In the 1870’s and 1880’s, noted artist, art and costume historian Auguste Racinet edited a series which documented the history of world dress, furnishings and artifacts. The result was one of the most remarkable pictorial collections ever produced. With 92 beautiful full-color plates, (each with an informative caption, and nearly all pertaining to Western clothing 900-1800) this rare, original edition of Le Costume Historique is available for the first time at an affordable price. Over 950 clearly detailed costumed figures present a magnificent panorama of clothing styles worn in major countries of Western Europe over a 1000 year period including: bizarrely ornamented helmets, suits of armor from the Middle Ages, striped tights and flowing coats, doublets, puffed sleeves, wide collars…etc. This beautiful treasury will provide an indispensable sourcebook for anyone interested in the history and evolution of Western dress.