Togas, turbans, tailcoats, and top hats: The evolution of style from antiquity to 1888.
 
Originally published in France between 1876 and 1888, Auguste Racinet’s Le Costume historique was the most wide-ranging and incisive study of clothing ever attempted. Covering the world history of costume, dress, and style from antiquity through to the end of the 19th century, the six volume work remains completely unique in its scope and detail.

TASCHEN’s complete reprint presents Racinet’s exquisitely precise and colored illustrations, as well as his delightful descriptions and often witty comments. Spanning everything from ancient Etruscan attire to French women’s couture, material is arranged according to Racinet’s orginal organization by culture and subject. As expansive in its reach as it is passionate in its research and attention to detail, The Complete Costume History is an invaluable reference for students, designers, artists, illustrators, and historians; and a rich source of inspiration for anyone with an interest in clothing and style.

About the series:
Bibliotheca Universalis— Compact cultural companions celebrating the eclectic TASCHEN universe at an unbeatable, democratic price! Since we started our work as cultural archaeologists in 1980, the name TASCHEN has become synonymous with accessible, open-minded publishing. Bibliotheca Universalis brings together nearly 100 of our all-time favorite titles in a neat new format so you can curate your own affordable library of art, anthropology, and aphrodisia. Bookworm’s delight — never bore, always excite!

Text in English, French, and German

Author: Françoise Tétart-Vittu
Publisher: Taschen
Pages: 768pp
Size: 5.75 x 7.75 x 2
Notes: hardcover, full color, multilingual edition
Release Date: November 15, 2015
ISBN: 978-3836555401