Sketches Illustrative of the Manners and Costumes of France, Switzerland, and Italy

With an almost anthropological stance, this book on the manners and costumes of France, Switzerland, and Italy features numerous hand-colored plates and descriptions. The plates highlight traditional activities and outfits of different professions, like the goat herder in the mountains of Italy and the limonadier (or drink seller) wandering the streets of Paris. Aside from work uniforms and everyday outfits, this book acts as a guide to different cultural events and mannerisms in each country circa 1821. Richard Bridgens, the illustrator, was born in England and active throughout the early 19^th century. He travelled around Europe and the Caribbean, specifically Trinidad, documenting people, culture, decorative arts, and design.

Design is merely a piece of the larger puzzle when one is looking back in time at different cultures and customs. The Cooper Hewitt Library offers many resources for studying various cultures and design trends around the world, including books like this which hone in on specific trades and places.