WASHINGTON (Nov. 19, 2014)—This winter, best-selling author Sarah Albee and National Geographic will take readers on a walk down history’s runway in WHY’D THEY WEAR THAT?: Fashion as the Mirror of History (National Geographic Books; ISBN 978-1-4263-1919-8; on sale Feb. 10, 2015; $19.99; ages 10 and up). From the invention of needles made from woolly mammoth tusks in 10,000 B.C., to the evolution of armor from chain mail to modern-day bulletproof vests, to the controversy surrounding contemporary outsourcing, Albee looks at history through the lens of fashion as a way to engage young readers.
Each chapter focuses on a major period of world history, from the Neolithic era to the present day, and explores the evolution of fashion as a reflection of the politics, class hierarchies, religion and economics of the time. This highly visual collection is full of colorful sidebars that answer questions that are not usually addressed in the classroom: How did people keep their clothes on before zippers or buttons were invented? How did soldiers go to the bathroom when wearing their heavy armor? Pictures, paintings and artifacts further illustrate the concepts discussed in each chapter, while funny anecdotes and a focus on cultures of interest, such as the Vikings, will keep even the most reluctant readers hooked.
Snappy headlines, a stylish layout and a foreword by “Project Runway” fan favorite Tim Gunn make this extensive and entertaining guide perfect for both in-depth study and casual browsing. WHY’D THEY WEAR THAT? is ideal for fashionistas, theater aficionados and history buffs of all ages.
About Sarah Albee
The New York Times best-selling author Sarah Albee has written more than 100 books for kids, ranging from preschool through middle grade. She enjoys writing about topics where history and science connect, including “Bugged: How Insects Changed History” (Walker/Bloomsbury, 2014) and “Poop Happened: A History of the World from the Bottom Up” (Walker/Bloomsbury, 2010). When she isn’t writing books or visiting schools in person or via Skype, Albee enjoys blogging about offbeat history at http://sarahalbeebooks.com and contributing to the Interesting Nonfiction for Kids “Nonfiction Minute” (http://www.nonfictionminute.com).
About Tim Gunn
Tim Gunn is a renowned fashion consultant, television personality, actor and author. He has served as the chair of fashion design at Parsons New School for Design as well as chief creative officer at Liz Claiborne. He is well known as the chief mentor to designers on the hit reality television series “Project Runway” and the headliner of spinoff shows “Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style” and “Under the Gunn.” He is also the author of “A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style” as well as “Tim Gunn’s Fashion Bible: The Fascinating History of Everything in Your Closet.”
About National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Kids inspires young adventurers to explore the world through award-winning magazines, books, apps, games, toys, videos, events and a website, and is the only kids brand with a world-class scientific organization at its core. National Geographic Kids magazine (10 issues per year) and National Geographic Little Kids magazine (six issues per year) are photo-driven publications available on newsstands or by subscription in print and on tablets. The award-winning website kids.nationalgeographic.com excites kids about the planet through games, videos, contests, photos, quizzes and blogs about cultures, animals and destinations. National Geographic Kids Books is the leading nonfiction publisher with 60 titles each year, including The New York Times best-seller “Kids Almanac.” National Geographic Kids safely engages kids to learn through digital play in the virtual animal world of Animal Jam. National Geographic Kids apps bring the best of National Geographic Kids to smartphones and tablets.
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