A Handbook of Pictorial History

The title page of A Handbook of Pictorial History promises 680 illustrations from original and contemporary sources treating upon architecture, arms and armour, antiquities, costumes, customs, shipping, heraldry and the Church, among other subjects. Written and illustrated by Henry W. Donald, the book adds notes and descriptive articles on these subjects for the use of students and teachers. Early pottery is sorted into four classes, the first being Sepulchral or Cinerary Urns, which have been made for, and have contained or been inverted over, calcined human bones.

The text says that the surcoat was superseded by a garment called a cyclas, which was slit open and laced up at the sides, and was much shorter in front than behind. The text says the vestments or ceremonial garments worn when officiating at the services of the Church were much more elaborate, and describes the alb as a long, close-fitting white garment reaching to the feet, worn by all, even to the doorkeeper, and confined at the waist by a girdle.