books
dressed for the photographer ordinary americans and fashion 1840 1900
in dressed for the photographer joan severa gives a visual analysis of the dress of middle class americans from the mid to late 19th century . using images and writings she shows how even economically disadvantaged americans could wear styles within a year or so of current fashion . this desire for fashion equality demonstrates that the possession of culture was more important than wealth or position in the community . in presenting a broad overview of common fashion severa gathers letters and diaries as well as photographs from various sources across the united states . she provides graphic evidence that ordinary americans when dressed in their finest attire appeared very much the same as their wealthier neighbors . but upon closer examination these photographs often reveal inconsistencies that betray the actual economic status of the sitter . these fascinating photographs coupled with severas insights offer an added dimension to our understanding of 19th century americans . intended as an aid in dating costumes and photographs and as a guide for period costume replication dressed for the photographer provides extensive information for understanding the social history and material culture of this period . it will be of interest to general readers as well as to social historians and those interested in fashion costume and material culture studies .
hardcover kent state university press 1995 isbn 0873385128
abridged n isbn 13 9780873385121 number of pages 303 publisher kent state univ pr release date 62135769600000