The Domino and the Eighteenth-Century London Masquerade: A Social Biography of a Costume

This Element explores the cultural, social, and economic perspectives of the eighteenth-century London masquerade by examining the domino costume through material, visual, and written sources. It will analyze the physical and figurative movements of the domino from the masquerade warehouse to fashionable society and print and visual culture, drawing upon masquerade warehouse records, newspapers, manuscripts, prints, and physical objects to establish a comprehensive understanding of the costume and its reflection of contemporary experiences of the real and imagined masquerade.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Element delves into the captivating world of the eighteenth-century London masquerade, offering fresh cultural, social, and economic insights through an in-depth examination of the iconic domino costume. By constructing the object biography of the domino through a diverse range of material, visual, and written sources, this Element aims to bring together a multitude of experiences associated with the masquerade, expanding the geographical, chronological, and socio-economic scope of entertainment beyond the confines of the masquerade event itself.

The Element will explore the physical and figurative movements of the domino, tracing its journey from the masquerade warehouse to fashionable society of the eighteenth century, and finally into print and visual culture. It will rely on a wealth of sources, including masquerade warehouse records, newspapers, manuscripts, prints, and physical objects, to establish a comprehensive understanding of the domino and its role in reflecting contemporary experiences of the real and imagined masquerade.

By employing interdisciplinary methodologies, this Element showcases the profound impact that material and visual sources can have on reshaping existing scholarship. It encourages scholars to approach the study of the domino and the eighteenth-century London masquerade from new perspectives, challenging traditional narratives and uncovering hidden treasures of knowledge. Through its meticulous analysis and innovative approach, this Element offers a valuable contribution to the field of masquerade studies, enriching our understanding of this fascinating cultural phenomenon and its enduring influence on society.

Weight: 140g
Dimension: 150 x 229 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009045551