Reproduced in meticulous detail and full colour are a host of examples: medieval tunics and fur-trimmed hats; miniature seventeenth-century gowns; pretty printed cotton dresses of the nineteenth century; right down to the denim and sportswear of our own time. Also included are special pages showing infants’ frocks, children’s headgear and children’s accessories.

Neatly arranged in six chronological sections, the pictures are accompanied by full descriptions, including details of all fabrics, trimmings, accessories, headgear and footwear. An invaluable reference section contains a concise bibliography and an at-a-glance time chart summarizing the development of children’s costume throughout the centuries.

This encyclopedic survey, with its gorgeously colourful and detailed illustrations, is destined to become the unrivalled reference work in its field, indispensable to any fashion enthusiast, designer, student or collector.