Herbert Norris 
Church Vestments 
Their Origin and Development

The Christian church’s earliest vestments were hardly distinguishable from the everyday dress of ordinary people in ancient Rome, but in time, ecclesiastical dress acquired its own distinguishing characteristics. This comprehensive reference by noted English costume authority Herbert Norris traces the evolution of clerical attire through the centuries until the end of the 1400s.

The meticulously researched text is enhanced by more than 270 of the author’s own illustrations, including 8 in full color, adapted from originals but specially redrawn to accentuate essential features of the garments. The vestments are treated in the approximate order of their appearance in liturgical ritual, beginning with the simple alb and including the pallium, chasuble, cassock, surplice, mitre, and many other items. Footwear, crosses, headgear, rings, gloves, and other accessories are also depicted and described in detail. Replete with fascinating historical facts and lore, this volume is an indispensable reference for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the history of ecclesiastical attire.

Table of Content

INTRODUCTION

AUTHORITIES QUOTED

BRIEF HISTORICAL DATA

JESUS CHRISTUS

BRIEF SKETCH OF THE HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH TILL 1500

TITLES OF ECCLESIASTICS

VESTMENTS IN GENERAL

I. THE ALB

2. THE PALLIUM

3. FOOTGEAR

4. THE DALMATIC

5. THE CHASUBLE

6. THE AMICE

7. THE STOLE

8. THE MANIPLE

9. THE MITRE

10. THE TIARA

11. THE PASTORAL STAFF OR CROZIER

12. THE CROSS

13. THE CROSS-STAFF

14. THE HALO OR NIMBUS

15. FLABELLUM OR MUSCARIUM, FAN

16. THE COPE

17. THE CASSOCK

18. THE SURPLICE

19. THE TUNICLE

20. THE ROCHET

21. THE ALMUCE

22. THE CHIMERE

23. THE TONSURE AND HEADGEAR

24. RINGS AND GLOVES

INDEX

About the author

Fashion and costume historian Herbert Norris assembled rich, visually expressive books that skillfully depict not only the splendid attire of the grandees of church and state but also the everyday dress of common men and women. His other Dover titles include
Tudor Costume and Fashion, Medieval Costume and Fashion, and
Nineteenth-Century Costume and Fashion.