Customer Reviews

Fashion and Fetishism: A Social History of the Corset, Tight-Lacing and Other Forms of Body Sculpture in the West

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I first heard of David Kunzle's book through a review written by Angela Carter. The book puts forward what was a novel argument at the time it was written - namely, that use of the corset and tightlacing was not simply a sign of the social oppression of women, but that it was simulataneously a rebellion against that oppression. Particularly focussing on the Victorian era, he argues that use of the corset was subversive, in view of the socially sanctioned role for women as sexless 'angels in the house' - tightlacing being overtly sexual, and not seen as consistent with housewifely duties. He marshals an impressive array of data in support of this thesis, particularly from the vehement anti-feminist opposition. Fascinating social history - highly recommended.

This was a VERY in depth book. If you are interested in this kind of thing I owuld say this is one of the better books to get. I enjoyed it and it had so much good information in it.