Suggested reading for a newbie

[artillerycorp 1st Ill]

Happy Holidays to all.
I am starting to study Men’s Civilian Clothing in the hope of starting a Civilian Impression in addition to my military one. I have found that it is a lot easier to gather information on the Male Military side of society during our chosen period then the civilian side. But have purchased copies of “Victorian and Edwardian Fashion A photographic Survey” by Alison Gernsheim (ISBN 0-486-24205-6) and “Thoughts on Men’s Shirts In America 1750-1900” by William L. Brown III (ISBN-1-57747-048-6). I was hoping for some suggestions on other reading sources. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Stephen Curtis
Adjutant
1st Illinois Battalion

[Sherry Key]

Re: Suggested reading for a newbie

Stephen,

Citizens Companion published a Men's & Children's Special Edition a few years back. There may still be copies about at sutlers or you could try to contact them....just google it. Should be about $5. Another book is by Donna Abrams, I think it is "How they Dressed". Check out Abraham's Lady web site...less than $20 if I recall correctly.

Both books you have are a great start. Enjoy!

Sherry Key.

[Annette Bethke]

Re: Suggested reading for a newbie

I have my CDVs on my website at http://www.txcwcivilian.org/id90.html; you might find them helpful. You may also find some readings here http://www.txcwcivilian.org/id88.html. My site is pretty specific to Texas; however, I do have a list of some civilian centered, no Texas specific books listed.

[Busterbuttonboy]

Re: Suggested reading for a newbie

Stephen,
I might recommend some other books concerning clothing and civilian lifestyles:
Textiles in America, by Montgomery
A People at War, by Nelson Sheriff
Handbook of Practical Cutting on the Centre Point System 1866, By Louis Devere
The Interest In Slavery Of The Southern Non-Slaveholder, by James Dunwoody Brownson De Bow
My Likeness Taken: Daguerreian Portraits In America, by Joan L. Severa
At Home: The American Family 1750-1870, by Elisabeth Donaghy Garrett

Archeological Records, especially from steamboats are awesome due to their ability to illustrate all types of clothing:
The Material Culture of Steamboat Passengers - Archaeological Evidence from the Missouri River (THE PLENUM SERIES IN UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY) (The Springer Series in Underwater Archaeology) by Annalies Corbin
The Treasures of the Steamboat Arabia by, David Hawley
Treasure in a Cornfield: The Discovery & Excavation of the Steamboat Arabia by, Greg Hawley (Author), Debra Shouse (Editor), Dave Orf (Illustrator), Harry Barth (Photographer)

Before recreating any clothing yourself or purchasing other reproductions look at images but more importantly find a museum or repository to you and go look at some originals. Get an idea of where the fine sewing is, coarse sewing, construction techniques, etc.- Keep in mind extant garments are often not a representation of the everyday but what was exceptional and has survived.

[artillerycorp 1st Ill]

Re: Suggested reading for a newbie

Thank you all for your input. I am sure I will have more questions...... I am now off to locate your suggestions.


Stephen Curtis
Adjutant
1st Illinois Battalion