A Walk through the History of Footwear
Book Description
Complemented by photographs from historical collections, exhibits, and fashion collections, a shoe-lovers guide to the history of shoes demonstrates how shoes reflect the lives of their wearers throughout different eras.
Awards and Recognition
- Midland Authors Nonfiction Award finalist, 1997
- Children’s Book Council, “Not Just for Children Anymore! 162 Children’s Books that Adults Will Enjoy and Buy for Themselves”
Reviews and Comments
“An extensive and sometimes funky history of shoes — the black-and-white drawings, photographs, and reproductions will interest readers.” (Kirkus Reviews)
“Lawlor begins this exceptionally well-designed and illustrated book by walking readers down the many paths of footwear history and leading them through the byways of societies and cultures in which shoes have played a significant role. She details the importance of footgear in work, play, fashion, myth and literature, and as symbols of authority and status.” (School Library Journal)
“The book can obviously be used for costume history reference, but it also has value in discussions of cultural differences, economic development, and social movements.” (The Horn Book)
“This is a rich, in-depth study of a simple topic … Sketches and photos enhance the book throughout.” (Booklist)
“Everyone from Puss-in-Boots to Michael Jordan prances through this lively historical survey that’s jam-packed with anecdotes … makes this an ideal resource for school libraries.” (Parenting)
“Because ‘shoes tell stories’ the author is able to assemble an interesting sampler of cross-cultural social history ranging from ancient Egypt to 20th-century China, from French peasant clogs to Air Jordans.” (The New York Times Book Review)
“Read this [book] and you’ll never look at your old sneakers the same way again.” (The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books)
written by Laurie Lawlor
Walker & Co., 1996