KINGS, QUEENS, KNIGHTS & JESTERS: Making Medieval Costumes

by Lynn Edelman Schnurnberger ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 4, 1978

Clear, detailed, well-illustrated instructions, with a gracefully-integrated bonus of background notes on medieval fashion and society: conscientiously researched, handsomely produced, and adorned with knowledgeably chosen photos. Reducing the costumes of all classes to a basic circle-shaped cape, a loose-fitting T-shaped gown, and a sleeveless, T-shaped tunic (each constructed from a single piece of material), Schnurnberger shows how to add ribbon trim, scalloped edges, stenciled or appliqued patterns, and so on, to represent a king, merchant, noblewoman, bishop, jester, monk, or whatever. Accessories--with the reminder that whatever is added should ""look authentic and be in character""--range from papier-mâchÉ and chicken-wire armor to pouches, sword and shield, bells, jewelry, and a wide array of headgear--and then the ridiculously upturned pointed shoes, which functioned, we're told, as status symbols, growing longer as the ladies' hat grew taller. Easy, authentic, and open-ended, this will be a boon to anyone planning a medieval occasion and an incentive to anyone who isn't.

Pub Date: Oct. 4, 1978

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1978

Categories: NONFICTION