Glitter and Concrete
A Cultural History of Drag in New York City
Ratings3
Average rating4
15
A Cultural History of Drag in New York City
Ratings3
Average rating4
An intimate, evocative history of drag in New York City exploring its dynamic role, from the Jazz Age to Drag Race,in queer liberation and urban life From the lush feather boas that adorned early female impersonators to the sequined lip syncs of barroom queens to the drag kings that have us laughing in stitches, drag has played a vital role in the creative life of New York City. But the evolution of drag in the city--as an art form, a community, and a mode of liberation--has never before been fully chronicled. Now, for the first time, journalist and drag historian Elyssa Maxx Goodman unearths the dramatic, provocative untold story of drag in New York City in all its glistening glory. Goodman ducks beneath the velvet ropes of Harlem Renaissance balls, examines drag's crucial role in the Stonewall Uprising, traces drag's influence on disco and punk rock as well as its unifying power during the AIDS crisis and 9/11, and culminates in the era of RuPaul's Drag Race. Informed by meticulous research and archival work, as well as original interviews with high-profile performers, Glitter and Concrete is a significant contribution to queer history and an essential read for anyone curious about the story that echoes beneath the heels.
Reviews with the most likes.
I enjoyed this book a lot and I think it's a very important one for the queer community at a time where drag artists and trans people are increasingly targeted on multiple fronts. That being said, it is a cultural history book and it is name heavy and sometimes really quite dense, prepare to take notes (or get yourself a paper version and use up some of that beautiful annotating material you've been stockpiling) if you're anything like me and can't remember names to save your life.
Maxx Goodman really starts from the ground up and doesn't presume that the reader knows much about the topic at all so if you're new to the idea that drag history is even a thing or to the world of drag itself. Long story short, it's a good book to build a solid foundation.
Even though the tone is quite matter of fact the book still relates a lot of heart wrenching stuff and it had me in tears a couple of times.
4.5 rounded up.
I received a digital review copy of this book ahead of its release (release date appears to be set for September 12, 2023) from Harlequin Trade Publishing/Hanover Square Press through Netgalley for review consideration, my thanks to both for the opportunity to read an review this book.
This is a fascinating topic and well-researched but oddly dry for a history that has so many colorful characters in it.
