I'm currently reading Horrible Prettiness (Burlesque and American Culture) by Robert C Allen.

It's quite an academic read all about the history of burlesque and the sociological effect it has had on (mainly American) culture.

It's really interesting (if you don't mind the dry academia feel to it), and gives you quite an in-depth knowledge about the whole subject.

I got it from Amazon.

Has anyone else read it? And if so, what did you think?

W x

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it sounds really interesting Warren, I'm always interested in reading in depth about things I love and do.
tell us more about it.
Ah, I haven't read it, if it wasn't clear.!
Have you read Burlesque and the new bump & grind? I was thinking of buying it on Amazon.

happy reading,

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Miss Honey Lulu

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I've read Burlesque and the New Bump and Grind and found it a bit shallow to be honest. Maybe just request it from your local library rather than buying it.

I've just read Kurt Ganzl's biography of Lydia Thompson which is worth a read if you wanna find out how all the burlesque stuff started. And what burlesque REALLY is.

If you don't already know this . . . . originally (in the 1860s) burlesque wasn't about "stripping" in the slightest - it was about parodying the current social culture (and it's been suggested that burlesque's history goes right back to ancient times - cultures always parody things).

In the 1860s burlesque often involved women playing male roles, in shows that weren't a million miles from current day pantomimes. Old burlesque shows always had male comedians in some of the major roles too. And there were many songs and dances in the show - often parodies.

A bit like current "drag queens" but with the gender reversed!

Then as morals loosened in the early 20th century burlesque gradually became more about women showing varying degrees of flesh.

Does anyone know of anything else worth reading, with a distinct burlesque slant.

There's also many many good books to be found on old cabaret, vaudeville, music hall etc

I'm reading a book on Harry Houdini next. . .

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I've read Robert Allen's book and found it academic as well but a great source for putting burlesque in the contemporary context - both social and theatrical. I've also read Rachel Schteir (sp?) Book on striptease which is also academically dry. Robert's has better coverage of the 19th century while Rachel's does better in the 20th century. Both close before the current revival which is really the focus of Michelle's book. Michell's is a good light intro to the US revival but has been out a few years and the scene keeps growing.

- Ed

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