Dressed to Rule: Royal and Court Costume from Louis XIV to Elizabeth II
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.61 (715 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0300106971 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 256 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2017-08-18 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
Fascinating glimpses into the lives of European monarchs and contemporary potentates reveal the intimate connection between power and the way it is packaged.. Being both personal and visible, the right costume at the right time could transform and define a monarch’s reputation. Many royal leaders have known this, from Louis XIV to Catherine the Great and from Napoleon I to Princess Diana.This intriguing book explores how rulers have sought to control their image through their appearance. Mansel shows how individual styles of dress throw lig
Occasionally, these focal points lead the book off track, as Mansel spends much time describing non-rulers' clothing, but, overall, his tactic makes for a more subtle argument about the rulers' actual influence. He gives excellent consideration throughout to the economic impact of government-dictated style, especially in the areas of military and mourning dress. Though it begins with a description of the notorious splendor of Louis XIV's court, this is not really a book about fancy frocks and jewels; instead, Mansel emphasizes the widespread adoption (and imposition) of uniforms, which rulers from England to China have used to demonstrate status and control their subjects. Though he devotes a number of pages to Turkey, he pays fleeting attention to other regimes outside western Europe. All rights reserved. Copyright © Reed
"Scattered, not that inspiring, more's the pity." according to Rebecca Huston. Call me a costume junkie. While I am certainly not a fashionista, I do love to look at clothing, and especially that of the past and how it played such an important role in the past. Fashion has been used to determine status, flaunt power and general dazzle the lower classes -- even in our modern world with its guise of equality still hankers after snob appeal when it comes to clothing.Philip Mansel's book, Dressed to Rule: Royal and Court Costume from Louis XIV to Elizabeth II takes a sweepin
He is a frequent reviewer and writer for newspapers and magazines and is editor of the journal The Court Historian.. Philip Mansel was educated at Oxford and is the author of several highly praised works of history, including Constantinople: City of the World’s Desire 14531924 (1995)