In this book, the author explores medieval society's fascination with the cross-dressed woman. The author examines a wide variety of religious, literary, and historical sources, which record interpretations of sartorial attempts to overcome gender hierarchy and also illustrate, mainly through the device of inversion, a remarkably sustained desire to examine and reexamine the nature of social gender identities.

Reviews

"...a good research tool...worth reading." -- American Historical Review
"Valerie Hotchkiss very effectively synthesizes a large body of diverse medieval texts about female cross-dressing...Hotchkiss has made however a vital contribution to cultural analysis of gender in the Middle Ages." -- Arthuriana
"Makes excellent outside reading for advanced undergraduates. This book can instruct and interest readers of all levels." -- The Medieval Review
"This is an important and interesting book, which is written in a clear and accessible style, making it useful not only for the specialist but also for upper level undergraduate and post graduate students who wish to receive an introduction to the complexities of medieval gender roles." -- Parergon

Book Information
ISBN 9780815337713
Author Valerie R. Hotchkiss
Format Paperback
Page Count 214
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Inc
Weight(grams) 400g