The Rhetoric of ‘Virtuous’ Fashion

This book offers an annotated critical edition of The Mirror of the Graces (1811), a Regency conduct manual on fashion, beauty and morality. It shows how the author uses language and rhetorical devices to persuade Regency readers to follow its rules on dress and behaviour. It sets the work in Regency England and explores how advice on dress, cosmetics and deportment builds ideals of respectable femininity. The introduction and first chapter discuss fashion, social order, conduct manuals and the moral meaning of dress. A further chapter explains the editorial principles and compares the 1811 text with the 1830 Edinburgh edition. The annotated text is followed by a chapter on rhetorical argumentation and figures. Extensive notes clarify literary, classical and historical references and explain fabrics, colours and cosmetic practices. The book is a valuable resource for readers in fashion history, women’s and gender studies, English literature, rhetoric and material culture.