"This first sustained and systematic academic history of drag in nineteenth- and twentieth-century Britain is written with a clear sense of how drag's nature, reception, and regulation have changed radically over time and have varied dramatically depending on its content and location. A wonderful read that has the potential to make a real impact on academic and nonacademic audiences alike."--Matt Houlbrook, author of Queer London: Perils and Pleasures in the Sexual Metropolis, 1918-1957

"Erudite and extraordinarily informative, this is also an incredible read. Jacob Bloomfield's deep dive into the unfolding cavalcade of nineteenth- and twentieth-century theatrical history, queer cultures, evolving understandings of sex and gender, and the emotional thrill of masquerade is intellectually vibrant and compelling. A must-read for fans of drag, queer historians, and mavens of popular culture."--Michael Bronski, author of A Queer History of the United States

"Bloomfield's meticulously researched and beautifully written history of British drag is a joy to read, illuminating, contextualizing, and, indeed, rescuing this neglected strand of sexual and cultural history."--Neil McKenna, author of Fanny and Stella: The Young Men Who Shocked Victorian England