Product Review

Peter Tait was a true entrepreneur. He became the inventor of a new type of working practice - the production line, a new way of sewing garments where each person did a particular job, thereby making each garment quicker and easier to manufacture. The monograph tells the full story of his company - Peter Tait & Co of Limerick, Ireland - from its beginnings to becoming the biggest supplier of ready-made uniforms to the Confederate Government during the latter stages of the American Civil War. Just as importantly, this book casts doubt on the fact that all so-called 'Tait' jackets supplied to the Confederacy were indeed made by the Tait firm. It suggests that they were, in fact, a joint effort with the other major British supplier of military clothing of the day - namely Hebbert & Co of London. All the surviving 'Tait' style jackets are examined in detail, and are accompanied by exclusive photographs. Based on original invoices and extensive archival research, this is the complete story of both Tait, the man, and his company in becoming an official Supplier to the Confederacy.