Weaver, Janice. From head to toe; bound feet, bathing suits, and other bizarre and beautiful things.

Tundra. 80p. illus. notes. index. c2003. 0-88776-654-4. $16.95. JS

Bound feet, bathing suits, and other bizarre and beautiful things are found in this book that "travels across thousands and years and through countless cultures and countries to tell the story of fashion in some of its weirdest, wildest, and most wonderful forms." Chapter One covers females (pun intended) in bloomers, hoop skirts, the farthingale, the bun roll, Mary Quant's mini, pantyhose, corsets, Victorian bathing suits, and string bikinis. Chapter Two presents male attire, such as the Zoot Suit that brought riots to WW II Los Angeles, blue jeans, stocks and cravats, modern neckties, and handkerchiefs (used as dog tags during the Civil War). Chapter Three is the history of hair, from cave men who smeared their locks with mud or clay to the ancient Egyptians who coated their heads with chopped lettuce leaves to stimulate hair growth. Wigs and facial hair have also figured in history. In 16th-century Europe, some men grew beards long enough to wrap around their waists like belts. Accessories such as jewelry, gloves, umbrellas, and hats highlight Chapter Four.

Chapter Five features painted ladies and tattooed men. Ancient Egyptians, for example, used soot, ground ants' eggs, and powdered lead carbonate in cosmetics. Chapter Six gives readers the news on shoes. Men were the first to wear high heels. Louis XIV, who was only 5' 6", was much more imposing in his five-inch footwear. Notes and a brief index end this amusing and informative volume lavishly illustrated with witty color drawings by Francis Blake. Teens who think they invented fashion should read this little book. Janet Julian, Grafton, MA

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.