Shoes: An Illustrated History

(Hardback, 2nd Revised edition)

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'[A] lively journey through the evolution of footwear' - The i 'Handsomely illustrated and meticulously assembled' - Shahidha Bari, author of Dressed: The Secret Life of Clothes 'An exuberant romp through footwear evolution ... a cornucopia of footwear delights' - Flora McLean, Royal College of Art, UK 'A memorable walk through a story of innovation, fashion, invention and eroticism' - Giorgio Riello, European University Institute, Italy 'An elegantly updated and illustrated edition of an invaluable reference book' - Alicia Kerfoot, The College at Brockport, SUNY, USA From chopines to stilettos, Louis XIV to Louboutin, Shoes: An Illustrated History is the definitive guide to footwear. This revised, updated edition expands the classic work to include new content on environmental and sustainability issues, and increased coverage of more diverse, inclusive and contemporary designers such as Rupert Sanderson, Sophia Webster, Nicolas Kirkwood, Charlotte Olympia, Amina Muaddi, Noritaka Tatehana. Shoes have always been more than just a practical necessity. They reveal the culture of the times in which they were worn the sexual morals, the social power play, as well as the endless shifting of fashion. Rebecca Shawcross takes the reader on a fascinating journey packed with social and historical detail of making and wearing, of the spectacular and the everyday, of conforming and rebelling. Lavishly illustrated with a dazzling array of shoes from all over the world and now including a new closing chapter covering the latest developments in design and technology, the influence of social media and celebrity endorsement, this revision consolidates the books position as the leading reference work and overview of this ultimate object of desire, from antiquity to the present.

Reviews

This lively journey through the evolution of footwear showcases a terrific array from across the world and through history. * The i *
Handsomely illustrated and meticulously assembled, this is the essential guide for anyone seeking a comprehensive history of shoes, from prehistoric sandals to space age sneakers. * Shahidha Bari, London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, UK, author of 'Dressed: The Secret Life of Clothes' *
Shawcross provides a comprehensive history of Western footwear for those who are new to the subject, but she also includes lesser-known details for more knowledgeable readers. Rich illustrations, thoughtful organisation, and meticulous research make for a book that is both enjoyable and intelligent. * Colleen Hill, The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, USA *
An exuberant romp through footwear evolution. Festooned with her prolific archival knowledge, from prehistoric sandals to winklepickers and ballet slippers, Shawcross artfully dissects form, function, texture, status, and sexual identity. A sociopolitical and aesthetic cornucopia of footwear delights. * Flora McLean, Royal College of Art, UK *
In this marvellous book Rebecca Shawcross unveils the hidden history of footwear, its meanings and its uses from ancient shoes to today's trainers. To read this work is a memorable walk through a story of innovation, fashion, invention and eroticism. * Giorgio Riello, European University Institute, Italy, and co-editor of 'Shoes: A History from Sandals to Sneakers' *
An elegantly updated and illustrated edition of an invaluable reference book for anyone interested in the history of footwear. Of special note is the extensive history that Shawcross covers, while also offering detailed snapshots of specific styles and accessories. * Alicia Kerfoot, The College at Brockport, SUNY, USA *
A thoroughly enjoyable, richly illustrated, and updated chronology brought to life with fascinating cultural references and anecdotes, all interlaced with Shawcross' subtle wit. An engaging and indispensable resource for anyone with an interest in past, present and speculative future footwear styles and technologies. * Alexandra Sherlock, RMIT University, Australia *
A wonderful source of inspiration and insight for all those fascinated by footwears continuing paradox of comfort and pain. The sumptuous, informative content makes connections via our own embodied experiences of shoe wearing, to stimulate empathic journeying across time, cultures, materials and technologies * Fiona Candy, designer, artist and researcher, UK *
A delightful walk through the history of footwear, from leather footbags to technology-driven trainers, this is a captivating, comprehensive celebration of shoes magnifying the enduring appeal and connection we have with footwear. * Vicki Dean, Head of Fashion & Leather, The University of Northampton, UK *
The new book Shoes: An Illustrated History by Rebecca Shawcross charts the many ways weve clad our feet, from the oldest known shoes (mocassin-like footwear dating from 3500 BC, and discovered in a cave in Armenia) to the wild styles of today. Along the way, Shawcross explains how high heels became synonymous with feminine sexuality. * The New York Post (of the first edition) *
My usual beef with most shoe survey books produced in the late 20th century is that they pretty much have all the same shoes in them [Shoes] has SO much more--so many other pairs of footwear that you just don't see in the majority of other books of this sort out there. This book is beautifully put together and enormously readable/browsable--a great balance of full color images, historical illustrations & engravings, and meaningful yet not dense text Shawcross gives equal weight to the progression of the history of footwear itself as she does to recurring iconic styles and innovations/innovators Ultimately, this is an exciting new book on a subject I adore, and I highly recommend it. * La Bricoleuse, Rachel Pollock (of the first edition) *
Shoes: An Illustrated History isnt just about those things we stuff on our tootsies; theres Hollywood here, as well as biographies, pop culture, and plenty of history to dip your toes into. And while youll find a satisfying amount of narrative, whats especially appealing are the dozens and dozens of full-color pictures of shoes, including bygone styles perfect for todays runway, and footwear youd likely boot to the curb. I think anyone with more than ten pairs of shoes in the closet is missing something if this book isnt laying next to the bed. For you, Shoes: An Illustrated History is a real kick. * PBG Lifestyle Magazine, Terri Schlichenmeyer (of the first edition) *
This beautifully illustrated compendium reveals the expertise of Shawcross, curator of the Boot and Shoe Collection (with more than 13,000 pairs, Europe's largest) at the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, located in England's shoe trade center. Covering prehistory to the present, the author provides brief historical introductions for each period and discusses footwear design, types, fashion, manufacture, marketing, superstitions, uses, famous owners and designers, brands, and more the book would undoubtedly be a keepsake for shoe aficionados Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. * CHOICE, B. B. Chico, Regis University (of the first edition) *
Shoes: An Illustrated History by Rebecca Shawcross shows the human fascination with footwear over millennia Shawcross knows her stuff. She uses historical documents, paintings, photographs and advertising to show the ongoing development of footwear for both sexes. * McClatchy DC, Tish Wells (of the first edition) *
If you love shoes, buy this book! Learn about shoes across the centuries: prehistoric sandals, buskins, slap soles, and shoe designers. An attractive, appealing, informative, and gorgeously illustrated documentation. Rebecca Shawcross knows shoes. * Joanne B. Eicher, Regents Professor Emerita at the University of Minnesota, and Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of World Dress and Fashion (of the first edition) *
This new shoe compendium will raise you to new heights. Taking the reader on a thrilling shoe odyssey, the work crosses all ground, from the everyday and the emotive, to the extravagant and the spectacular. Erudite and comprehensive, this book sets new standards in exploring the history of footwear. * Peter McNeil, Professor of Design History, UTS, Sydney Distinguished Professor, Academy of Finland at Aalto University (of the first edition) *

Author Bio

Rebecca Shawcross is Senior Shoe Curator at The Shoe Collection, Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, UK.