Inside the Minstrel Mask

By Annemarie Bean (editor), James V. Hatch (editor), Brooks McNamara (editor)

Book cover of Inside the Minstrel Mask: Readings in Nineteenth-Century Blackface Minstrelsy

Book description

As the blackface minstrel show evolved from its beginnings in the American Revolution to its peak during the late 1800s, its frenetic dances, low-brow humor, and lively music provided more than mere entertainment. Indeed, these imitations and parodies shaped society's perceptions of African Americans-and of women-as well as made their…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Inside the Minstrel Mask as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

A collection of essays by leading scholars in the field exploring various aspects of the minstrel show in the 1800s, including its portrayal of women, social commentary, its music, and the prominent participation of African-Americans who staged their own minstrel shows. Good, concise treatment of many elements of the genre.

From Tim's list on understanding the minstrel show.

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