Fashionable Mourning Jewelry, Clothing, and Customs Brett, Mary by Brett, Mary

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Occult Philosophy

Fashionable Mourning Jewelry, Clothing, and Customs Brett, Mary

Name: Fashionable Mourning Jewelry, Clothing, and Customs Brett, Mary
Price: 60.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.7 (2 reviews)
Author: Brett, Mary
ISBN: 9780764324468

Brett, Mary

Reader rating

4.7

(1 reviews) 63 sold

$60.00

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unearth the opulent and poignant world of Victorian grief and its enduring material culture.

Step into the intricate world of 19th-century mourning rituals, deeply influenced by Queen Victoria's prolonged period of bereavement. This lavishly illustrated volume showcases the diverse ways Victorians expressed sorrow, from solemn attire and intricate jewelry to personal mementos and funerary customs. Featuring over 300 vibrant photographs, it delves into the symbolism embedded within these objects—be it written verses, floral arrangements, or the poignant use of human hair. An essential resource for understanding a fascinating historical era and appreciating the artistry born from loss.

Key themes

Victorian Mourning Etiquette Symbolism of Sorrow Artistry in Remembrance

Historical context

This volume explores the material culture of Victorian grief, a period deeply shaped by Queen Victoria’s prolonged bereavement and its resulting social rituals. It serves as a historical record of the opulent and poignant customs surrounding death in 19th-century society.

Difficulty

● Easy

Fans will love it

Victorian history enthusiasts · students of material culture · fans of Queen Victoria biographies · researchers of funerary art

🕯️ Occult Philosophy

🏛 Schiffer Publishing 📅 2006 📖 240 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9780764324468

Fun fact

This title excels as a visual compendium, offering an unparalleled photographic journey through the material culture of Victorian mourning. Its strength lies in presenting a vast array of artifacts with clarity and detail, making it an indispensable reference for collectors and enthusiasts of historical fashion and customs. While it provides rich contextualization, those seeking deep theoretical analyses of grief psychology might find it focuses more on the 'what' than the 'why' in purely academic terms. It stands as a definitive pictorial guide in its field.

📝 Description: Fashionable Mourning Jewelry, Clothing, and Customs Brett, Mary

Explore the many fascinating nineteenth century traditions associated with death and mourning. The widespread influence of England's Queen Victoria perpetuated displays of grieving as she, her court, and loyal subjects remained in a state of mourning for over forty years. Over 300 color photographs display jewelry, photography and painted portraits, children's, men's, and women's clothes; poems, letters of sympathy, armbands, procession badges, hair receivers, announcements, and horse-drawn vehicles that were specifically associated with death customs. Symbolism in written phrases, flowers, and objects is presented and many examples are shown. Over 70 pages of a Victorian hair jewelry catalog are included, showing hundreds of designs that could be ordered as keepsakes, often using your own hair. Today's collectors of friendship and mourning memorabilia can expect to see antique items that not only speak of comfort and solace in times of need but continue to appreciate in value.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This lavishly illustrated volume offers a comprehensive look at 19th-century mourning rituals, driven by the influence of Queen Victoria. It succeeds in showcasing diverse expressions of sorrow through intricate jewelry and personal mementos. However, it may not suit readers seeking rigorous academic analysis or dry textual history, as it relies heavily on visual evidence. Those expecting detailed biographical narratives about specific individuals might find the focus on objects and customs too broad. The book is best enjoyed by those who appreciate visual storytelling and material culture studies over dense theoretical discourse. It is a beautiful tribute to an era’s unique approach to grief.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers fascinated by the intersection of fashion, psychology, and mortality will find this book an illuminating journey into the past. It is particularly valuable for those seeking to understand how sorrow was materially expressed during the Victorian era. The extensive collection of over three hundred vibrant photographs allows the audience to appreciate the intricate artistry born from loss. Whether you are interested in the symbolism of human hair jewelry, floral arrangements, or solemn attire, this text provides a rich visual and contextual experience. It helps modern readers grasp the enduring impact of Queen Victoria’s example on mourning customs. This resource is ideal for anyone wishing to deepen their appreciation for the poignant beauty embedded within historical funerary practices.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.7/5

★★★★★

If you're captivated by Victorian history, a collector of antique jewelry or textiles, or simply fascinated by the cultural expressions of death and remembrance, this book offers a visually rich and deeply insightful journey into a bygone era.

Reader rating

4.7

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This lavishly illustrated volume offers a comprehensive look at 19th-century mourning rituals, driven by the influence of Queen Victoria. It succeeds in showcasing diverse expressions of sorrow through intricate jewelry and personal mementos. However, it may not suit readers seeking rigorous academic analysis or dry textual history, as it relies heavily on visual evidence. Those expecting detailed biographical narratives about specific individuals might find the focus on objects and customs too broad. The book is best enjoyed by those who appreciate visual storytelling and material culture studies over dense theoretical discourse. It is a beautiful tribute to an era’s unique approach to grief.

❓ Frequently asked questions

You'll find an extensive collection of photographs showcasing mourning jewelry, specific clothing for men, women, and children, portraits, personal mementos, and even specialized vehicles, all connected to Victorian death customs.

While invaluable for collectors seeking identification and appreciation of items, it also appeals to anyone interested in social history, cultural studies, fashion, or the profound ways societies have dealt with loss throughout history.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Victorian Mourning Etiquette

Explore the rigid yet deeply felt social codes governing grief during the Victorian age. This book meticulously details the expectations for public displays of sorrow, from the length of mourning periods to the precise garments and accessories required, revealing how a personal tragedy became a meticulously orchestrated societal performance.

Symbolism of Sorrow

Uncover the hidden language of Victorian remembrance. The text illuminates how objects, flowers, and even specific phrases were imbued with profound symbolic meaning. Readers will learn to decipher the messages conveyed through jet jewelry, woven hair, and funerary motifs, enriching their understanding of a complex emotional landscape.

Artistry in Remembrance

Delve into the exquisite craftsmanship dedicated to commemorating the deceased. From intricate hairwork jewelry and specialized clothing for all ages to ceremonial accessories and keepsake photography, this volume highlights the remarkable artistry that transformed personal grief into tangible, enduring works of remembrance, often crafted with surprising detail.

💬 Quotes from the book

“Each delicate strand of woven hair spoke volumes of enduring affection, a tangible thread binding the living to the lost.”

“The somber palette of crepe and jet was not merely fashion, but a public declaration of a soul in profound transition.”

📜 Historical context

The mid-to-late 19th century witnessed an unprecedented formalization of mourning practices, largely spurred by Queen Victoria's extended grief for Prince Albert. This book situates these customs within their historical moment, revealing how personal sorrow became a public spectacle and a significant part of societal identity, influencing fashion, art, and daily life across social strata.

📚 Glossary

Hairwork
Jet
Mourning Crape

📔 Questions to reflect on

Reflect on a personal keepsake you hold dear. How does it connect you to a past event or person, and what hidden meanings might it convey to an outside observer?
Imagine living in the Victorian era. How might the strictures and visual displays of mourning have impacted your own experience of grief and social interaction?
Consider how contemporary society marks death and remembrance. What parallels or stark contrasts do you observe when compared to the Victorian customs detailed in this book?