"One must always wear a hat when lunching with people whom one does not know well," observed Coco Chanel, "because one appears to one's best advantage." The couturier's regard for the power of hats to confer dignity and attractiveness upon the wearer stems from a long historical tradition. In addition to its practical uses -- warding off the effects of harsh weather or an enemy's assault, for example -- a stylish hat has always made a statement of rank, elegance, or self-esteem.
This remarkable book presents an illustrated view of 2,000 years of head coverings. Over 800 drawings by...