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Worn A People's History of Clothing

Hardback (25 Jan 2022)

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Publisher's Synopsis

'This riveting behind-the-scenes story of the clothes on our backs is a must-read for clotheshorses everywhere' Harper's Bazaar

'Extraordinary . . . fascinating . . . a wonderful way into history, quite often through the voices of people who don't have a say in history' Cerys Matthews


Linen, Cotton, Silk, Synthetics, Wool: through the stories of these five fabrics, Sofi Thanhauser illuminates the world we inhabit in a startling new way, travelling from China to Cumbria to reveal the craft, labour and industry that create the clothes we wear.

From the women who transformed stalks of flax into linen to clothe their families in nineteenth century New England to those who earn their dowries in the cotton-spinning factories of South India today, this book traces the origins of garment-making through time and around the world. Exploring the social, economic and environmental impact of our most personal possessions, Worn looks beyond care labels to show how clothes reveal the truth about what we really care about.

'A must-read . . . combines remarkable research with heartfelt care' Clare Hunter

About the Publisher

Allen Lane

In 1967 Penguin's founder started an eponymous hardback imprint under the name of Allen Lane. This now has a dynamic, growing list and publishes accessible and quality non-fiction books of lasting value.

Book information

ISBN: 9780241389539
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Imprint: Allen Lane
Pub date:
DEWEY: 391.009
DEWEY edition: 23
Language: English
Number of pages: 256
Weight: 622g
Height: 163mm
Width: 242mm
Spine width: 39mm