The corset and the crinoline : A book of modes and costumes from remote periods to the present time

A vivid visual tour and scholarly overview, this volume traces the corset and crinoline from their earliest incarnations in ancient Egypt and Greece through medieval courts, Renaissance courts, and into the bustling streets of Victorian London. With more than fifty full‑page engravings, each illustration brings to life the silhouettes, fabrics, and construction techniques that shaped women’s wardrobes across centuries.

The author adopts a neutral, correspondent‑like tone, compiling excerpts from historic journals, medical treatises, and fashion pamphlets to map the long‑standing debate over comfort, health, and aesthetics. Readers discover how early critics condemned rigid stays while later advocates praised moderate use, revealing a dialogue that has persisted from antiquity to the present day.

Ideal for lovers of costume history, designers, or anyone curious about how a single garment influenced social norms, the book offers a richly illustrated, well‑ordered reference that illuminates the ever‑changing dance between fashion, function, and femininity.