The Big Book of Legs

The female leg has been eroticized and hidden from sight for much of history, but Dian Hanson's book explores how it became central to women's liberation, with over 400 photos documenting the first burlesque "leg shows" of the 1800s, the silk-stockinged flappers of the 1920s, the nylon-mania of the 1940s, and the dawn of the stiletto heel in the 1950s.

Format: Hardback
Length: 372 pages
Publication date: 14 August 2023
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

The female leg is a peculiar and enigmatic aspect of human sexuality. While it lacks any genitalia and shares a structural resemblance with its male counterpart, it has been eroticized throughout history, across diverse cultures. Surprisingly, for much of recorded history, the female leg was concealed and considered a taboo subject, leading to an intense sexual obsession. In the Victorian era, the mere mention of the word "leg" was deemed impolite, as it was feared that it would incite uncontrollable lust in men. Even today, a century after women's legs emerged from their hiding places, their allure remains steadfast.

In her third installment of the highly acclaimed body parts series, Dian Hanson delves into the profound impact of liberating the female leg. The journey begins with the post-French Revolution cancan and concludes with the 1960s Sexual Revolution's miniskirt. Accompanied by over 400 captivating photographs, this book showcases the evolution of the female leg throughout history. From the early burlesque "leg shows" of the 1800s to the flapper girls of the 1920s, the nylon craze of the 1940s, and the rise of the stiletto heel in the 1950s, it traces the trajectory of this iconic body part.

Through this captivating narrative, Hanson uncovers the fascinating stories behind the first high heels, the strategic use of nylons during World War II, the remarkable achievements of Betty Grable, the origins of Elmer Batters, and the enigmatic allure of feet. The book also features stunning vintage photographs by renowned leg art masters such as Irving Klaw, Batters, and others, adding an extra layer of visual delight to the reader's experience.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a fashion aficionado, or simply curious about the human body, "The Female Leg: A History of Eroticism and Liberation" is a must-read that offers a captivating and enlightening journey through the evolution of the female leg.

Weight: 3230g
Dimension: 318 x 322 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836596572
Edition number: Multilingual ed