This winter, best-selling author Sarah Albee and National Geographic will take readers on a walk down history’s runway in WHY’D THEY WEAR THAT?: Fashion as the Mirror of History (on sale Feb. 10, 2015; $19.99; ages 10 and up). From the invention of needles made from woolly mammoth tusks in 10,000 B.C., to the evolution of armor from chain mail to modern-day bulletproof vests, to the controversy surrounding contemporary outsourcing, Albee looks at history through the lens of fashion as a way to engage young readers.
Each chapter focuses on a major period of world history, from the Neolithic era to the present day, and explores the evolution of fashion as a reflection of the politics, class hierarchies, religion and economics of the time. This highly visual collection is full of colorful sidebars that answer questions that are not usually addressed in the classroom: How did people keep their clothes on before zippers or buttons were invented? How did soldiers go to the bathroom when wearing their heavy armor? Pictures, paintings and artifacts further illustrate the concepts discussed in each chapter, while funny anecdotes and a focus on cultures of interest, such as the Vikings, will keep even the most reluctant readers hooked.
Our Thoughts
This book is fascinating. I love history and throughout life have always wondered how people lived with their clothing. How did it keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. How on earth did they go to the bathroom with THAT on? Where did these fashions start? How did they die? The cultural, religious influences etc... This book explains it all.
I never realized how influential and important clothing was to our social structure until I read this book. The story of how silk became available to all was amazing. I had no idea, and I assume many people do not know the hardships that entailed.
Being able to sit with my daughter and go through this book, it's interesting and keeps her wanting to learn more. I homeschool and use this book as one of my options for history lessons. It is so much fun she doesn't feel like she's doing "school work" but just sitting with mom and hanging out.
The pictures and setup of the book are eye catching and keep you turning the next page. All the little blurbs on the pages are quick fact snippets if you want a quick glance. This is a book for any and all, I really really love it.
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Reviewed by Jackie
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