COSTANTINO, Maria . Fashions of a Decade: The 1930s . ISBN 978-0-8160-6719-0 . LC 2006049933. HERALD, Jacqueline . Fashions of a Decade: The 1920s . ISBN 978-0-8160-6718-3 . LC 2006049932. ea vol: 64p. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Chelsea House . 2007. PLB $35. Gr 510 Whether used for research or browsing, these titles provide colorful and fascinating information on the role of fashion and its relationship to history, society, and culture. In each book, eight captivating chapters cover the events of the decade and relate how they impacted clothing, accessories, and hairstyles. In 1920s , Herald illuminates how the Jazz Age, Prohibition, and the birth of the "Talkie" brought changes that reflected an open defiance of social restrictions. Costantino points out that the economic climate of the 1930 s brought reduced prices on clothing and more practical garments, although there was still stylish attire for those who could afford it. Baker notes that during World War II, fashions became more conservative and frills were in less evidence. Attractive black-and-white illustrations, color photos, reproductions, sketches from magazines and newspapers, and fact boxes enhance and bring to life these lively and accessible texts. A useful two-page chronology in each book lists news, events, and a brief mention of the year-by-year trends. Detailed glossaries listing the significant designers and styles, further-reading lists, and an index complete each appealing title. Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

This series gives an overview of fashion and trends, also providing some social and historical context. The text is dense in design and content, assuming the reader possesses a high level of knowledge, and it's fairly disorganized. But budding fashionistas will pore over the prodigious well-captioned photos and illustrations, which effectively differentiate among designers' styles throughout the decades. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind.