The first American women's periodical of significance, Godey's Lady's Book provided its avid 19th-century readers with monthly installments of exquisite hand-colored plates featuring the latest fashions from Paris. Eighty of these superb illustrations appear in this volume, selected by fashion authority JoAnne Olian from issues of Godey's published between 1838 and 1880. The striking array of costumes offers a panoramic view of evolving styles--from early Victorian outfits featuring wide sleeves, smoothly fitted bodices, and bonnets, to late Victorian confections displaying the fashionable bustle and elegantly trimmed with pleats, ruffles, and lace. Meticulously reproduced to retain every detail of form and color, the plates--each featuring several costumes--depict a rich variety of Victorian garments, including dresses, gowns, coats, cloaks, riding and walking attire, as well as accompanying accessories: hats, shoes, scarves, jewelry, parasols, and more. Edited by JoAnne Olian.