Corsets and Codpieces

A History of Outrageous Fashion, from Roman Times to the Modern Era

By: Karen Bowman

Narrated by: Susan Duerden

Have you ever wondered why we wear the type of clothes we do? Packed with outlandish outfits, this exciting history of fashion trends reveals the flamboyant fashions adopted (and discarded) by our ancestors.

In the days before cosmetic surgery, people used bum rolls and bombastic breeches to augment their figures, painted their faces with poisonous concoctions, and doused themselves with scent to cover body odor.

Take a fresh look at history's hidden fashion disasters and discover some of the stories behind historical garments:

• How removing a medieval woman's headdress could reveal her as a harlot
• Why Tudor men traded in their oversized codpieces for corsets
• How crinoline caused a spate of shoplifting among Victorian ladies

Karen Bowman charts our sartorial history from the animal skins first used to cover our modesty and show off hunting skills, right up to the twentieth-century drive for practicality and comfort. Corsets and Codpieces is a fascinating listen for history buffs and fashionistas alike.

©2015 Karen Bowman (P)2017 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Figured I might as well get the audiobook

I thought about getting the print version, since I assume I'm missing our on some illustrations by listening to the audiobook. But since I tend to listen to nonfiction audiobooks more quickly than I read nonfiction books, I might as well go for it. I do wish the emphasis on England had been more apparent before I started listening; it isn't a downside at all, just not what I was expecting. I definitely noticed that the reader was very breathy when the audiobook started, but I got used to it after a couple hours. Also had one of my roommates wander out while I was cooking and listening, because it sounded "very exciting, in a British way." I've already recommended this to several friends who are theater/costuming people, and relayed several of the amusing incidents in this book in general conversation.

Astounding !

amazing historical fashion book. well narrated. made my week. i enjoyed the quirky and honest presentation. lots of information,for fashionistas and fashion designers will love this book :)

Fun historical descriptions of clothes and culture

I loved this book. I am ordering a hard copy to read it more carefully.

it would have been a more interesting story except

except for the reader - she was horrible - love history but would have.never picked this book to LISTEN to. . ,

very interesting

I loved the narrators voice and how she reads! this was a very interesting look into the pain and beauty of women's fashion and quiet interesting things to learn.