Renaissance Clothing and the Materials of Memory by Ann Rosalind Jones and Peter Stallybrass

Two of the best contributors to Subject and Object in Renaissance Culture wrote this book following on from that collection of essays, and it's one of the absolute best studies I have ever read. Every chapter presents both fascinating information and compelling analysis, and the entire book is clearly and powerfully organised around the central thesis. I feel like I'm much better at criticising things than praising, so I have little to say about this book, it's so perfect. The authors manage to strike just the right balance between theory, engagement with texts and objects, and interpretation. Such a wonderful and original text, solidly based on theory and evidence.