The Art of Drag by Jake Hall with illustrators

Before RuPaul’s Drag Race propelled the cultural phenomenon into the global spotlight, drag had been around for thousands of years. Immerse yourself in the rich history of drag in this lusciously illustrated guide, brimming with dazzling colors and fabulous facts, all held together with a unique Swiss binding that lets each spread lay flat so that you can experience this book in all its trailblazing glory!

The history of drag has been formed by many intersections: fashion, theatre, sexuality and politics–all coming together to create the show stopping entertainment millions witness today. In this extensive work, Jake Hall delves deep into the ancient beginnings of drag, to present day and beyond. Vibrant illustrations enhance the rich history from Kabuki theatre to Shakespearean, the revolutionary Stonewall riots to the still thriving New York ballroom scene. Nothing will go undocumented in this must-have documentation of all things drag.
 
by Jake Hall with illustrations by Sophie Birkin, Helen Li, and Jasjyot Singh Hans
 
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“Highly enjoyable, extremely interesting and very accessible, this book is an essential guide to drag, its history, its impact and its continued potency.”
—Amrou Al-Kadhi

“So fun, so thorough and so beautiful! It taught me more about drag than I could have ever imagined, because until this book it hasn’t been quite so well documented.”
—Amelia Abraham

“I’ve always thought drag queens could save the world and this book helps prove my point.”
—Miss Coco Peru

“Only a book as beautiful and broad as this could possibly honour the history of drag. This book is utterly desirable as an art object but also hugely informative about the art of drag, the queer rebellion of drag and drag as a political statement as well as cultural art form. A thing of beauty!”
—Juno Roche