About the book
Robert Allen’s compelling book examines burlesque not only as popular entertainment but also as a complex and transforming cultural phenomenon. When Lydia Thompson and her controversial female troupe of “British Blondes” brought modern burlesque to the United States in 1868, the result was electric. Their impertinent humor, streetwise manner, and provocative parodies of masculinity brought them enormous popular success — and the condemnation of critics, cultural commentators, and even women’s rights campaigners.
Burlesque was a cultural threat, Allen argues, because it inverted the “normal” world of middle-class social relations and transgressed norms of “proper” feminine behavior and appearance. Initially playing to respectable middle-class audiences, burlesque was quickly relegated to the shadow-world of working-class male leisure. In this process the burlesque performer “lost” her voice, as burlesque increasingly revolved around the display of her body.
Locating burlesque within the context of both the social transformation of American theater and its patterns of gender representation, Allen concludes that burlesque represents a fascinating example of the potential transgressiveness of popular entertainment forms, as well as the strategies by which they have been contained and their threats defused.
Editions of Horrible Prettiness
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807819609
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807843161
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807860083
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890864833
Read an Excerpt
Robert Allen’s compelling book examines burlesque not only as popular entertainment but also as a complex and transforming cultural phenomenon. When Lydia Thompson and her controversial female troupe of “British Blondes” brought modern burlesque to the United States in 1868, the result was electric. Their impertinent humor, streetwise manner, and provocative parodies of masculinity brought them enormous popular success — and the condemnation of critics, cultural commentators, and even women’s rights campaigners.
Burlesque was a cultural threat, Allen argues, because it inverted the “normal” world of middle-class social relations and transgressed norms of “proper” feminine behavior and appearance. Initially playing to respectable middle-class audiences, burlesque was quickly relegated to the shadow-world of working-class male leisure. In this process the burlesque performer “lost” her voice, as burlesque increasingly revolved around the display of her body.
Locating burlesque within the context of both the social transformation of American theater and its patterns of gender representation, Allen concludes that burlesque represents a fascinating example of the potential transgressiveness of popular entertainment forms, as well as the strategies by which they have been contained and their threats defused.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Horrible Prettiness about?
Robert Allen’s compelling book examines burlesque not only as popular entertainment but also as a complex and transforming cultural phenomenon. When Lydia Thompson and her controversial female troupe of “British Blondes” brought modern burlesque to the United States in 1868, the result was electric. Their impertinent humor, streetwise manner, and provocative parodies of masculinity brought them enormous popular success — and the condemnation of critics, cultural commentators, and even women’s rights campaigners.
Burlesque was a cultural threat, Allen argues, because it inverted the “normal” world of middle-class social relations and transgressed norms of “proper” feminine behavior and appearance. Initially playing to respectable middle-class audiences, burlesque was quickly relegated to the shadow-world of working-class male leisure. In this process the burlesque performer “lost” her voice, as burlesque increasingly revolved around the display of her body.
Locating burlesque within the context of both the social transformation of American theater and its patterns of gender representation, Allen concludes that burlesque represents a fascinating example of the potential transgressiveness of popular entertainment forms, as well as the strategies by which they have been contained and their threats defused.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Horrible Prettiness?
Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Cultural and media studies > Cultural studies > Popular culture
Where can I read a sample of Horrible Prettiness?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807819609
How long is Horrible Prettiness and how many pages does it have?
Horrible Prettiness has 370 page(s)
Is Horrible Prettiness part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Cultural Studies of the United States
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Horrible Prettiness?
Alan Trachtenberg, Robert Allen
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Horrible Prettiness is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807819609) and paperback(ISBN 9780807843161) and ebook(ISBN 9780807860083) and pdf(ISBN 9798890864833)
Where can I buy Horrible Prettiness online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Horrible Prettiness from below
Where can I buy Horrible Prettiness?