The object of this work is to give an idea of the fashions in head-gear
of ancient and modern times, which to most people are very interesting.
To obtain anything like a correct description thereof, it is necessary
to consult not only history, but also laws, poems, and biographies.
For this, few have opportunity or inclination; and this work is an
earnest endeavor to supply in a condensed form what I have found to be a
_desideratum_; and I believe it contains a correct description of styles
not to be found in any other work, and no statement is made without the
most patient study and research.
As civilization and mental improvement advance in any country, a laudable
curiosity is awakened to inquire into, and become acquainted with, the
appearances, manners, and opinions of other nations and times. To gratify
this curiosity, and to assist in this effort to be informed respecting
the individual manners and customs, the external appearance, and the
general fashions of different peoples and periods, this work is issued,
presenting to the eye a series of judiciously selected and well executed
representations of the original and ancient head-dress, and quotations
and facts gleaned from ancient history to verify their correctness.
Trusting this work will interest, if not benefit, its readers,