The umbrella unfurled - Nigel Rodgers

A delightfulillustratedhistoryof the umbrella—protector against rain and sun, weapon, and fashion accessory

Culturally ubiquitous and multi-functional, the umbrella comes inmany colors, shapes, and sizes, anditssignificance in different forms andthroughout time is explored here.Its use in theancientcultures of Egyptis discussed, where itwas oftenmade of palm leaves and coloredfeathers, denoted rank, and evenhadareligious significance.The place of umbrellas inRoman timesis also explained, where itwascommonlyusedby women offashion—and supposedlyby effeminatemen to defend themselves. This entertaining history also covers the Edwardian times, the Duke of Wellington, London stockbrokers, and the KGB.