Dress in Anglo-Saxon England - Grand Format

This encyclopaedic study of English Anglo-Saxon dress examines the subject from the fifth and sixth centuries up to the eleventh century, drawing evidence from archaeology, text and art (with reference to re-enactors' experiences). It is based on the author's original study published two decades ago, during which time much has been learnt about the subject. Archaeological textiles, cloth production and the significance of imported cloth and foreign fashions are all put under scrutiny.
Dress is discussed as a marker of gender, ethnicity, status and social role, and its contemporary significance in terms of symbolism and stylistic messaging is examined — whether Anglo-Saxons were dressing a corpse for its (pagan) grave, condemning frivolous dress among persons in holy orders, bequeathing their own clothes, or commissioning clothes for a king. The book discusses what modern observers can and cannot deduce from medieval representations of clothing, questioning stereotypes.
The numerous illustrations, including specially commissioned colour plates, photographs and drawings, demonstrate clothing in contemporary art (manuscripts, ivories, metalwork, stone sculpture, mosaics), and focus on surviving dress fasteners and accessories, explaining types and geographical—chronological distribution. The colour reconstructions of early Anglo-Saxon dress are complemented by a cutting pattern for a gown from the Bayeux Tapestry (by Robin Netherton).
Old English garment names are discussed throughout and a glossary is appended.