TFB Bookshelf: The Age of Comfort

I first came across historian Joan DeJean’s work while writing a story about the secret world of haute couture. DeJean, whose expertise is in French cultural history, had written a book called The Essence of Style: How the French Invented High Fashion, Fine Food, Chic Cafes, Style, Sophistication, and Glamour. In just one interview, she offered colorful insight into the beginning of couture in the era of Marie Antoinette, which helped me contextualize why people are still enamored with the craft today.

In her latest book, The Age of Comfort: When Paris Discovered Casual–and the Modern Home Began, DeJean describes how the trophy home came to be what it is today. She documents the invention of the sofa, running water and the flush toilet, all of which became commonplace in wealthy Parisian households around 1670. But what’s really unique about this book is that it defines the moment in history when people finally realized that–much like clothes–the inside of your home can be an expression of your likes and dislikes; a key to your personality and social status.

Disclosure: Purchases through these Amazon.com links help support The Fashion Beat.