A scholar of history, Near Eastern languages, and women's studies (U. of Oklahoma), Yedida (1946-98) was considered an expert on the history of clothing of the Arab world, both Muslim and Jewish, from medieval to modern times. This book was over three-quarters finished when she died, and her partner and collaborator Norman (history, U. of Oklahoma) incorporated her notes and tidied it all up for publication. The chronological account discusses pre-Islamic Arabia and the early umma , the evolution of vestments under the great caliphates, the Arab east, the Muslim west, the laws of differentiation and the clothing of non-Muslims, the opulent world of tiraz , veiling, and modern times. Extensive bibliographies and monochrome plates are included. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)