In this revolutionary history of military uniforms, the author explains the secret meaning of uniforms, their origin, design and construction, and presents some of the most extraordinary uniforms ever made. Military uniforms represent the very best and very worst of mankind. Introduced as an attempt to civilise soldiers and make their presence acceptable to civilians, the very fabric of uniforms contains references to a darker, barbaric past when warriors wore furs and feathers to frighten their victims. Brassey's Book of Uniforms is a vivid collection of uniform information and over 200 colour illustrations, appealing not only to the military historian and enthusiast, but also to the worlds of design, art, social history and fashion.