Ladies' dress shoes of the nineteenth century

A meticulously assembled visual record, this volume showcases sixty‑three genuine ladies’ shoes worn throughout the nineteenth century. Each illustration is accompanied by notes on its provenance, material and decorative details, offering a clear window into how women’s footwear evolved alongside shifting tastes and social occasions. The author’s careful selection highlights the range from quiet domestic slippers to formally embroidered commemorative pieces, allowing listeners to trace subtle changes in silhouette, heel height and ornamentation.

The plates capture a striking variety: green‑velvet bedroom mules edged with silk and gold braid, black satin slippers with plain or trefoil‑embellished toes, bronze stage shoes worn by noted actresses, and royal‑inscribed Jubilee heels. Colourful kid leather, pink satin, and intricate silk galloon work demonstrate the skill of contemporary cordonniers and the influence of fashion trends such as the move toward pointed toes. For anyone curious about historical design, craftsmanship, or the cultural story told through a single pair of shoes, the book offers a vivid, tactile journey through an era of elegance.