RACINET (Auguste). Le Costume historique. Paris: Librairie de Firmin-Didot et Cie, 1876-1888. - 6 folio volumes, 430 x 290. Red half-chagrin with corners, gilt border, ornate ribbed spine (period binding). Colas, 2472. "The most important general collection concerning costume" (Colas). It appeared in 20 issues, each comprising 25 plates with explanatory notes, to which was later added a volume of text dated 1888 and marked "Tome I". The set is divided into four parts, the first dealing with classical antiquity, the second with the world outside Europe, the third with Christian peoples from the Byzantines onwards, and the last with Europe in modern times. Copy of the "grand edition". A "small" and a "large" edition were published at the same time, differing essentially only in their in-8 and in-folio formats. This impressive work is illustrated with 500 plates, including 300 in color, gold and silver, and 200 in monochrome. They represent the main types of clothing and finery, compared with those of the interior of the dwelling in all times and among all peoples, with numerous details on furniture, weapons, everyday objects, means of transport, etc. The book includes explanatory notes, a general introduction, tables and a glossary. A fine copy in contemporary binding.