"A survey of 'Western costume from ancient Egypt to 1980. Presented chronologically, the 8 to 10 illustrations per page are lavishly colored and use color schemes appropriate to each period. All illustrations are labeled with country of origin and wearer's societal status. Every century is followed up by concise captions corresponding to the illustrations.'" Booklist.

The costumes. Ancient civilizations -- The Middle Ages -- The Renaissance -- The sixteenth century -- The seventeenth century -- The eighteenth century -- The nineteenth century -- The twentieth century.