Originally published in France between 1876 and 1888, Auguste Racinets "Le Costume historique" was the most wide-ranging and intelligent study of clothing ever published. Covering the world history of costume, dress, and style from antiquity through the end of the 19th century, the great work - consolidated in 1888 into 6 volumes containing nearly 500 plates - remains, to this day, completely unique in its scope and detail. Racinets organization by culture and subject has been preserved in TASCHENs magnificent reprint, as have excerpts from his delightful descriptions and often witty comments. Perusing these beautifully detailed and exquisitely colored illustrations, youll discover everything from the garb of ancient Etruscans to traditional Eskimo attire to 19th century French womens couture. Though Racinets study spans the globe from ancient times through his own, his focus is on European clothing from the Middle Ages to the 1880s and this subject is treated with exceeding passion and attention to detail. "The Costume History" is an absolutely invaluable reference for students, designers, artists, illustrators, and historians; it is also an immensely fascinating and inspirational book for anyone with an interest in clothing and style.