Tudor Fashion

Note, this review will be updated once I’m done reading the whole thing.If you are new to fashion of the Tudor court, welcome! I hope you enjoy this book. It is a good overview of the clothing, and the history and people involved in the clothing.If you have been researching the Tudor time period of clothing for awhile, stop, do not get this book. Most likely you, like me, already have read the major books, journals, state papers, and other sources that this book draws heavily from. This is a good overview, but it pulls both good info, and that which has been found as errors, outdated info, or misunderstandings from other sources. Go, continue your detailed research elsewhere. Or buy the book, enjoy the familiar images in lovely full color, with occasional closeups, look closely at the bibliography, and share with friends who are new to Tudor Court fashions. It’s not that expensive.

This book is meticulously researched and it is very well written in the bargain. The authordraws information from period records, documentation and writings from the period.She gives context to her subject with biographical information on the the Tudors themselves.All of the information is spot on and is certainly not just for the novice, but for thosewho are interested in more in-depth information.I own many books on antique costume and I am the co-author of a book on antique purses, sowhen a book reflects a high degree of scholarship as this one does, I appreciate it even more.This book is not a coffee table book in which you merely look at the pictures for information.The author's writing style makes it highly readable, unlike others which can be a tough slog.The production quality of the book is excellent. The pictures are large, clear and beautifully printed.As the author notes, there is not much in the way of extant Tudor Period clothing, but throughportraits from the period, she is able to accurately discuss the layers of costume from the skin out.The price is a bargain. I have paid considerably more for books of lesser quality.Please note that I have no connection to the author. The author is a respected curator of clothing atthe V&A and the Historic Royal Palaces. I highly recommend this book to all.

This wonderful book arrived one day after I ordered it and I devoured it in 12 hours! No other activity got done and I loved it.I felt like I had the Tudor fashion expert sitting next to me and talking about the fashions while showing me the perfect illustrating photograph! The book is set out with the photographs on the same page as the discussion. I hate having to flip around pages in the book to find "figure xyz" while I read about it. I waited to order until it was discounted and got my money's worth and more. I thought I really knew Holbein's portraits but this book showed me how to use his paintings to really understand the fashions.

I enjoyed the arrangement of the content. Love the reference paintings and research are well thought out. Most of all I love the images of folks wearing real clothing of the style represented. A great book for someone wanting to know about the fashions and possibly replicate them.

What a treasure trove of images and information. Well written and researched, beautifully illustrated from period pieces to modern recreations.

Amazing book. Still in the process of reading it but can already tell that it's great!

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this book & would recommend it to friends interested in costuming during the Tudor period.

High quality images, descriptions, and analysis. Wonderful addition to my research library.

I teach English Literature and I have an interest in Shakespeare's life and times. I feel this book has really increased my knowledge of Shakespeare as well as Elizabeth I and Henry VIII. An absolutely fascinating journey through the dress codes and fashions of the Tudor period, this book enlightened and entertained me in equal measure. I was very interested in reading about the Sumptuary laws, as I wasn't really aware of them, and I can see how clothes were used to reinforce and police the class system.The final chapter about Elizabeth I's skirt, which has been tucked away in a church for the last few hundred years, used as an altar cloth, is just the stuff of any history fan's dreams. I can't wait to go to Hampton Court and see it when it goes on display.

I absolutely loved the book. A very interesting insight into clothing, significance of colour, of symbols, maintenance and everyday life. I wish there were even more to read like this.

An excellent and informative book. Well-produced with many beautiful illustrations and explanations of them. Will recommend this to others.

Really lovely book - so full offices, information and history. A great addition to my bookshelves

Very readable and fantastically detailed on materials and methods. The lack of historic evidence means there is less on the dress of ordinary people but nevertheless I loved every page.