This beautiful look at fans through the ages is illustrated in full color with some of the most spectacular examples from the world famous dress collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Created throughout history for a multitude of different purposes, many fans are also exquisite works of art. Tracing the evolution of the art of European fan making -- & the social uses of the fan -- the story begins in the 17th century, & concludes with the near-demise of fans early this century. Includes 19th- & 20th-century commercial fans, as well as examples of modern artist s fans. Combines lively text & color photos, along with contemporary engravings, magazines, journals & original designs.