Dressed for the Photographer ~ Severa

Description

From the western research/reference library of Jerry Crandall

Dressed for the Photographer

Ordinary Americans & Fashion, 1840 – 1900

by Joan Severa

Kent State University Press, 1995

Condition; good, minor shelf wear on dust jacket over hard cover

The author 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. Arranging the photographs by decades, Severa examines the material culture, expectations, and socioeconomic conditions that affected the clothing choices depicted. Her depth of knowledge regarding apparel allows her to date the images with a high degree of accuracy and to point out significant details that would elude most observers. The 272 photographs included in this volume show nearly the full range of stylistic details introduced during this period. Each photograph is accompanied with a commentary in which these details are fully explored.