend Renaissance Festival. Help me to design some tudor costumes for some party or for halloween or for Renaissance Festival.

Love it!!!.......2007-04-12

One of the bibles of Tudor Era costuming! Lots of detail and research went into this book. The only problem is the organization could have been a little clearer. But I can overlook that due to all the wonderful infomation included.

makes a great christmas present.......2006-11-10

I bought this book as a christmas present but I am sure she will love it since she asked for it.

detailed.......2006-11-04

great book. detailed descriptions of clothes, accessories and court day-life related objects such as chariots. And it has a small biography of the tudor kings as well.

Basics with an open mind.......2004-06-01

This was my 2nd book from Norris and his style does take you back. If you read the introductions you see that it is a book about Norris as an expert sighting himself. What you get is a rambling sometimes difficult to follow read BUT... you also get an incredible amount of information on how his genire viewed the fashions. You understand how the myths for the period got started and why. You get visuals of all kinds. Men's,women,lace,braids, trims... they may not be in any order but...The plates,pictures and references can lead you to where you want to go on the internet or in the library AND give you all the inspiration you need to start something in your studio!I can't live without this one! Keep an open mind and study study study.

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