Judith P. Josephson
Umbrellas

Umbrellas traces the history of this popular rainy-day accessory. You'll learn that the first umbrellas weren't used in the rain at all--and that only the most important people were allowed to own them. Since then, these odd contraptions of cloth and metal have found a permanent place in our lives and popular culture--not to mention over our heads! Filled with photographs of umbrellas of all kinds in history, art, music, dance, and the movies, the book strikes a whimsical, irreverent tone, and is a perfect way to learn about this useful everyday object found in households all over the world.

"This book is chock-full of trivia about the evolution, design, and art of umbrellas. While the text focuses on the modern (English) umbrella's history, it also mentions the use and significance of umbrellas in Asian and African cultures. Numerous photographs capture the spirit of this entertaining introduction. . . "
The Horn Book Guide

Winner, San Diego Book Awards, "Children's nonfiction"