As much to the front as to the back.

Question

The crinoline lasted for about fifteen years and in that time went through several modifications. It reached its greatest extent about the year 1960. At that time it projected as much to the front as to the back. The skirt looked like a bee-hive, not only from the front but from the side. Waists were tight, and the bodice was fitted to the figure; but out of doors it was the custom to wear a shawl or mantalette, with the result that a womans's general appearance was that of a broad-based triangle,the effect being enhanced by the smallness of the bonnet, which had now begun to slip back from the forehead to reveal the front hair. Then, in the mid 1860s, the crinoline began to slip to the back of the skirt, leafing the front more or less straight,and in 1868 there was a further change, the reinforcement of the skirt having slipped entirely to the back and being indeed no more than a half-crinoline.

can you explain or rewrite sentences and clauses in the paragraph which is written in bold.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

heyoseThe crinoline lasted for about fifteen years and in that time went through several modifications. It reached its greatest extent about the year 1960.

I think you need to check your figures!
(I'll admit it can be difficult when she's wearing a crinoline.) Pun intended.

heyoseThen, in the mid 1860s, the crinoline began to slip to the back of the skirt, leafing the front more or less straight,and in 1868 there was a further change

The girls all wore them under their prom gowns in the 50's - that's the 1950's!

Your earlier post about the large families and infant mortality sounded like the late 1800's.

heyose At that time it projected as much to the front as to the back.

imagine a large church bell hanging freely at rest. The bottom "sticks out" equally on all sides. But if you push in at the bottom, in front, it then sticks out more at the back.

heyosea broad-based triangle

From every angle, it looked like an isosceles triangle whose base was its greatest dimension.

heyose ~~leafing~~ leaving the front more or less straight

All of the "bell" is now at the back, and none is at the front.

heyosebeing indeed no more than a half-crinoline

It was as if the front half had been removed, leaving only the back half.

As much to the front as to the back.

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