Uniforms

According to the renowned social critic and historian Paul Fussell we are what we wear and it doesn''t look good. Uniforms parses the hidden meanings of our apparel -- from brass buttons to blue jeans badges to feather flourishes -- revealing what our clothing says about class sex and our desire to belong. With keen insight and considerable curmudgeonly flair Fussell unfolds the history and cultural significance of all manner of attire fondly analyzing the roles that uniforms play in a number of communities -- the military the church health care food service sports -- even everyday civilian life. Uniforms is vintage Fussell: revelatory ribald and irresistible (Shirley Hazzard).