24 MARCH 1906, Page 27

Manual of Costume as Illustrated by Monumental Brasses. By Herbert

Druitt. (Alexander Moring. 10s. 6d. net.)—Mr. Druitt begins with an introductory chapter on monumental brasses, in which he shows the interest and importance of the subject. He then divides his subject according to the occupations, &c., of the persons thus commemorated. Brasses show us (1) ecclesiastical, (2) academical, (3) military, (4) civilian, and (5) legal costume. Finally, there is a chapter on "Female Costume on Brasses." It would be impossible to deal with these in detail, especially as we cannot reproduce illustrations. One observation, however, may be made. The ecclesiastical and academical costume shows vital change, though in the ecclesiastical there is a difference between pre- and post-Reformation figures; the military and female show a great deal; the legal and civil are in the main between the two. The fashion -of 'armour, of course, largely depended on practical considerations, which finally brought about its disuse. Mr. Druitt has produced a work which will be most useful to students of the subject.