Clothing CL

In these information-filled volumes, Ventura neatly balances clear and concise text, painstakingly explicit drawings and copious captions to show how two basic human needs--clothing and shelter--have evolved since prehistoric times. Due to its subject, Clothing is the more visually varied and colorful of the books, as Ventura chronicles the function and symbolism of clothes through the ages, delving into such details as the connotations of various fabrics, colors and styles; the processes of leather tanning and wool weaving; and the social and political forces behind certain fashion trends. Similarly, Houses is packed with intriguing facts and anecdotes. Ventura displays residences from numerous periods, focusing on such highlights as the buildings of ancient Rome and Greece; medieval castles and towers; the cramped workers' quarters that sprung up in England during the industrial revolution; the Bauhaus movement in early-19th-century Germany; and the modern-day apartment building. Ventura discusses the development of construction methods and materials as well as the structures' functions and interior decor--all illuminated through clever cross-section illustrations. Together, these volumes give youngsters a useful overview of many civilizations and cultures that extends beyond clothing and housing styles. Ages 8-up. (Sept.)