The Corset A Cultural History Valerie Steele

An essential element of fashionable dress from the Renaissance into the twentieth century, the corset has been viewed not only as an object of eroticism but also as an instrument of torture and subjugation. This lavishly illustrated book explores the cultural history of the corset. Named one of the Best of the Year 2001 by the Toronto Globe & Mail. Selected for inclusion in the Books to Remember list by the New York Public Library. Winner of the 2002 Milia Davenport Publication Award sponsored by the Costume Society of America.

 Read more about Valerie Steele, fashion historian, curator, museum director and author.

"This is cultural scholarship and social history at its absolute best." Literary Review "The Corset is at once couture eye candy and intellectually enlightening." WOMEN'S REVIEW OF BOOKS "Obligatory reading for fashion historians." Times Literary Supplement