Arab Dress a Short History: From the Dawn of Islam to Modern Times (THEMES IN ISLAMIC STUDIES)

Presents a historical and ethnographic study of Arab and Islamic clothing, focusing on the evolution of modes of dress over the past 1400 years throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and for the Middle Ages, Islamic Spain. Stillman (deceased; history and Near Eastern languages, U. of Oklahoma) discusses clothing within the context of the social, esthetic, and political trends of each age. In addition to the five historical chapters, chapters devoted to the dress code for non-Muslims, luxury fabrics and garments of honor, and the institution of veiling are included. The text is augmented by 70 photographs and illustrations. The work was edited and completed after Stillman's death by her husband and collaborator, also a historian affiliated with the U. of Oklahoma. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)