34 
REVIEWS AND EXCHANGES. 
Chats on Costume. By G. Woolliscroft Rhead. 
5f inches X inches. T. Fisher Unwin. 
Price 5s. net. 
This book is, as it claims to be, a series of chats, 
and these take us far back into the past. They 
have therefore some claim to be considered archeo- 
logical, although the author himself treats the 
subject as an artistic matter. Scientific accuracy 
has not always been sought or it would hardly be 
assumed that clothes were first worn for the sake • 
of decency, nor would it be stated that there is “ no 
people or tribe, however primitive their civilisa- 
tion, but makes some sort of provision in this 
respect.” There is a good deal of literary and 
historical interest to be found in the ten chapters 
which make up the book. We gain an insight into 
such things as the antiquity of trousers, and the 
rise and fall of the crinoline. It appears also that 
in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries e.xtrava- 
gance in dress had already brought down con- 
demnation upon man and woman alike. Moreover, 
From “Chats on Costume,” an account is given of the sumptuary laws for regu- 
by the courtesy of lating and restricting the wearing of cloth of gold 
Mr. T. Fisher Unwin.) and various styles of dress, which will also be 
found well worth reading. 
It would be a good thing if people generally 
would take to heart some of Mr. Rhead’s remarks 
with regard to dress. He says that “ there can 
be no really beautiful dress unless the spirit of in- 
dividualism is fostered. Dress should express the 
wearer and provide an index to character. Indeed 
it does, as the spectacle of a woman or man fol- 
lowing blindly the dictates of fashion is sufficient 
evidence that he or she possesses no character at 
all. There is also a manner of dressing and of 
wearing, a certain elegance that distinguishes people 
of taste from the vulgar, and gives to each portion 
of the dress its due importance, and imparts a 
harmony to the whole as in the composition of a 
picture, which weaves every detail into one design 
and impresses the beholder as a masterpiece.” 
There are (juite a number of figures in the text, 
which add to the attractiveness of the book, as 
well as many full page illustrations. It would have 
increased the value and usefulness of the latter 
if more detailed descriptions had been placed under 
them, showing exactly what they illustrate. 
.Special chapters are devoted to such topics as 
The Doublet and Hose, The Kirtle or Petticoat, 
the Dressing of the Hair, and Boots and Shoes. 
Elementary Science fot the Preliminary Certificate 
Examination, Section C: Biology, By W. S. 
F'urneaux. 5 inches x 7 inches. W. B. 
Clive. Price 2s. 
Although this book is written for the use of 
students preparing for a particular examination, 
it should form a useful introrluction to the study of ^ 
Plant and Animal Rife for those who do not need (I'fotn “Chats on Costume,’ 
“to get up the subject.” Rightly, the intention by the courtesy of 
Mr. T. Fisher Unwin.) 
Figure 16. — Wai.king 
Dkkss, 1810. 
