The Masquerade

“Kobza achieve[s] that rare thing: a happy balance of academic rigour and vivacious storytelling, with an eye for the details that bring the past delectably to life.”—Alice Loxton, Financial Times

“Kobza deploys a multitude of sources to draw out the gossip and scandal that fed off these spectacular parties.”—Kate Chilsholm, Spectator

“Nearly as much fun as the events it chronicles.”—Historic House magazine

“Kobza’s meticulous archival pursuit of the masquerade gives insights into the mechanics of ticketing, advertising and transport, and offers a vibrant display of material culture.”—Daisy Hay, London Review of Books

“An excellent, highly original book using a fascinating range of sources. Kobza brings the masquerade vividly to life, in all its style and splendour.”—Hilary Davidson, author of A Guide to Regency Dress

“Genuine Georgian glitz, plus genuine controversies, and genuine hard work behind the scenes—all here explored with admirable empathy and authority. Read on to learn and to enjoy.”—Penelope J. Corfield, author of The Georgians

“A dazzling look—behind the scenes, in opera houses and public gardens—at the Georgian masquerade, where royalty and others assumed masks, embellished cloaks and anonymity. Prodigious research, and a fluent narrative. Meg Kobza is a historian to watch.”—Flora Fraser, author of Pretty Young Rebel

“Kobza’s The Masquerade invites readers straight into the glittering, scandal-streaked heart of one of the eighteenth century’s most extravagant nights out. Between these covers lies a dazzling blend of cultural insight, social intrigue and sheer theatrical fun—don your gladrags and grab your mask, you’re in for a thrilling time!”—Anthony Delaney, author of Queer Georgians

“In this lively account of the masquerade, Kobza unmasks the mysteries of the costumes, guests, entrepreneurs, venues and critics who shaped this distinctive form of eighteenth-century entertainment.”—Hannah Greig, author of The Beau Monde

Meghan Kobza is a historian of leisure in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and particularly Georgian costume, fancy dress, and material culture. She is the author of The Domino and the Eighteenth-Century London Masquerade.

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