After one hundred and fifty years, this book, one of the most beautiful Italian pieces of work from the 19th century, is to be published again. This monumental classic started off as an in-depth historical and geographical description on global costume accompanied by a review of the uses, customs, art and architecture, climate, religious ceremonies, war preparations, theatre, music and dance that influenced life and style. The book builds a precise identity for each continent, and within each continent, a profile of each country - showing not only the fashion and dress styles in the very broadest sense - but also the traditional costumes of each town.