It is a well-accepted fact that men's fashion evolves at a slower pace than women's. But from Peacock's colored illustrations and copious research of the years between 1790 and 1995, masculine clothing styles seem to change much more quickly than one might believe. This former BBC designer documents exemplary costumes, first with pictures, then by brief descriptive phrases. Even the fashion challenged can't help but trace transitions in men's apparel; court wear for the well-dressed gentleman disappears about 1829, and its substitute, sportswear and later leisure wear, quickly takes over. The more outrecostumes are also portrayed, from attire for pop star to punk and little-known British raver. Missing are chapters on the birth and death of such fashion oddities as spats and grunge jeans. Barbara Jacobs
