Book Review: Tassels and Emeralds

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Seattle has some kickass burlesque. Every time I go I see incredible, gorgeous shows full of fantastic ideas, brilliant costumes, and fierce dancing. If you aren't lucky enough to catch the scene, however, know that you are still some good bit of lucky, because in addition to having amazing performers, Seattle has its own amazing chronicler of the Seattle burlesque scene, Chris Blakeley.

Back in the Day...
A Polaroid of Chris with Babette LaFave, Paula the Swedish Housewife, Miss Indigo Blue, and Tamara the Trapeze Lady.

He's taken thousands of photos at hundreds of shows, and has published is own book, the beautiful and substantial Tassels and Emeralds: A journey through Seattle Burlesque.



It features descriptions and delicious photos of many of the performers I love, including Miss Indigo Blue, Paula the Swedish Housewife, Babette La Fave, Waxie Moon, the astonishing Atomic Bombshells, and the beloved Von Foxies, and too many more spectacular performers to list here. The book leaves no doubt in your mind that Seattle is one of THE cities for burlesque!



The book is a charming physical object, beautifully printed with black backgrounds and white text, and just the right size at 7.5" X 7.5" to distinguish itself from other coffee table books. Once you pick it up, you won't be willing to let it go without lingering over every gorgeous page!

The book's website

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