Trench Coat

Object Lessons is a series of short books that explore the hidden lives of ordinary things, such as the trench coat. It traces the coat's origins from the trenches of WW1 to its present-day significance as a symbol of future life-worlds and warns of disturbances to come.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Object Lessons is a captivating series of short books that delves into the hidden lives of ordinary things. While we may think we have a firm grasp on the trench coat, its origins and its potential future remain shrouded in mystery. From its humble beginnings in the trenches of World War I, this military outerwear has evolved into a symbol of the inner selves of detectives, writers, reporters, rebels, artists, and intellectuals. The trench coat has become a conduit for imaginative journeys into the unknown, allowing individuals to express their unique identities and perspectives.

Trench Coat explores the intricate relationships between technology, time, law, politics, trust, and trespass. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the book traces the rise of a sartorial archetype across various media, including design, literature, cinema, and fashion. Readers are taken on a journey that spans decades, as the trench coat evolves from a utilitarian piece of clothing to a symbol of style and rebellion.

Today, the trench coat remains a staple in stories of future life-worlds, serving as a warning of impending disturbances and disruptions. Object Lessons is a thought-provoking exploration of the power of objects and the ways in which they shape our understanding of the world. Published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic, the series offers a deeper understanding of the trench coat and its significance in contemporary culture.

Dimension: 165 x 121 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501375163