The Wig
A Hairbrained History
Luigi Amara author Christina MacSweeney translator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Reaktion Books
Published:12th Oct '20
Should be back in stock very soon

Luigi Amara's The Wig explores the intricate history and cultural significance of wigs, revealing their roles in identity and society.
In The Wig, Luigi Amara delves into the fascinating history of wigs, exploring their multifaceted roles across various cultures and epochs. From ancient Egypt, where wigs were symbols of status and beauty, to the opulent courts of Louis XIV, wigs have been more than mere accessories; they have been pivotal in shaping identities and societal norms. Amara's narrative weaves through time, highlighting how wigs have served as instruments of power, self-expression, and even disguise.
The author examines the presence of wigs in diverse settings, from the solemnity of courtrooms to the vibrancy of drag shows. This exploration reveals how wigs can signify everything from health and recovery to parody and performance. Amara's insights extend beyond fashion, touching on deeper themes of sexuality, identity, and cultural representation, making The Wig a rich tapestry of ideas and reflections.
With striking visuals accompanying the text, The Wig not only captivates readers with its engaging prose but also invites them to consider the broader implications of this often-overlooked accessory. Whether one is interested in the history of fashion or the intersections of art and culture, this book offers a thought-provoking perspective that resonates across disciplines.
[Explores] the wig’s silly, sexy, and serious strains in a collection of fanciful short essays . . . It’s clear that for Amara, the wig is an excuse to ponder, wander, and lose himself to flights of fancy. * Hyperallergic *
The Wig: A Hairbrained History covers the many topics connected to these artificial hairdos. Armara transmits his fascination for the wig not only through the written word, but also through an array of images. By exploring this subject through the lens of numerous novels and films, including characters from both ancient and contemporary times, Amara tackles this neglected fashion element with very diverse references . . . this study is well written. With this book, the author demonstrates real
passion for his subject. The variety of sources covered is especially relevant . . . an interesting enquiry and gives an overall
picture of the long and multi faceted story of the wig.
The reader may find that all objects, when inspected in this way, display a wider cultural resonance. The real question, then, is whether that resonance is as important as the writer believes. Amara makes some ambitious claims . . . An interesting and enjoyable study. * TLS *
With the precision of a Renaissance collector, Amara has written a book as wonderful and impressive as the old cabinets of curiosities. From Andy Warhol to Andre Agassi, the collection exposed in The Wig makes us smile and laugh with amazement, while we reflect on how shaky identity is. * Carlos Fonseca, Lecturer in Latin American Literature and Culture, Trinity College, Cambridge, and author of 'Natural History' (2020) *
A clever and illuminating take on the world of wigs. A book every hairdresser should have in their collection. * Isaac Davidson, hairstylist, wig designer and founder of Wigbar *
In this smart and humorous account of the history of the wig, Luigi Amara proves he’s not afraid of frivolity, using it to dig deep into the history of our ideas and costumes. * Juan Pablo Villalobos, author of 'I Don't Expect Anyone to Believe Me' (2020) and 'Down the Rabbit Hole' (2011) *
ISBN: 9781789143461
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
256 pages