Common Threads

“Dwyer-McNulty traces how religious dress evolved in America.” — Boston Globe

“Catholic and American cultural studies at its best.” — Magistra: Journal of Women’s Spirituality In History

“Recommended. All levels/libraries.” — CHOICE

“[Dwyer-McNulty] has broken open a wealth of significance behind a highly visible aspect of the lived experience of U.S. Catholics.” — American Historical Review

“Contributes not just to U.S. Catholic history but also to the cultural history of clothing more broadly.” — Journal of American History

“A compelling analysis of how the members of a subculture within American society have utilized appearance to negotiate their status.” — Journal of American Culture

“The book examines a robust range of clothing cultures among nineteenth- and twentieth-century American Catholics. Dwyer-McNulty deftly weaves popular practice, ecclesiology, theology, genders, daily life, and ritual life into a single, compelling account. Her prose is very readable and her research is authoritative. In all, a splendid piece of scholarship and a fine read.” — David Morgan, Duke University

“Totally unique in its assemblage of important information on the role of Catholic clothing in American religious history, this book will serve as the starting point for any research on this very significant topic. Readers will appreciate the depth of the religious history accomplished by the author.” — Colleen McDannell, University of Utah