The Visible Self is divided into five parts, with each part having several chapters and a separate section of reprinted related readings by other authors. It is a user/student friendly textbook with each chapter having neatly spelled out objectives, a summary, a list of terms, discussion questions, activities and end notes, as well as, illustrations, figures and important terms highlighted in bold face type. In Part One, the authors offer the basics. Chapter 1, "A Systematic Study of Dress," includes the classification system for the study of dress in different cultures which was first developed by Mary

Part Four, titled Art, Aesthetics, and Dress, examines the different ways in which dress integrates with art. In Chapters 10 and 11 the authors look at dress as an art form, and discuss ideals of beauty as they relate to dress and the body. In Chapters 12 they deal with the ambivalence of dress-that we desire to dress in away that will be acceptable and thus approved by our affiliates, yet we also desire to express our individuality. In Chapter 13 they reveal the extent to which artists draw upon dress for use as both an art form and as a viable means of artistic expression. Part Five, Dress and the Future, contains Chapter 14, "Your Future and Dress." The authors draw on concepts considered in the chapters on "Scales of Culture" to discuss the future of dress. That is, they discuss possibilities for the future of dress in terms of how various aspects of culture - population, economy, technology, social structure, polity, and ideology-might have an impact.

The Visible Self is most useful as a beginning text for students to learn about world dress. It offers a simplified means for comparing the dress worn in different cultures and understanding its meaning. The readings in each chapter are good examples of research, and provide e

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