History of Footwear in
Norway, Sweden & Finland
Prehistory to 1950

By June Swann
December 2001
Almqvist & Wiksell International
ISBN: 91-7402-323-3
357 pages, illustrated; 8 1/4" x 9 1/4"
$80.00 paper original

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This fascinating work studies how shoe constructions, patterns and styles evolved in the three Scandinavian countries. Individual shoes and styles are analyzed to show similarities with Europe, both east and west, and the differences of time, with the occasional creation of unique shoes, or rejection of popular European fashions.

It shows the patterns for Sami footwear, many unique, and those features of so-called folk dress which have evolved from fashion, and those that are original to the region.

It reflects the importance of the Age of Greatness in seventeenth century Sweden and the region in earlier Viking times, as well as the transient power of important cities. Many questions remain to be answered and challenge students in the three countries to research them. Publication in full of shoe finds from excavations would be an invaluable step forward. Includes hundreds of color and black & white photographs and diagrams.

History; Fashion

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