Tudor Fashion

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.

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.

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

Great book, I personally would like to have seen more detail on ruffs, maybe a subject for a book on it's own?

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

A present which was very well received.

Well done, great book and enjoyed it tremendously.

Elizabeth the First enlisted a spy who signed his documents to her, "007." Everything old is new again! Three sections of photos are great and even the notes and references are very good. From this book, I bought two more in paperback: That Woman re: Wallis Simpson and Tudor Fashion by Sedda (like an expensive museum book) = both of those books are also fascinating. You can completely understand why Queen Elizabeth 1st had total PTSD re: getting married EVER. And why her father was a nut about a male child is also made very clear: not wanting another THIRTY YEARS WAR over succession. Did you know Henry 8th was a YOUNGER brother and only became king because his older brother Arthur died at age 17? Did you know that the court traipsed from castle to castle because they literally stunk up the place (plus consuming all the food in the surrounding countryside)? The "nobles" used to pee on the walls! Yuk. So Elizabeth had urinals installed outside in the courtyard in hopes this would STOP! She also had crosses put up in hopes these "Christians" would stop peeing on the walls. All very fascinating. In this record heat year, it's nice to curl up with an engrossing book in the cool of the AC.

Great book! but don't expect tons of extant garments....they don't exist anywhere.

This is a really beautiful book - fantastic photos and very good descriptions - so much interesting information. I have many books about fashion - this is really one of the best about the >Tudor period.

A beautiful book. Splendid illustrations. Highly recommended to all other Tudor lovers

Splendido e interessantissimo volume, letto per approfondire il periodo storico dopo aver letto la magnifica trilogia di Hilary Mantel