Covering the period from 1600 to the present day, this book illustrates a wide variety of hats. The treatment is chronological, with men's and women's hats dealt with for each century in turn. For men's hats, the author shows the importance not only of the form and decoration, but also the expressive possibilities of the way they are worn. Hats for both men and women were profoundly affected in all countries by changes in political, artistic and social life, and the author charts this process with the aid of contemporary portraits in fascinating detail. They are also considered in conjunction with hairdressing styles which often influenced the shape and size of the hat. The photographs show a great variety of examples from many sources and from all periods, many of them never photographed before. This book is part of an illustrated series on costume aimed at the designer, restorer, collector, student and art historian. Fiona clark is also the author of William Morris, Wallpapers and Chintzes.