Dressed In Fiction

Reviews / Votes

A witty and complex book, Dressed in Fiction provides an illuminating discussion of those novels I am familiar with and makes me want to read those I've yet to encounter. The quality of the author's scholarship is outstanding. Michael Carter, University of Sydney From the lost Arcadia symbolized in a Dandy's attire, to the gown as nemesis, Hughes presents an insightful analysis of nearly three centuries of literature, encompassing Richardson, Austen, Thackeray, Eliot, James, Wharton and more. Essential reading for historians of dress and the novel, Dressed in Fiction will also appeal to all with an interest in the culture and arts of this period. Mary Schoeser, Senior Research Fellow, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design A fascinating analysis of what classic authors were telling readers when they described their heroes' or heroines' costumes - information that has often been lost over time. Alison Lurie, The Guardian Illustrated throughout with interesting plates, Dressed in Fiction shows a range of knowledge in literary examples and is both interesting and erudite in the analysis of sartorial splendor. English Literature in Transition