annieb123's Review of A History of Women in Men's Clothes

by Norena Shopland

Traditionally, historic women have been seen as bound by social conventions, unable to travel unless accompanied and limited in their ability to do what they want when they want. But thousands of women broke those rules, put on banned clothing and travelled, worked and even lived whole lives as men. As access to novels and newspapers increased in the nineteenth century so did the number of women defying Biblical and social restrictions. They copied each other's motives and excuses and moved into the world of men. Most were working-class women who either needed to or wanted to, break away from constricted lives; women who wanted to watch a hanging or visit a museum, to see family or escape domestic abuse, some wanted to earn a decent living when women's wages could not keep a family. The reasons were myriad. Some were quickly arrested and put on display in court, hoping to deter other women from such shameful behaviour, but many more got away with it.

For the first time, _A History of Women in Men's Clothes_ looks at those thousands of individuals who broke conventions in the only way they could, by disguising themselves either for a brief moment or a whole life.

Daring and bold, this is the story of the women who defied social convention to live their lives as they chose, from simply wanting more independence to move and live freely, to transgender and homosexual women cross-dressing to express themselves, this is women's fight to wear trousers.

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

A History of Women in Men's Clothes is a monograph on the socioeconomic and historical implications of gender based clothing and the further implications for women crossing the "gender barrier". Due out 30th Aug 2021 from Pen & Sword, it's 216 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a meticulously researched and well written work which apparently came about from the author's research for a related project and covers a wide ranging and fascinating cross section of women who, through choice or necessity, used clothing and presentations traditionally reserved for men of the period. The introductory notes were fascinating and I recommend them highly. The author explains some of her methodology (with applicability to other queries and of undeniable usefulness to readers and researchers in other fields). Terminology/gender/pronouns are explained in the introduction as well and the author's choice of where and when to employ specific terms are explained clearly and logically.

The chapters are organised thematically and cover the reasons that women have chosen to dress and/or represent as men and include working conditions, protest, disinclination to conform to societal norms (and what the repercussions might've been). Although it's a layman accessible volume and the language throughout is understandable and engaging, it is rigorously annotated and the chapter notes and bibliography provide fertile material for readers to investigate further.

The book includes a number of photographs and facsimiles of drawings and news articles from the past with occasional background info or glimpses into a long vanished time. It would make a good selection for public or university library acquisition as well as support text for allied subjects such as gender studies. Fascinating stories from the past, well told.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

A History of Women in Men's Clothes

by Norena Shopland

Reviewed by annieb123 on Jul 1, 2021

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