This work is a guide for students and general readers interested in history, social history, art history, fashion, and costume. The volumes cover the history of clothing throughout the world from pre-historic times to the present. This multi-cultural study places clothing within the context of social, political, economic and religious history. Researchers can turn to this set for essential information about the style of dress in a particular time and place. The three volumes are easy to use and accessible to readers. Unlike other books and surveys of the history of costume that mainly concentrate on Western Europe, this work covers different cultures and their influence on fashion in the western world.The topics covered include: men's and children's clothing as well as women's clothing; clothing worn in non-Western countries; clothing worn by lower and servant classes as well as wealthy classes; and the history of clothing accessories.It contains "Volume 1: Prehistory to 1500CE"; "Volume 2: 1501-1800"; and "Volume 3: 1801 to the Present".