Old Book Scans

Explore the Old Books category for a unique collection of digital scans from rare and antique books. Dive into ‘The Language of Fashion’ for a comprehensive fashion encyclopedia, ‘Liberty’s Victorious Conflict’ for a photographic journey through WWI, and ‘The ABC Book of Birds’ for a colorful glimpse into turn-of-the-century children’s literature. Each book is meticulously scanned to the best of my ability, offering a digital window into the past for historians, fashion enthusiasts, and collectors alike.

timeline of Historical Fashion silhouettes thru the ages – Types of Satin continued

I find this fashion dictionary’s timeline of silhouettes thru the ages to be interesting, because people in certain eras interpret describe history differently than at other times. History is subjective, to a degree, if only because of the process of curating and deciding what to include or exclude in a synopsis. It’s interesting to see what a fashion expert writing this dictionary thought was important, and the descriptions they used, as compared to more modern historical perspectives.

3 more scans from the Language of Fashion, a 1930s fashion dictionary

My scanning got interrupted today. Here are just 3 pages defining such things as robe d’intrenieur (a hostess gown), ruche, rumba costume, saque (and the 1930s sack garment), different types of sashes, ending with defining the various types of satin.

Nets thru Robe de Style, and information about Rayon

As I’m recovering from my wonderful New Years celebrations last night… I’m posting 18 more scans from the 1938 fashion dictionary, The Language of Fashion. These pages cover nets (continued) to Robe de Style, with several informative pages between, including a lengthy and informative page about Rayon. Did you know that (in 1938) there are four different processes for making Rayon …

Types of Necklines Defined. Fashion Terminology, Lambswool to Nets

Defining and illustrating various types of necklines. How useful to describing and selling vintage clothing online, as well as when buying it!

Lace identification guide and illustrations, and I – Lambskin

Wow. It amazes me how many different kinds of lace there are, and this fashion dictionary goes thru the pains to illustrate and describe some pretty obscure types! I hope that this is helpful for modern lace identification on vintage clothing and miscellany.

World War I timeline, soldiers photos, and heroes

World War I timeline, soldiers photos, and heroes

This entry is part 2 of 3 in the series Liberty’s Victorious Conflict

Hey, I’ve just gone through the last few pages of ‘Liberty’s Victorious Conflict,’ a book from my latest scanning project, and it’s quite the journey through the World War I timeline. You’ll find everything from dramatic shots of fighter planes in the heat of battle, to the brave souls piloting them, and even heartfelt glimpses of soldiers on the mend. There’s also a detailed look at the hospital train cars that played such a crucial role back then. Not to mention, a concise timeline that captures the key events from 1914 to 1917, shaping the course of the war. And yes, there’s a piece on Woodrow Wilson’s pivotal speech pushing for America’s entry into the conflict. It’s a rich tapestry of history, captured in one place.

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Aircraft and Dirigibles used in World War I

Aircraft and Dirigibles used in World War I

This entry is part 3 of 3 in the series Liberty’s Victorious Conflict

Here are some pictures of air planes used in World War I, and even one of a dirigible guarding the English coast! Military use of airplanes was still very new at this point, and shown are a picture of an English plane crashed into a tree and a German plane that was brought down near Marne. I think the photo of a raider dropping a bomb is just amazing for this time period, the caption says the photo was captured by an accompanying plane. Another interesting arial photograph is one of a World War I American Air Squadron in flight.

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Twill Weave to Yarns

Twill Weave to Yarns

This entry is part 2 of 21 in the series The Language of Fashion - 1939 Fashion Dictionary

Almost at the end of this fashion dictionary! I’m a bit relieved but also a little sad. I’ve learned SO much about vintage clothing identification and fashion terminology, but this is one of the most boring things ever to scan, because it’s like… reading and scanning a dictionary 😛 When I finish with this self imposed project, feel free to call me a total weirdo.

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timeline of Historical Fashion silhouettes thru the ages – Types of Satin continued

timeline of Historical Fashion silhouettes thru the ages – Types of Satin continued

This entry is part 5 of 21 in the series The Language of Fashion - 1939 Fashion Dictionary

I find this fashion dictionary’s timeline of silhouettes thru the ages to be interesting, because people in certain eras interpret describe history differently than at other times. History is subjective, to a degree, if only because of the process of curating and deciding what to include or exclude in a synopsis. It’s interesting to see what a fashion expert writing this dictionary thought was important, and the descriptions they used, as compared to more modern historical perspectives.

read more
Nets thru Robe de Style, and information about Rayon

Nets thru Robe de Style, and information about Rayon

This entry is part 7 of 21 in the series The Language of Fashion - 1939 Fashion Dictionary

As I’m recovering from my wonderful New Years celebrations last night… I’m posting 18 more scans from the 1938 fashion dictionary, The Language of Fashion. These pages cover nets (continued) to Robe de Style, with several informative pages between, including a lengthy and informative page about Rayon. Did you know that (in 1938) there are four different processes for making Rayon …

read more
Different types of Coats illustrated – from The Language of Fashion

Different types of Coats illustrated – from The Language of Fashion

This entry is part 15 of 21 in the series The Language of Fashion - 1939 Fashion Dictionary

Different types of coats, illustrated and defined. These include the Box Coat of the 1930s, the Blouse coat of the 1920s, coachmens’ coats, 17th century buffcoat, coolie coat, Balmacaan, Duster early 1900s, Raglan coat, Women’s Cutaway Coat, MacFarlane, and more types of coats.

These pages also cover different types of coifs and collars, including the Bertha collar of the 1920s, the Chin Collar of 1916, and the Buster Brown collar.

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