American Style and Spirit: The Fashions and Lives of the Roddis Family, 1850-1985

I bought this on a whim and have been amazed how interesting it has been . The wealth of detail is stunning, one family has preserved everything to show how they lived and all the everyday things they used. Although the main theme is the clothes they wore, there is much more to discover.

This book is beautifully written and the photographic artistry of this amazing collection is really wonderful! The really special thing about this book is the tie in between the fashion and the history of the times, not just as a historical study, but through the stories of a real American family. If you're a fashion buff, you will relate to the women in this family and the stories surrounding how they chose to dress and find a way to dress well even in tough times. If you're a history buff, you'll enjoy the deeper and more personal experience of how clothing represents the times. If you're both, then you really must have this book in your library!

Purchased this for myself and a second copy for a friend. We regularly dress in vintage clothes to show vintage car, vintage homes and sometimes to showcase a vintage style party. That explains our interest but the book is so much more. The story of each item, and even about the finding and curating is spectacular. This book is a real treasure.

It was a fascinating book not only about the clothing, but of the Roddis family and the history of Marshfield as well. Having grown up near there, I really appreciated learning more about the early days of the city. The pictures of the clothing are spectacular! It is very well written as well as illustrated. I remember knowing Edward Maeder(one of the authors) when we were children, so that made it especially interesting.

Very well written and beautifully photographed. This book tells an American story of the Roddis family from 1850 to 1995. It a rich story that combines social and fashion history with the tale of the family. Inspiring!