I collect History of Costume books, and I tend to scour Used Book stores on this topic. This weekend, I found a copy of this book in good/used condition.
What a pleasant discovery! This hefty book is well-designed, includes LOTS of visual vitamins, and (an unexpected bonus in books on this topic.....) very
entertaining text. "The names of colors, too, cling to ghosts in vanished gardens: popinjay blue, gingerline, mulberry, and lustre gallant (a light red) , pease porridge, Catherine pear and French russet (the bronze-violet of burning paper.)". Far more than "the usual suspects", I found visual images in this book that I have not seen previously.....For instance, distinctive images of Elizabeth I. The book concludes with the year 1977 (publication date) -- and it would be enjoyable to know what the authors would have thought about the subsequent years - especially Alexander McQueen! Highly recommended, for any student of fashion, costume, textiles and social rituals involving clothing.