As any who follow my blog know, I have never reviewed a book that wasn’t a piece of fiction. Non-fiction is definitely not something I do. Not because there isn’t great writing or an amazing story to tell, but just because I honestly don’t care for it.
Then along came Christopher Logan. He approached me with something I can only call a gift. They weren’t just two of those pieces of non-fiction that I vowed to never involve myself in. These two were different; not only because they weren’t the written word, but because they were fricking fabulous to the nth degree.
BURLESQUE and dr.a.g. are two extremely beautiful and captivating coffee table books – if that’s still such a thing – that encapsulate within the images upon their pages the artistry and wonder that is burlesque and drag. They celebrate the beauty of women in so many ways, and I think that is truly great.
It’s difficult to describe the emotion and pure delight you feel when you haven’t looked at the images. And my hope is that you look soon. Anyhow, each masterfully done picture takes you to a different place. There are images that invoke emotions strong enough to make you gasp or even quiver.
Burlesque was an art form made popular in America during the Victorian era, a female striptease that was a part of a larger variety show of sorts. Burlesque can be extravagant, but I think what I love about it is that oftentimes the women leave a ton to the imagination. The pictures in Christopher Logan’s book (BURLESQUE) capture both the beauty of the era as well as a modern display of both femininity and sexuality.
Drag, on the other hand, although probably first mentioned here in the U.S. during the same era as burlesque, is more of a modern thing. Drag shows have become extremely popular, as have the queens that make it so. The pictures in this book show the elegance, beauty and ingenuity of each of the queens who take on the persona they want portrayed. There are some photographs in dr.a.g.(dressed as girl) that look so much like famous people that I would almost bet it was truly them rather than someone in drag portraying their countenance.
In summation, I would absolutely be privileged to have both of these books adorn my coffee table; although, I’d much rather have some of them blown up and framed for my walls. They truly are beautiful works of art. I’m thankful to Christopher Logan for his bringing them into my world.
The sales of both of these books goes to the production of indie films (Another indie art that needs our support!) If you’d like to purchase either book, please visit www.bookthefilm.com. BURLESQUE is set to be released at the end of the month. I can’t wait!!
