A Coat of Many Colors investigates Israel s first seven years as a sovereign state through the unusual prism of dress. Clothes worn by Israelis in the 1950s reflected political ideologies economic conditions military priorities social distinctions and cultural preferences and all played a part in consolidating a new national identity. Based on a wide range of textual and visual historical documents the book covers both what Israelis wore in various circumstances and what they said and wrote about clothing and fashion. Written in a clear and accessible style that will appeal to the general reader as well as students and scholars A Coat of Many Colors introduces the reader both to Israel s history during its formative years and to the rich field of dress culture.