Pockets: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close (-)

Hannah Carlson’s tour de force “Pockets” is more than a tale of pockets, but is an extended reflection on the role of gender in society and how that gender is reflected in clothing. Pockets is readable and entertaining. Who would have known Andy Warhol illustrated a smock for female computer nerds or the military wanted breast pocket flaps, but would never want women to put things in a breast pocket, fearing that would somehow infect the fighting spirit of our men in more functional uniforms. Because the book is also about design and fashion, it is filled with great illustrations which confirm, and to this visual learner, make Carlson’s prose even more enlightening. Her selected pictures illuminate the story and give the reader’s imagination some solid reinforcement when trying to distinguish between the various eras of fashion.Finally, and possibly unintentionally, this book about pockets may become a part of our continuing battle over gun control. In Bruen, the Supreme Court recently established a historical test to use in evaluating gun regulations. If a regulation does not have historical roots, it will probably be ruled invalid. Carlson’s research about bans on “pistol pockets” and easily concealed weapons is sure to be cited those trying to support laws banning concealed carry.But I don’t want to get too serious, after all this is a book about fashion, which many consider frivolous. Carlson’s ruminations on this “frivolous” topic as a reflection of society are enlightening and entertaining. Read it!

THE TEXT SO FAR IS INTERESTING AND WELL-WRITTEN. THE ILLUSTRATIONS REFERRED TO ARE NOT THERE."Filled with incredible images" SAYS THE DESCRIPTION BY AMAZON, AS WELL AS REVIEWER REPORTS!!AMAZON SAYS IT IS "FILLED WITH" ILLUSTRATIONS - and in tiny text tells you the book is large and takes time to download. At the time I became aware of the lack of illustrations, I had read 5 pages, 10 minutes later, the little icon in the corner still said 5% (that meant only 5 % was actually loaded. The book was not ready to be read. I had to go back to the library page to tap the cover again and more appeared but it still took what feels to me a very long time to completely download, especially at 2AM.

Pockets will never be the same after reading this book

As someone who has often ranted about pocket inequity, I was delighted to read Hannah Carlson's Pockets, a fun and engaging examination of the invention, development, and eventual ubiquity of a (not so) simple clothing feature that simultaneously illustrates the role pockets play in shaping culture, I especially loved the breadth of resources the author utilized in her analysis—from artwork and literature to newspaper ads and estate inventories, it seems that no potential source was neglected. To put it plainly, the endnotes are a veritable treasure map (I would say treasure hunt, except Carlson has already done the hunting).Pockets is an excellent choice for fans of Sophie Thanhauser's Worn, and even though the titles are thematically diverse, I'd also suggest it to readers who enjoyed Mark Kurlansky's Cod or Mary Roach's Stiff.

3.5 starsFun and informative book about pockets. Who knew pockets in clothing had so much history behind them or so much political and gender history?This is definitely a quirky book, but entertaining. I have long complained about the lack of pockets in our clothing and I am not alone. The historical explanations for lack of pockets as well as the vast differences between the utilitarianism of men's and women's garments was interesting. There are a nice selection of odd photos illustrating pockets through the ages.The sections on the fashion industry was quite fascinating. Pockets have served as provocative highlights of all kinds of garments. A quick and fun read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

An interesting history of the humble “pouch” so well written, researched & delivered…..Historical as well, a very good read.Well done!

I am obsessed with pockets and the reasons why women's clothing lacks them. Especially when cell phones are massive - are these things made for gorilla hands? How am I supposed to carry my massive phone around all day with no pockets? Or too small pockets. Women have keys too.Anyway, that is why I picked this up. I liked learning tht men's pockets were invented 500 years ago. That must be where they keep the patriarchy.We learned about cod pieces and why pants became fashionable.Can you imagine keeping your giant phone in your codpiece? I mean I guess a lot of us ladies are hiding things in our bras.I also wasn't expecting all the wonderful photos.Thank you for his ARC. I love it so much!

A wonderful exploration of the pocket! Something we take for granted, and sigh in frustration when we don't have one...not even a half of one. Eloquently written with such incredible insight and research, and humor. Photos are a brilliant inclusion and on point. You will find yourself so engaged by this seemingly simple subject matter, and thoroughly engrossed and enlightened by the end. I have new found respect for the humble pocket.