The bad corset: a feminist reimagining

Abstract

"Both a translation and critique of an early 20th century seminal French text on the physical effects of corseting, The Bad Corset explores contemporary anti-woman bias to challenge the commonly accepted assertions about corsetry's contribution to disease, disfigurement, and disorders of the female body. The original 1908 French book, Le Corset by Ludovic O'Followell-with its graphic illustrations, some of which are reproduced here-tells a story, familiar to anyone interested in popular culture and fashion history, of women suffering for fashion, tormented by and subject to their corsets. However, a close reading of the texts tells a very different, and more complicated, story."-- Page 4 of cover.

Contents

Introduction -- What does the corset do for, and to, women? Covering the front matter, preface, and Chapter 1 of Le Corset -- The upper torso: covering chapters 2-4 of Le Corset, on the topics of the lungs, thoracic cage, circulation, and lactation -- The lower torso: covering chapters 5-9 of Le Corset, on the topics of the liver, spleen, kidneys, stomach, and intestines -- Population control, miscarriages, and abortions: covering chapter 10 of Le Corset, on the topic of the genitals and reproductive system -- The woman wants to look beautiful to please her man: covering chapters 11-15 of Le Corset, on the topics of which corsets women should wear, if they should wear them at all, and why women choose to wear the corset.