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Rating: 
Summary: A must-have reference for Colonial & Federal period clothing
Review: At first glance, this book is amazing just for the feast it provides for the eyes just looking (and drooling) at the professional photographs of the costumes in the Colonial Williamsburg collection. When the reader really sits down and is able to read the text, the reader will find that the detail of the book is also amazing. The book does a marvelous job of explaining how clothing was used as a symbol of status, from the slave to the wealthy. It goes into deep detail the type of fabrics used, and the cut of the clothing used to achieve a certain look. It goes on to show what construction techniques and trims were used on some of the garments. A chapter on clothing from infancy to old age is also a treat and I was amazed to see that the cut of infant's clothing mirrored the cut of adult clothing very closely. I am most impressed with the use of cross-reference in the book. If a type of material or a cut of clothing is referred to in the text, a cross-referenced photo always accompanies it. Since purchasing this book, I have been able to date many items I have seen on eBay and in private collections. It is a really well written book and a must-have reference for the collector of antique fashions, designers, and museums.
Rating:
Summary: Great Reference Guide
Review: I am a historical seamstress that uses this book to copy the shape and style of Rev.War garments. I really love this book and go back to it over and over. It is a very useful book in my reference library.
Rating: 
Summary: Finally!
Review: What? I can't believe this book hasn't been reviewed yet. Everyone who has it must be too busy reading it!Linda Baumgarten, who has produced at least 2 other attractive books on 18th-century American clothing, has finally come out with this fine volume based on the recent Williamsburg, Va. exhibition that examined clothing from the inside out. This is particularly interesting to those of us who recreate garb of the period (for reenactment or theatrical purposes), as it contains detailed information on construction & materials; however, even someone with scant knowledge of costume & history will find it an engaging book. Ms. Baumgarten's text is "user-friendly"-- probably her association with Williamsburg has given her a good understanding of how to speak to ordinary non-costume-fanatical folk.
Lots of excellent photos and text. I was delighted to find a glazed woolen gown, among other treats. The chapter on clothing for christenings and mourning wear is an unusual feature, and the clothing timeline at the end a good visual account of the evolution of style. My one criticism: The photos of mid-19th-century clothing and reconstructions don't belong in the book. I wish some of the thumbnails of 18th-century clothes shown in the timeline had been featured in their place.
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