Camp!: The Story of the Attitude that Conquered the World

The Financial Times offers a snappy guide to an all-conquering aesthetic, exploring the evolution of camp from the court of Louis XIV to the mainstream. It has been a place of refuge and renewal, of heroism and hedonism, and a form of protest and resistance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: Footnote Press Ltd

A captivating exploration of the enduring allure of camp, a style that has transcended boundaries and captured the cultural imagination for over a century and a half. From its origins in the court of Louis XIV to its vibrant presence in contemporary popular culture, camp has evolved as a powerful form of protest and resistance. In this insightful book, author Paul Baker takes readers on a journey through camp's rebellious and revolutionary past, showcasing its evolution from the fringes of society to the mainstream.

Beginning with the dandies of the eighteenth century and continuing through the era of Showgirls, Harlem's drag balls, and Columbian telenovelas, Baker offers a comprehensive examination of camp's diverse manifestations. He explores how camp has served as a refuge and renewal, a place where individuals can challenge societal norms and express their unique identities. At the same time, camp has also been a celebration of heroism and hedonism, embracing the excess and spectacle that characterize its aesthetic.

Through his engaging writing style and meticulous research, Baker brings to life the characters and events that have shaped the history of camp. He highlights the contributions of trailblazing figures such as Oscar Wilde, Andy Warhol, and Madonna, who have embraced and subverted the conventions of camp in their artistic endeavors. Baker also delves into the political and social implications of camp, exploring how it has been used to challenge power structures and promote social change.

In conclusion, Camp: A Reappraisal of an All-Conquering Aesthetic is a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of popular culture, the power of subversion, and the enduring legacy of camp. With its rich historical context and contemporary relevance, this book offers a fresh perspective on an aesthetic that continues to inspire and challenge us today.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804440322