This absorbing survey of medieval clothing makes an important and unique contribution to our understanding of the cultural and social conditions of western Europe in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Drawing on paintings and sculpture, documents and literature, surviving clothing, textiles, jewellery and armour, Francoise Piponnier and Perrine Mane show that garments and accessories of the Middle Ages reveal much about life and society of the time. 'This book is essential reading for anyone interested in medieval dress and social conditions.' Anne F. Sutton, 'The Ricardian' 'A good introduction to the subject ...The text is informative and clearly written throughout.' T. J. Hunter, 'The Art Book' 'This is a readable and interesting introduction volume.' Lucien Jenkins, 'Early Music Today' Francoise Piponnier is director of studies at the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales in Paris. Perrine Mane is head of research at the Centre Nationale des Recherches Scientifiques in Paris.