Pen and Sword Books: History of Men's Fashion by Nicholas Storey

Throughout the book, Storey does a thorough job of mentioning contemporary sources for each item of clothing as he discusses it, though his world view means that the sources for the items he mentions are, with few exceptions, located in London. That attention to detail extends to coverage of some remarkable items, like the Sola topee, or pith helmet, and a wonderful extract from a 1914 lecture by Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch titled 'On Style.' 
 
The section on Necessary Accessories is typical. In one long paragraph Mr. Storey provides very useful advice on miscellaneous jewelry (after beginning by stating that he will not), not only on cufflinks but also pins for formal day wear and collar studs for shirts with detachable collars.  
 
Eccentric, perhaps, by contemporary standards but to my knowledge there has been nothing like History of Men's Fashion published in the past fifty years.

Nicholas Storey charts a quirky way through male fashion in an amusing and witty investigation.

His depth of knowledge in his subject is a delight. It's all here. Hats off.

"Ever since the French Revolution, the well dressed man has striven to emulate the ideal of the well dressed English gentleman...when you get the authentic English perspective written by an Englishman, it is cause for celebration."

Leaders of fashion all share one thing in common: a discerning penchant for the English sartorial standard. This book covers all the main areas rather well, just how Beau Brummell would have specified.

"...it is excellent....unlike any author in the last twenty years, NJS nails down the essence of British style in a very entertaining way. He also defends our cultural treasure...in a bold and manly manner that is worth the price of the book itself...It is a style that is likely going to make the many good lessons contained in the 'History of Men's Fashion' palatable and accessible for readers."

Now and again, well-dressed men do well to apply the brakes to the runaway train of fashion. Anyone aiming for timeless elegance, rather than temporary chic, will benefit from Storey's authoritative, but readable book. Not only does he go through the origins and correct form of classic clothing, he also has useful lists of stockists and invaluable maintenance advice.