Thought I would add a little commentary to your Anglo-American Dictionary of Sartorial Terms. (I have lived 66 1/2 of my 69 years in the USA, and have made my living by writing and editing most of my adult life, so I think I am at least modestly qualified.)

Most Americans likely to use bespoke would use that term in preference to "custom."
Americans do use the term "bowler" in addition to "derby," but never "coke."
Americans use "cane" at least as often as "walking stick."
"Cloakroom" is probably more common these days than "hat check." Do any hat checks exist anymore?
I had never heard the term "Cowes coat" until reading your book.
Quite a few Americans own frock coats since they are popular with "neo-cowboys." It is always "frock coat," not "Prince Albert frock" in my experience.
A "sack suit" is a subtype of lounge suit with a specific cut. Most Americans would say "business suit" or just plain "suit" for "lounge suit."
Americans do say "suit coat" with some frequency.
I have always heard a morning coat called just that, not a "cutaway coat."
American use the term "overcoat" for a specific type of coat (a long one and usually dressy).
Is a "reefer jacket" the same as a pea coat? I know that to Americans a blazer and a pea coat are two very different garments.
Any American familiar with what Highland trews were would call them just that.
Americans use the terms trousers and pants synonymously. I believe that "trousers" is preferred in military use, but I am not sure of this.

Anyway, I am just offering this in a friendly spirit of clarification, not trying to be snarky or anything. I did enjoy the book. It now rests in a place of honor next to Book I.

Last edited by captainpreppy (2011-03-19 13:23:38)

Nice review by Will http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/2011/03/book-review-history-of-mens-accessories.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ASuitableWardrobe+%28A+Suitable+Wardrobe%29

Hate to see you go, Nick. Hope you'll drop back from time to time if only for old times' sake. I really enjoyed your presence and contributions here.

No one has ever left the internet and not come back.  No one.  In any event, now is the time for some honest criticism of the book.

Last edited by Popeye Doyle (2011-03-23 05:07:54)

Did NJS come to sadness because of bad review of book?

Last edited by Alexandre Orlov (2011-03-23 17:54:02)

I have ordered a copy of your book for my brother, but I will read it first. Your assessment of the Internet is sound, but that's the deal with it I'm afraid.

Whatever, you would be missed if you went away.

Last edited by NJS (2011-04-29 09:10:29)

Hello Horace! So this is Devil's Island then? OK well if you did Manton some good, then please feel free to do the same for me: we asses need to stick together.

The book reaches back as far as 3500 BC for toothbrushes but don't imagine, for one moment, that this is A HISTORY or THE HISTORY of men's accessories; it's in that genre but is more of a Guide, on the subjects mentioned in the contents listed earlier.