author
Anne C. Goater
A little-known 19th-century writer, she is remembered for a compact, lively survey of hats and headwear across history. Her work blends social history, fashion, and cultural symbolism in a way that still feels curious and accessible.
1 Audiobook
A Short Treatise on Head Wear, Ancient and Modern
by Anne C. Goater
About the author
Very little biographical information about Anne C. Goater appears to be readily available in major public sources. What can be confirmed is that she is credited as the author of A Short Treatise on Head Wear, Ancient and Modern, a book first published in New York in 1885.
That short illustrated work traces the history and meaning of headwear, looking at hats not just as practical objects but also as signs of rank, identity, and style. The illustrations are credited to Walter H. Goater, suggesting a close creative connection behind the book.
Because so few personal details are easily documented, Goater is best known today through this surviving work rather than through a well-recorded public biography. For modern readers, her book offers a neat glimpse into late-19th-century interest in dress history and the stories people tell through what they wear.