Masquerade Balls in Regency Britain

 

Masquerade Balls in Regency Britain is a is a well written, accessible, and nicely notated monograph on the practice of masquerade parties and balls during the Regency period in Britain, written and curated by Anne Glover. Released 30th June in Great Britain by Pen & Sword on their History imprint, it's 240 pages and will be available in hardcover

This is meticulously researched. It's written in accessible layman language which any reader can understand, but it's also very well annotated and the bibliography and chapter notes are worth the price of the book on their own merits. The author *clearly* knows what she's talking about and does so very well.  

The entire book is quite fascinating. It doesn't just detail the costumes and pageantry (and potential for salacious naughtiness); the author really delves deeply into the social, economic, and political powers which caused masquerade to flourish and spread. It is admittedly a niche book and will appeal to readers interested in cultural anthropology and history, but it is also *full* of detail and nuance for writers, historians, and others who have cause to write about the time period. 

As previously stated, the subject matter/content is enhanced by the inclusion of a cross referenced index, chapter notes and bibliography, as well as an appendix full of facsimile illustrations, artifacts, and period archival pictures and drawings.

Five stars. This is well and deeply researched and interesting.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.