Joan Severa is a retired from her position as curator of custome at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. Her book "Dressed for the Photographer: Ordinary Americans and Fashion, 1840-1900(Kent State Universiy Press, 1995) received the prestigious Davenport Award from the Custome Society of America adn Several other rspected awards.

During the nineteenth century--"a time of great technical and cultural change--"fashion was a cultivating force in the development of American society, influenced by one's social status, geographic location, and economic standing. "MyLikeness Taken is a collection of danguerreotyps portraits of men, women, and children taken between 1840and 1860. Selected from the top collections in the United States, each image is analyzed to clarify datable clothing and fashion components. With subjects from among the best-dressed members of society, these portraits--"reproduced in full color--"reflect the latest fashion developments, trends, and influences. For students of photographic and costume history, this is extraordinary material. Many of these images have never before been published, and Severa's keen analysis adds immeasurably to our understanding of the importance of dress in American society. Photo archivists and collectros, costume curators, social historians, material culturalists, and theater designers will find "My Likeness Taken an invaluable resource.