Clothing of the Renaissance World—Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas

When Cesare Vecellio's guide to the dress and customs of the world appeared in Venice in 1590, it was a publishing sensation. For the first time a book had brought together vivid descriptions and accurate depictions of world costume throughout history.
After a brief history of dress in Ancient Rome, the book first concentrates on the clothing of Italy, before extending its scope to Europe and beyond. It describes in captivating detail the dress and customs of the inhabitants, from the loftiest rulers down to gravediggers, beggars and orphans, and stretches to the farthest reaches of Japan, China, Africa and India. A second, extended edition, published in 1598, added the New World of the Americas.
It has taken another four hundred years for this remarkable work to be translated into English. This new edition features all the original text and woodcuts, as well as the New World entries, preserving the charming layout of the original. This outstanding feat of scholarship is accompanied by an in-depth illustrated introduction by the translators, two of the foremost authorities on Italian literature and dress of the time, as well as an illustrated glossary of terms.
Packed with fascinating images, as well as enchanting (and often amusing) descriptions of the costume and habits of the peoples of the world as seen in the late 16th century, this book will appeal to all those interested in the history of dress, travel, antiquarian books, Renaissance art and cultural history.

Ann Rosalind Jones is Professor of Comparative Literature at Smith College.