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nicolajane's review
4.0
Such a fabulous book. It was informative and intriguing in equal measure.
A thoroughly researched topic that was very eye opening.
A thoroughly researched topic that was very eye opening.
veecaswell's review
4.0
I saw this pop up on Netgalley and was intrigued by its premise, as I've never seen a book about this subject, and now I am even more curious about the women who appear in this book as Norena Shopland brings them to life and our attention for the first time.
Informative and interesting, I also appreciated how Shopland reintroduced different case studies, but not in a way that is repetitive but reminiscent to take us back to previous moments in the book - something I find often happens in non fiction, however Shopland crafts this book incredibly well and keeps you fascinated from beginning to end.
A really intriguing and interesting book that explores the stories of women from across the world, Shopland really has delved deep to share the stories of the people who appear in this book. I feel so fortunate that now, it doesn't matter who gets to wear the trousers.
Informative and interesting, I also appreciated how Shopland reintroduced different case studies, but not in a way that is repetitive but reminiscent to take us back to previous moments in the book - something I find often happens in non fiction, however Shopland crafts this book incredibly well and keeps you fascinated from beginning to end.
A really intriguing and interesting book that explores the stories of women from across the world, Shopland really has delved deep to share the stories of the people who appear in this book. I feel so fortunate that now, it doesn't matter who gets to wear the trousers.
annieb123's review
4.0
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 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.
frombethanysbookshelf's review
4.0
You've all heard the phrase, "Who wears the trousers?".
The answer to that is Women, whether they were allowed to or not.
A History of Women in Mens Clothes delves into the thousands of Women who history swept under the rug for carrying out their own forms of protest by forcing their way into a Mans world and refusing to be defined by their biology.
Some Women had to do this, to escape abuse and danger, others because they were finding who they are, others just because they could.
Easy to read, informative and a must-read for anyone who wants to know more about womens history.
The answer to that is Women, whether they were allowed to or not.
A History of Women in Mens Clothes delves into the thousands of Women who history swept under the rug for carrying out their own forms of protest by forcing their way into a Mans world and refusing to be defined by their biology.
Some Women had to do this, to escape abuse and danger, others because they were finding who they are, others just because they could.
Easy to read, informative and a must-read for anyone who wants to know more about womens history.
xnikkiheart's review
3.0
I have a weird obsession? fascination? with the history of women's clothes and why we never have pockets. It started with some podcasts and has now apparently spread to reading nonfiction books on the subject. While there wasn't much in here that I didn't already know about how fashion spread and changed, it would make a good starting point for anyone who might be questioning how and why clothes are the way they are.
Thanks to #NetGalley and publisher for the ARC of #AHistoryofWomeninMensClothes in exchange for the review.
Thanks to #NetGalley and publisher for the ARC of #AHistoryofWomeninMensClothes in exchange for the review.
ijustkindalikebooks's review
4.0
I saw this pop up on Netgalley and was intrigued by its premise, as I've never seen a book about this subject, and now I am even more curious about the women who appear in this book as Norena Shopland brings them to life and our attention for the first time.
Informative and interesting, I also appreciated how Shopland reintroduced different case studies, but not in a way that is repetitive but reminiscent to take us back to previous moments in the book - something I find often happens in non fiction, however Shopland crafts this book incredibly well and keeps you fascinated from beginning to end.
A really intriguing and interesting book that explores the stories of women from across the world, Shopland really has delved deep to share the stories of the people who appear in this book. I feel so fortunate that now, it doesn't matter who gets to wear the trousers.
Informative and interesting, I also appreciated how Shopland reintroduced different case studies, but not in a way that is repetitive but reminiscent to take us back to previous moments in the book - something I find often happens in non fiction, however Shopland crafts this book incredibly well and keeps you fascinated from beginning to end.
A really intriguing and interesting book that explores the stories of women from across the world, Shopland really has delved deep to share the stories of the people who appear in this book. I feel so fortunate that now, it doesn't matter who gets to wear the trousers.
kkulhannie's review
4.0
A great intro to this aspect of history from a very Western standpoint. If a person was new to this topic, A History of Women in Men's Clothes would be a fantastic introduction to the perceptions and dominant beliefs and motivations behind this element of feminist, lesbian and transgender history. However, I did think that this book lacked some academic vigour which is why it got a lower star rating. As an undergrad historian, I was slightly disappointed but overall very good if you're new to the topic or are into popular history as a genre.
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