Revealed here are childrens and womens clothing, including undergarments, leisurewear, and street apparel from 1860 to 1900. Over 270 photographs combine with text to enable accurate dating of clothing to within a three- to seven-year time frame. Nineteenth century photographs are supplemented by surviving examples of period clothing, many picturing both the outside and inner construction. The text is based on Victorian fashion, medical, etiquette, and advice literature and reveals the often-surprising reasons females were willing to become such devoted slaves to dress, as well as the impact dress had upon their lives and health. This well-researched book also explores the constraints of childhood during this era, which lends valuable insight into womens acceptance of nonsensical fashions as adults. Endnotes are included.Linda SetnikLinda Setnik graduated from Cal State University Northridge with honors in history. Having a lifelong love for women’s social history and clothing, she’s delved through thousands of period photographs and works at the Folsom History Museum as consultant for their extensive Victorian clothing collection.273 color photosSociety’s Impact on Dress273 color photos