Description
Book SynopsisJane Custance Baker is an independent scholar, who went to university in her 50s, gaining her PhD from Goldsmiths, University of London, UK.
Trade ReviewAn entertaining analysis of the clues provided by descriptions of clothes in interwar crime fiction. * Natasha Cooper, Literary Review *
An appealing book about a less than obvious field of study … You might not think that this topic justifies a full-length book - but it does so, and without padding … The writing is accessible and lively. * Martin Edwards, author of The Life of Crime *
This lucid, insightful, extensively researched book breaks new ground by revealing how the language of dress and fashion articulated anxieties about class, deception, change and upheaval for the millions who turned to detective fiction for reassurance and escape in interwar Britain. It's an important work and an exciting read. * Fiona Hackney, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK *
A highly original study of cultural significance of dress in interwar Britain, through the lens of detective fiction. Using a new large-scale survey of the representation of clothing across 280 texts, Baker reveals the powerful cultural meanings of clothes and their importance in constructing gender, class and national identities. * Jane Hamlett, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK *
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Preface Acknowledgements Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Getting it Wrong Chapter 3: Searching for Mr Right; Interwar Masculinities Chapter 4: From British Empire to English Heritage, Weaving Nation and Gender Chapter 5: Womanhood Chapter 6: Addressing Race Chapter 7: Conclusion Bibliography Index
