Burlesque: Legendary Stars of the Stage

Rating:
Summary: A step back in time.
Review: Just read Jane Briggaman's book on Burlesque. I must say she did a fantastic job of giving a picture of the beginning and the early days of burlesque. She also described the different stars in such a way that you got a real sense of their personalities. Wonderful writer. Very impressive. Real classy book.

Rating:
Summary: Burlesque Brought Back to Life
Review: Excellent book!! Great stories told by the ladies 'who were there'. Good selection of unusual vintage photos. A window to the past when dancers were still ladies, even while 'disrobed'. The days when a show had orchestras, comics, singers, and professional lighting.

This book would make a great gift for anyone who wants to remember 'the good old days' and for all others that were born too late to hear the unforgettable comedy sketch "Meet You 'Round The Corner".

Also recommended as companion reading:
"The Bare Truth ... Stars of Burlesque form the 40s and 50s" by Len Rothe

"The Queens of Burlesque" by Len Rothe

"My G-String Mother" by Erik Lee Preminger

"Gypsy" by Gypsy Rose Lee

"Minsky's Burlesque"


Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ!!!!!
Review: For anyone with an interest in the art of striptease this is a must read. A true chronicle of a time when dancers truly danced.

Rating:
Summary: "Panels" of Friends
Review: I just might be prejudiced because I am one of the Ladies.
I must say the book is written with love for the art and the people of Burlesque.

Rating:
Summary: Historical Value!
Review: I learned more about Burlesque from this book then I have working 25 years in the business. As one of the Ladies in Jane's book, I found information about clubs, agents and old friends I worked with. I could not put the book down. Thank you Jane for caring about a forgotten art and its artists.


Rating:
Summary: "Burlesque " by Jane Briggeman
Review: Slipping behind the scene, author and founder of the Burlesque Historical Society, Jane Briggeman,draws the reader into the dressing rooms and personal lives of the woman and men of burlesque.

Peppered troughout the book are beautiful photographs that show lots of curves, georgious gowns and costumes that bring the art of the dance into the readers mind.
Jane Briggeman covers all the ground from men performing baggy pants comedy to the burlesque stars and big production shows.

The author writes about burlesque's high popularity as well as its low periods when threatened by repressive times. Her impressive collection of burlesque memorabilia would be a welcome addition to any writers research library. Briggeman reveals heart and soul in "Burlesque". The size of the book and the attractive high gloss red cover makes this a very classy coffee table conversation piece. Go out, buy the book and have some fun, it's a very exciting read.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book, Must Have, Best One of its Kind Yet!
Review: The book is full of pictures. Its actually a picture book with details of the history and things of the past in burlesque. Reads clear, easy and exciting. If you like history; Get this boook!

Rating:
Summary: Good, but...
Review: This book is full of wonderful memorabilia, but it's a little weird that the author doesn't mention, or never has heard of, the neo-burlesque movement that has sweeped America and parts of the World. Rhapsodizing about performances she has never seen seems to be her way of romanticizing the past. There's no denying the book has wonderful photos, and the author's collection is full of amazing items. Even if she doesn't like the current burlesque scene, it's something she should comment on. Even the NY Times has written about the current burlesque revival! Nowhere does she mention Teasorama, the NY Burlesque Fiestival, or Exotic World, though she talks about the Museum. It's a flaw in an otherwise entertaining book.
Caveat: I am very much a part of the NY scene, stage managing and helping in a variety of shows, so perhaps I'm prejudiced.

Rating:
Summary: The Lost Art of Burlesque
Review: This book was obviously a labor of love for author, Jane Briggeman. She brings to life a time when showgirls started in the chorus and the outstanding ones went on to become stars of Burlesque. The pictures are wonderful. This would make a perfect present for someone who longs for the "good old days."

Every fan of vintage theatre performances should have this book. It is tasteful, imaginative and informative, bringing back the days when couples went to Burlesque theatres for a wonderful show. These were the days of glamour when beautiful women danced across the stage in fabulous gowns and furs.


Rating:
Summary: The Best Book on Burlesque
Review: This fabulous book on vintage Burlesque is beautiful. Author Jane Briggeman founded the Golden Age of Burlesque Historical Society. Thus far over 200 performers have been "found". These delightful entertainers - dancers, comics, straight men, chorus line beauties and talking women have contributed invaluable photographs, stories and momentos. There are beautiful photographs on every page intermingled with stories from some of the featured dancers. We learn where these naughty ladies came from and how they go into Burlesque. Professional and casual backstage photographs let us see these glamorous beauties both as they were then and as they are now.

Electra (from the movie "Gypsy") was a real dancer and is one of the dancers featured in the book.