Fra Angelico

Spike, John T. Fra Angelico. Abbeville Press, 1997.

This book offers an in-depth exploration of the life and works of the early Renaissance painter, Fra Angelico. Renowned for his ethereal use of color and light, Fra Angelico’s frescoes and panel paintings reflect a deep spiritual devotion combined with extraordinary technical skill. This beautifully illustrated book features numerous full-color reproductions of his most celebrated works, including his famous frescoes in the Convent of San Marco in Florence. The large-format images capture the detail and craftsmanship of Fra Angelico’s painting, allowing readers to appreciate the nuances of his religious scenes, figures, and the fabrics that adorn his subjects.

For costume historians and those interested in reproducing Renaissance attire, Fra Angelico is a treasure trove of visual references. His careful attention to the draping of robes, the ornamentation of garments, and the depiction of textures provides invaluable insight into the clothing of the 15th century. This volume is not only a celebration of one of the most spiritually profound artists of the Renaissance but also a practical resource for those looking to understand the sartorial elegance of the period.

This is a large, lavishly illustrated book is in excellent condition. It is a navy blue cloth-wrapped hardback book with a dust jacket in very good condition. We pasted an address label on the first sheet, but it is otherwise in fine condition. The dimensions are approximately 11½"wide x 13¼"tall x 1¼"thick. 9780789203229 / 0789203227.

I'm asking $50.

Dressing in the Middle Ages

Mane, Perrine, and Françoise Piponnier. Se vêtir au Moyen Âge. Adam Biro, 1995. 

This book is an authoritative exploration of medieval clothing and fashion, focusing on how dress evolved from the 10th to the 15th century in Europe. This book delves into the social, economic, and cultural influences that shaped medieval attire, examining how clothing was not only a reflection of one’s status but also a means of expressing identity, regional affiliations, and even moral standing. The authors utilize a wide range of historical sources, including manuscript illuminations, literary texts, and archaeological finds, to offer readers a richly detailed account of what people wore during the Middle Ages.

The book is structured around key aspects of medieval dress, including fabrics, colors, styles, and the societal rules that dictated who could wear what. It offers insights into the craftsmanship involved in textile production and the trade networks that supplied the materials for medieval garments. Lavishly illustrated with reproductions of medieval art and artifacts, Se vêtir au Moyen Âge brings to life the everyday and ceremonial attire of peasants, nobles, and clergy alike, providing a fascinating look at the role of fashion in medieval society.

This work is an invaluable resource for historians, costume designers, and anyone interested in the material culture of the Middle Ages, combining scholarly rigor with accessible prose to make the complex world of medieval fashion understandable and engaging.

This book is written in French. Used - Soft Cover,  Good->Excellent Condition, Back cover has 1 bend. ISBN 2-87660-169-9. 

Asking $55.

Visual History of Costume

Ribeira, Aileen, and Valerie Cumming. The Visual History of Costume. Costume & Fashion Press, 1997. 

This offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of fashion from ancient times to the 20th century. This richly illustrated volume serves as an essential resource for anyone interested in historical costume, presenting a wide array of garments, accessories, and textiles from various cultures and periods. Drawing on historical sources such as paintings, drawings, and surviving garments, the authors provide a detailed and accurate account of how clothing styles developed, influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors. The visual richness of the book, combined with scholarly insights, makes it a valuable reference for students, designers, and historians alike.

Each section of the book is accompanied by high-quality images that bring to life the different fashions worn in royal courts, among the nobility, and by everyday people throughout history. Whether you are studying specific periods of fashion or looking for inspiration for costume design, The Visual History of Costume provides both the historical context and visual documentation needed to understand the shifting trends in clothing. This indispensable guide makes it a must-have for anyone passionate about fashion history.

This is a paperback book in very good condition with little shelf wear. There is an owner's label on one of the first sheets but is otherwise free of marks and highlighting. There are some wonderful clothing examples in this book. ISBN 9780896762213 / 0896762211.

I am asking $75.

Inventory of King Henry VIII

Starkey, David, editor. The Inventory of King Henry VIII: Volume 1, The Transcript. Harvey Miller Publishers, 1998.

The Inventory of King Henry VIII: Volume 1, The Transcript is a meticulously transcribed document of King Henry VIII’s possessions, compiled shortly after his death in 1547. Commissioned by his son, Edward VI, the inventory catalogs over 18,000 items, ranging from royal regalia to personal items and military stores, providing invaluable insight into the grandeur of the Tudor court. The inventory is housed in two manuscripts, one held by the Society of Antiquaries of London and the other by the British Library.

This volume includes a comprehensive historical introduction, detailed notes, and an exhaustive index, providing scholars with a critical tool for understanding Tudor material culture. The transcript not only helps trace surviving objects but also aids in attributing other items to Henry VIII. With a glossary of technical terms, it is an indispensable resource for students and historians interested in the Tudor monarchy and the reign of Henry VIII.

My copy is in very good condition, with a mylar-wrapped dust jacket. Other than an address label on one of the front sheets, I see no evidence of use. It is a large heavy book, being approximately 9"wide x 11.25"tall x 2"thick. 539 pages. ISBN: 9781872501895 / 1872501893.

I'm asking $110.

Well Dress'd Peasant

Leed, Drea. The Well Dress'd Peasant: 16th Century Flemish Workingwomen's Dress. Colorado: Costume & Dressmaker Press, 2000.

The Well Dress'd Peasant by Drea Leed is a detailed exploration of the clothing worn by 16th-century Flemish working women, as depicted in the genre paintings of artists like Pieter Aertsen and Joachim Beuckelaer. Drawing from the expertise of notable costume historians such as Janet Arnold, Leed offers patterns and step-by-step guidance for recreating garments like kirtles, petticoat bodies, and partlets. Novice and experienced costumers alike will benefit from the practical instructions and simplified smock construction techniques, making it a valuable resource for historical clothing enthusiasts.

This paperback book had a small printing and was issued without an ISBN. My copy has light shelf wear, but there are no marks inside. I never actually got around to using it to make a dress. Its dimensions are roughly 8½"w x 11"tall. 75 pages. I can likely mail this one first class in an oversize envelope.

I'm asking $110.

Early Period Textiles & Costuming

Roche-Bernard, Geneviève. Costumes et Textiles en Gaule Romaine. Éditions Errance, 1993.

Costumes et Textiles en Gaule Romaine is an in-depth exploration of the clothing and textile industry in Roman Gaul. Written in French, this detailed study examines various aspects of fiber production, dyeing techniques, weaving styles, and the construction of garments during the Roman period. It also provides a thorough analysis of how clothing was commercialized, tracing its journey from production to market. Roche-Bernard supports her research with meticulous notes on her sources, making it a highly reliable reference for scholars interested in the history of ancient textiles.

Although the book is in French, readers can easily translate it using tools like Google Translate to access the rich content. This volume, now out of print and difficult to find, remains a valuable resource for those studying ancient costume and textile production. The book is in immaculate condition, with only a bookplate inside the front cover. Its comprehensive coverage of Gallic textiles, supported by rich iconography and extensive historical research, makes it essential for those interested in the craftsmanship and commercial practices of the time.

This book is in excellent condition. It has a bookplate inside the front cover. ISBN:  978-2877720793 / 2877720799. Asking $200.

Tailor's Pattern Book

Alcega, Juan de. Tailor's Pattern Book 1589. Carlton, Bedford UK: Ruth Bean, 1999.

Juan de Alcega's Tailor's Pattern Book 1589 is a vital primary source for anyone studying Renaissance fashion. This facsimile edition provides some of the only surviving tailoring patterns from the late 16th century, offering unique insight into the craftsmanship behind garments of the Spanish nobility. The book contains over 130 detailed patterns for a wide variety of garments, making it an invaluable resource for historians and costume designers alike. For anyone interested in Renaissance costume design or the history of tailoring, this is a must-have resource, offering one of the few direct windows into the techniques and styles of a bygone era.

The book includes 135 detailed patterns that were used by tailors to create a wide variety of garments for both men and women. These range from doublets and cloaks to elaborate gowns and farthingales. What makes this work so valuable is its practical approach—tailors of the 16th century would have used these exact patterns to cut and assemble fabric, ensuring the precise fit and luxurious styles that characterized the nobility’s attire.

Each pattern is accompanied by yardage requirements, essential for recreating these garments today. However, the original work lacks illustrations, so modern users must rely on their interpretation skills and historical knowledge when following the layouts and instructions. The facsimile also includes both the original Spanish text and its English translation, providing accessibility for a broader audience.

This is a paperback edition with wear along the book edges, and a prior owner's address label on the front sheet. Otherwise in near fine condition. No marks or highlighting. It is approximately 11"tall x 8¼"wide x ¾"thick. ISBN: 9780903585316. I am asking $330.

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