This book examines the dress and personal appearance of members of the middle and lower classes in the eastern Mediterranean region during the 4th to 8th centuries. Written, art historical and archaeological evidence is assessed with a view to understanding the way that cloth and clothing was made, embellished, cared for and recycled during this period.
Beginning with an overview of current research on Roman dress, the book looks in detail at the use of apotropaic and amuletic symbols and devices on clothing before examining sewing and making methods, the textile industry and the second-hand clothing trade. The final chapter includes detailed information on the making and modelling of exact replicas based on extant garments.
Faith Pennick Morgan, Ph.D. (2015), is Honorary Research Fellow of the Centre for Late Antique Archaeology, University of Kent. Her extensive background in textile and clothing design brings a unique perspective to the study of the clothing of the Late Antique period.
"In
Dress and Personal Appearance in Late Antiquity, Morgan presents a comprehensive account of the clothing worn by men, women and children of different classes across the 3rd to 7th centuries AD, well-illustrated with more than 100 colour plates. [...] this is an invaluable volume for libraries and Morgan has made a unique contribution to our sense of life in Late Antiquity"
Tamara Lewit, The University of Melbourne, in
PCA, volume 8/2018, pp. 337-8
Anyone interested in the history of the Late Antique period in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as those concerned with clothing history, specifically the making, embellishment and care of clothing during this period.