The Art of Drag

"The Art of Drag" is a delightfully informative and visually striking exploration of drag culture’s rich history and evolution. Far more than entertainment, drag is a dynamic performance art rooted in self-expression, protest, and joy. Author Jake Hall, alongside a talented team of illustrators and contributors, traces drag’s multifaceted lineage—from kabuki theater and vaudeville to pantomime and classic Hollywood cinema.

Hall highlights how drag has shifted over time, shaping and being shaped by broader cultural movements. Readers will journey from the underground ballrooms of the 1960s to iconic figures like Crystal LaBeija, Danny La Rue, and Leigh Bowery, and witness drag’s role in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and its rise to mainstream recognition.

This beautifully rendered book is an ideal primer for those new to drag or anyone interested in understanding its cultural significance. It’s also a timely reminder of why drag matters. As anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric strengthens in political discourse, The Art of Drag urges readers to celebrate and protect queer expression.

For many, drag is an act of self-love, resistance, and radical imagination. Whether humorous, glamorous, political, or provocative, drag is always creative. This book captures its dazzling complexity with insight and affection.

Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Seattle Book Review.