"Many a man's heart has been kept from wandering by the bow on his wife's slipper."--Demorest's, 1883

In an engaging narrative history, the beautifully illustrated Women's Shoes in America investigates an aspect of American material culture not previously examined and provides a detailed reference for dating women's footwear.

Part One, "A History of Women's Footwear in America," discusses the history of the American shoe industry and surveys changing styles of shoes, boots, boudoir slippers, overshoes, and sports shoes. It examines the relationship between...