"A sumptuous feast for the eyes, and rich in historic detail, The Stocking Book is a lively and lovely paean to the world's most alluring garment. Often overlooked, the stocking has always been as outrageous as it is practical, from the ancient world all the way up to modern era. Arwas navigates the creation of the stocking, from the first knitters to mass manufacturing and the invention of nylon, and explores its many uses, from a practical garment worn by both sexes to the extravagant, luxury items they have become today. Sifting through decades of art, Arwas delves into the explosive cultural sensation of the stocking, from the role they have played on the runway to the phenomenon of the Christmas stocking. Complete with full-color illustrations and photos, as well as cultural commentary, The Stocking Book is bursting at the seams with its delightful and irreverent history"--