Tidings from the 18th Century

by Beth Gilgun

Beth Gilgun brings the mid to late 1700s to life with her entertaining and informative "letters" to a friend on the frontier. Great for reenactors, teachers, historic interpreters, and theatrical... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1880655047
• ISBN13: 9781880655047
• Release Date: May 1993
• Publisher: Rebel Pub. Co.
• Length: 277 Pages

Customer Reviews

Great History Resource

If you are interested in the history of everyday people in colonial America, this book should be in your library. While the author focuses on sewing garment reproductions from the 18th century, there is also information about going to musters, brewing beer, having a party, and much more. Re-enactors and history teachers alike will enjoy this book.

Delightful reading

A highly delightful and highly informative source of information on the 1700s frontier living. Clothing most interesting. I found the writer's meathod of conveyence in the form of letters to 'friends' most interesting.

A brilliant resource for newbies...

I can only echo what previous reviewers have said. I received my copy yesterday, and couldn't put it down. Ms. Gilgun has compiled here a wealth of resources for those interested in 18th century life, American history, costuming, re-enactors...you name it. I'd even recommend it as a resource for writers who write this period. Fascinating, useful, a classic. A bargain at twice the price.

Good sewing directions

Period clothing can be difficult to make, not least because many of the sources offer sewing instructions written in ancient Sumerian. Gilgun does a nice job of explaining how to put together the items she describes (and the recipes are a nice touch too!).My field is more 19th-century, but as far as I can tell by originals I've seen and other trusted experts, she's pretty accurate.

An excellent first investment

I found the author's chatty yet informative style engaging and useful. The illustrations, while not always extremely professional looking, are nonetheless helpful and elucidating. I have made many garments from her patterns and found them often superior to separate commercial patterns, and her careful thorough instructions ensured highly satisfactory results. As a first purchase to aid in starting reenacting, or if you can only afford one, I'd strongly recommend this book.

Guidebook on all aspects of everyday life in 18th century.

This book is written in separate letters on nearly every topic on 18th century life around 1750 - 1790, but not restricted to these periods. Written with reenactors in mind, it is nevertheless a good read for any one interested in history, sewing, food, camping, brewing, etc. The book contains many B & W photos taken at historic reenactments, patterns, period illustrations, etc. There is something in this book for everyone. I know quite a few non reenactor/historians who could not put this book down.