The answers to these questions - and much; much more - are to be found in The Changing Room ; which traces the origins and variations of theatrical cross-dressing through the ages and across cultures. It examines: * tribal rituals and shamanic practices in the Balkans and Chinese-Tibet * the gender-bending elements of Greek and early Christian religion * the homosexual appeal of the boy actor on the traditional stage of China; Japan and England * the origins of the dame comedian; the principal boy; the glamour drag artiste and the male impersonator * artists such as David Bowie; Boy George; Charles Ludlam; Dame Edna Everage; Lily Savage; Candy Darling; Julian Clary and the New York Dolls. Lavishly illustrated with unusual and rare pictures; this is the first ever cross-cultural study of theatrical transvestism. It is a must for anyone interested in cross-dressing; theatre; and gender.
#1315279 in eBooks 2002-09-11 2002-09-11File Name: B000Q35VLE
Review
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful. Off the mark and dry as dustBy CustomerDont want to be rude but so many aspects of this book are odd and boring.In this account one would never know Mr. Williams is fascinating;personable;dogged; ;savvy and charming. While every nuance of his fathers life and character is examined ;described; observed and fawned upon ;Johns is given a rote chronological dissertation that omits almost any of the verve and dynamism this important musician has in spades .This guy is a fascinating tip top and ground breaking Guitarist who has evolved in non linear ways . The impersonal account written in this book is ;to me ; a disservice to this wonderful musician and to the reader .The author was clearly more engrossed in his fathers life and apparently didnt realize the scope of his subject ; musically or personally.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful GuitaristBy Mr. Denis J. OlearyInteresting for classical guitarists like me. However; his life has been rather ordinary; just like the rest of us; LOL. His performances are amazing. He seems to be retired now. We still have his records.10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. really just a fluff piece.By Craig SmithWould have like to known more about Williams the guitarist and less about his dad. A few good parts but pretty boring otherwise.