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dr.a.g.

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Drag has become a diverse form of expression that challenges, entertains, and educates by pushing boundaries, while embracing beauty, comedy and glamour. The performers in this book are evidence of that diversity, captured by some of the top photographers working in today's world.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published May 15, 2012

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Christopher Logan

4 books26 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Christopher Logan.
Author 4 books26 followers
January 20, 2013
Very Proud to have collected all these fantastic artists together in this beautiful tribute collection to the art of drag.
Profile Image for Melanie Adkins.
802 reviews24 followers
January 18, 2013
If you are looking for a spectacular coffee table book... this is it!! Some of the most beautiful and well known drag queens around the world are included in this book. You'll be astounded at the wonderful photos. The make-up, the hairstyles, and clothing will take your breath away. I applauded these performers as I checked out this book.

This book will make a terrific conversation starter for any situation. People will be compelled to look at the beautiful photos included. I recommend this book to everyone.

The only issue I had is a small one. I would have enjoyed learning a bit about the performers.

I give this one a 5+ out of 5 books. This one you'll come back to time and again.


Go to this website to buy your copy: http://www.bookthefilm.com/ .
Profile Image for S.B. (Beauty in Ruins).
2,682 reviews252 followers
June 30, 2014
Last Spring I had the great pleasure of getting an advance look at dr.a.g. from Christopher Logan, chatting with him about it, and featuring it in an issue of Frock Magazine. Unfortunately, by the time we went to print, the parent company of the original publisher went into bankruptcy, which meant the book was no longer available.

Well, here we are, a little more than a year later, and a new edition of the dr.a.g. book has been published by Logan’s company bookthefilm, and enhanced with additional material from Acid Betty, Yara Sofia, and Queen Bee Ho.

Produced by Christopher Logan, dr.a.g. is a coffee table book featuring some of the world’s top drag performers, as captured by a wide array of fashion and celebrity photographers. It’s a project where everyone involved donated their time, all to help to raise funds for a movie on the subject of . . . yup, you guessed it, drag! From the New York drag scene to the Vegas Strip, from the streets of Montreal to the cast of RuPaul's Drag Race, dr.a.g. features such notable faces as Lady Bunny, Frank Marino, Nina Flowers, Miss Coco Peru, and others.

Christopher Logan, the man behind the book, is an actor whose credits include Connie and Carla, Saving Silverman, Tron Legacy, and Alcatraz. Born in Ottawa, he moved to Vancouver after training at The Stella Adler Academy of Acting in Hollywood. He got into producing books after writing a novel as a gift for a friend (Daphne, a children’s book about penguins, the last magical creatures of the Earth), and moved on to producing events and books to raise funding for independent film production.

Although primarily a photographic collection, the book begins with a recap of the historical origins of dr.a.g (dressed as a girl) and dr.a.b. (dressed as a boy) - originating with the old British farces, where men would flop and drag their dresses around the stage, camping it up in high-pitched voices in a sort of mockery of women. The terms later evolved through an underground dialect called Polari, a sort of gay slang in the United Kingdom with its origins in travelling Gypsy, into drag queen.

dr.a.g. is an absolutely gorgeous book all on its own, but there’s a larger purpose behind it. The hope is to produce a drag movie that is as beautiful, as respectful, and as uplifting as the book. There's a great range of styles represented within the book, from campy to elegant, and from funny to gorgeous, representing the diversity within the drag world itself.


As published on Bending the Bookshelf
Profile Image for Online Eccentric Librarian.
3,429 reviews5 followers
June 23, 2014


More reviews at the Online Eccentric Librarian http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

dr.a.g. (a term originating from theatre when men 'Dressed As a Girl' due to lack of female performers) is truly spectacular. A collection of photographs from top photographers of some of the best drag stars in the world. Many will be familiar to RuPaul's Drag Race fans (from Chad Michaels to photographer Mike Ruiz) but many others are a treat to see again or discover for the first time.

The book is a fundraiser for independent films and the photographs were donated to that cause. And the photographs are spectacular - so many different styles, perspectives, processing. With no words other than crediting the photographer and the model, this is a feast for the eyes with most images covering full page spreads. This is the coffee table book of coffee table books - and lesser mortal women like myself start to feel unoworthy fast in the face of these beautiful models.

As a photographer, I am very, very impressed. These are all top of the game photographers using varied and expensive professional techniques to bring out the subtleties and personalities of the models. There wasn't one disappointing image in the entire book; but I also appreciated that next to each picture was the name of the drag queen and photographer. They deserved that recognition for such superb work.

This is a beautiful book worthy many repeat goggle-eye viewings.

Reviewed from an ARC.
511 reviews208 followers
September 22, 2014
dr.A.G. isn't what you wear and who you are. It's how you wear how you are.

this is one gorgeous collection of drag queens. and frankly, that's all i have to say because i'm superficial and i only read this book for all the colors and beautiful people, and ergo, that is all what i observed.

beautiful people, not by my definition or yours, but theirs. yhere certainly is something to be said about people who know they're hot, that the very sight of them, their expressions can blow one away. they're fucking hot. amen. oh and sorry, One Direction.

there are funny one-lines in between as well that i loved occasionally. some of them actually annoyed me, but they had a humorous ring to them so i didn't mind much.

there's a vast collection of photos of people, engaged in varying tasks or simply posing. one of them actually reminded me of marilyn monroe! it's just-the expressions, the varying make-ups, intensity of it, it just captured me, dragged(he he) me into the moment-so, you can say i loved the photography too, although what i know of photography can't even fill a teaspoon. clicking on the "click" button or the screen is what constitutes photography, my concept is limited to the device i'm using and never extends even a bit further to the object.

in any case, i really hope to get a hardcopy one day and i wish you'd do too. the cover doesn't do the book any justice.

thank you, Bookthefilm Publishing!
Profile Image for Lili.
333 reviews15 followers
July 7, 2014
*Received from Netgalley in Exchange for a Review**

Oh, I am so glad that Netgalley had this book for review! I have always been drawn to the art of Drag, using the correct combination of clothing, makeup, and body language you can become anyone, anything, anytime! It is an incredible transformation that is an art form, mix that with someone who knows how to perform and it goes to a whole new level of awesome.

This book is a wonderful coffee table book. Featuring excellent photography and excellent Drag Queens in all sorts of styles and levels of glamour and extravagance. There are those who are Professional Celebrity Impersonators that will really give you a double take, they are pros for a reason! There are outlandish, almost alien and sci-fi in design outfits with headdresses made from packing peanuts or giant beehives of glitter. There are classic glamour shots and even a bit of classic pin-up. This book has every aspect of the Drag culture. I found myself going back and forth, which impressed me more...the photography or the people being photographed. It is a perfect synergy between art forms.

I also really like that this book is a fundraiser for an independent film, what an ingenious way to raise money! I hope that creating books as a fundraiser becomes a trend, I would definitely support it.
Profile Image for Kelly.
354 reviews15 followers
January 22, 2015
dr.a.g | drag| folk etymology

[acronym for dressed as girl] from the early day of the theatre when men played both the male and female roles. One was either 'dressed as girl' (dr.a.g) or 'dressed as boy' (dr.a.b)

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have always had a love for Drag I don't know where this love came from but I remember as a child seeing Rupaul on a TV show in his male form and then also seeing him in his drag persona which fascinated me. To see that a man could change himself so drastically to become this beautiful feminine Queen.

Over the years my love grew for drag so this book was an absolute treat for me. It combines some of my favourites things in one book - Photography & Drag. This is a stunning coffee table book that people would enjoy and it's a great conversation starter. I loved flicking through the book and seeing the many different styles of drag from celebrity impersonations to gender bending to pure fishiness. Also it featured some of my favourite drag queens from Rupaul's Drag Race. It also introduced me to some performers I have never heard about before.

It is well worth checking it out and I really want to own a copy of it for myself especially as the proceeds of the book are fundraising an independent film.
Profile Image for Jennifer Lavoie.
Author 5 books69 followers
June 20, 2014
I'm so excited to have been approved for a preview of this book through Netgalley. I love drag and I love watching it performed. I think the performers are absolutely stunning and wonderful. So getting this book was a real treat.

Not only does the book define drag and give a brief history of the term (theater used it as an acronym for male actors when women were not allowed to perform and it stood for "dressed as girl"). It also has artists who embrace drag in a large variety of ways. There are those who are model themselves after icons such as Cher - like Chad Michaels, those that present as beautiful women, those who gender bend, and those who are truly avant garde such as Nina Flowers. I was so excited to see some of the faces in drag that I know presented in this book. There are many others out there not represented, but this book is a wonderful look into the world.

The book also presents new drag stars and the old, the rising with the legendary. I was excited to see some of my favorites from RuPaul's Drag Race in the book, including Ongina, Shannel, and I swear there was a photo of Jujubee in there!

Definitely worth checking out and I will get this to add to my collection. It will make a perfect coffee table art book!
Profile Image for Andrew Rumbles.
24 reviews10 followers
June 9, 2013
Is that woman actually a man? How much effort did that take? I am impressed!
In the early days of theatre, male actors played both male and female roles. They were either dr.a.g. (dressed as a girl) or dr.a.b. (dressed as a boy) is about it for the introduction of this fabulously photographed and designed book. Drag Queens add life and smiles to any gathering they attend. Christopher Logan has curated this book of photographs capturing diverse drag performers and giving a glimpse into their world. There is a strong thread here of d.r.a.g. which isn’t the typical female impersonation style. There is balance here between drag where you would swear they were born female and drag where the boy hidden in the costume peeps through. Let the pictures tell the story. This is a visual feast which has been consciously designed by Logan and designer Mamio Marais. Logan is quoted on www.advocate.com saying “he thought he knew what he wanted, and he began contacting some of the country's hottest photographers. "Then photographers and performers would open my eyes to other choices I wasn't aware of.”
Profile Image for Ashley Reads YA.
21 reviews5 followers
June 23, 2014
DR. A. G. by Christopher Logan is a coffee table book of legendary drag queens if you are a drag fan you must pick this up.

Drag is an art and is basically men dressing as woman. Mostly famous in Vegas they impersonate celebrities but out of no where drag took over the world and this book shows the most well know and beautiful drag queens around the world.

As a big fan of drag I was thrilled when I got sent this to review I appreciate drag very much and I live for these queens. This book showcases queens from all walks of life from Vegas to Rupaul's Drag Race. It so amazing seeing all the different styles of drag that's out there and this shows the different sides of drag and it's so amazing to see that drag does not have one style and that drag can be whatever you want it to be.
I give this 5 out of 5 stars a must get filled with amazing pictures that will make you live. If you're a drag fan or just a lover of art pick this up you won't regret it.
Profile Image for Bunny .
2,396 reviews116 followers
June 2, 2015
Received via netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

I just opened it for a second to glance at it before bed. Damn.

How did I not know that drag is an abbreviation for "dressed as girl"? That makes so much sense, and yet.

I have a deep, deep love for drag queens. I don't remember when I realized this world existed, but I also don't remember ever thinking it was weird. And I grew up in the deep south, so that's saying something.

This book is so beautiful. Not just the queens themselves, but the photographs. There's not a clunker in the lot. The lighting, the set up. These are gorgeous. This is a coffee table book if ever one was made.

I was thrilled to see all of the drag queens I recognized, and the ones I didn't, I need to know more about immediately. They are all eye catching, and I can't imagine anyone opening this book and not immediately flipping through to look at the rest.

I will own it. Oh, yes, I will own it.

Profile Image for melissa.
702 reviews12 followers
June 26, 2014
This is such a gorgeous book that I absolutely *need* for my coffee table. Highly recommended to any art or fashion lovers. The grrls in this book are absolutely fierce with amazing presence. Some of the best make-up and photography that I've seen in a while.

While it was great seeing some of my favorites from RuPaul's Drag Race, my absolute favorite photo is tribute to the Madonna Justify My Love cover. It was very hard trying to think of a favorite as these artists really do amazing tributes/recreations and even more fantastic original concepts.

*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley & the publisher.
Profile Image for Ryan.
5,971 reviews33 followers
June 23, 2014
This book is F.A.B.lous. The pictures are gorgeous, and I learned things I never knew before. I had no idea Dr.a.g meant dressed as a girl and that it originated with Shakespear. It makes since. I will be purchasing this book for my library. This is one of the few books I have seen that is not making a joke, or criticizing the drag community, and I think my small town community needs some more exposure.
Profile Image for Marias.
173 reviews7 followers
September 16, 2013
Uskomattoman kauniita kuvia ja kuvauksen kohteita! Näiden pariin haluaa palata. Olisi ollut mielenkiintoista lukea taustoja, mutta tällaisenaankin kirja on upea!
Profile Image for Claudia the Night Owl.
357 reviews32 followers
August 13, 2016
Really cool. Dr.a.g. is packed with beautiful pictures of Drag queens some of them are just drop dead gorgeous and hard to believe they're actually men.
Profile Image for Lisa.
242 reviews8 followers
June 20, 2014
awesome! it amazes me how great these drag queens are. they are all so beautiful in their own little ways!
Profile Image for Deneale Williams.
166 reviews3 followers
April 17, 2016
When Christopher sought me ought to review this book, as oft I am, I was honored. He sent me the PDF format and explained I wouldn't get what I needed from it. I truly needed to 'see' it. Seemed odd, but went with it.

After receiving the book, my grand daughter whom is nineteen months old was sitting beside me, and my Son on the other side. We began flipping through the pages. My grand daughter sat quietly still, viewing everything in awe. My son said, "Wow these are some damn fine women!" I looked over at him and explained the term: "drag." After explaining it to him, he answered with, "If any of these Dudes came up to me and kissed me I tell you what, I'd never know the difference and I certainly would kiss them back. And if they divulged to me afterwards they were a man in drag, I would be like: 'Amazing! You still look gorgeous!' And I wouldn't be mad! Anyone who puts that much work into looking that beautiful deserves respect and to be admired like art work! I would show him/her off everyday!" Serious words from my own Son, Dexter.

My Grand Daughter looked through the entire book with me and oohed over several pages. She was quite fascinated. I imagine the bright colors and art work helped too.

The book in itself is a piece of art. It is breath taking, as are the people within the book. They've went through great lengths to pick out their signature looks and make a signature statement. The book speaks for itself, although there are a few lines within it, as well as the definition of "drag" and how it came to exist.


The beautiful red head you see here is Jeffree Star. I chose to put him in my review because I personally love his look. Downright sexy and appealing. I love how the make up is worn, and I have a fetish with sexy eye brows if it can be considered a thing; as well as how brave he was to even pose in the photo on the next page, quite revealing to say the least. My husband loved his tattoos. Everything about him is enticing, but again: everyone in this book is, and sadly I can't post everyone. What good would the book be if I did that, I mean come on now?!


Here is another favorite. But before I continue, I'm going to say, I chose this one, because I'm prejudice and a big Cher fan. So truly I can't play fair with this choice. This however is not Cher; but is: Chad Michaels. I will point out a few things as a Cher fan though. There are definite differences in the two of you that I spotted immediately. Needless to say, I will be nice, and not point them out. I would love to know though? Can you sound or walk like her? How about the tongue roll? I'd still love to meet you though Chad, I won't lie. I definitely would hang on your arm and parade you around town proudly! There's no doubt in my mind! You're still sexy! "I got you Babe!"


This is Jim Bailey. Hard to believe isn't it? The aged look is so real isn't it? He has performed for the British Royal Family, which Christopher Logan explains to you at the end of the book. Jim has done a lot of film and TV appearances and is quite famous!

The purpose in the exquisite book, is to raise funds for independent film productions. All of the photographers, the performers who are featured within this amazing book, donated their work to help with this project. For that Christopher Logan and www.bookthefilm.com are and always will be eternally grateful!

I have already shown this book to many family of my family members who cannot put it down, and they just keeping looking at it again and again, in awe. I think, those of you who keep magazines on the coffee table, need to consider this book for the job. It would look much more enticing on a coffee table then any magazine could ever dream of! Not to mention, it has much more meaning than most magazines. Check it out! You'll be glad you did, trust me!

Profile Image for Lys.
430 reviews
January 14, 2022
A gorgeous art book with high quality, beautifully rendered, colorful photographs of some of the world's greatest drag queens. The book is careful to acknowledge, represent and appreciate various types of drag and not just fishy drag, which is a definite advantage. There's the occasional drag quote and a small section on the history of drag.
If I had a complaint it would be that some of my absolute favorite drag stars are not included.
If I had a second complaint (since the first one isn't really fair), it would be that sometimes drag makeup is not really meant for bright lights or closeups. Many drag artists apply their makeup for performances in dim lighting and it is applied heavily, like stage makeup, so that it "holds up" through the rigors of performance. Some fo the photos represent this, I think. I'm not sure how such a thing could be corrected (or if it should), but I do know that the book displays drag in better lighting and more closeups than it is typically given, and while beautiful this can slightly skew the aesthetic.

Still, it's beautiful to behold and would make an excellent coffee table book.
I received the low-res version to preview from NetGalley and it was absolutely stunning. I imagine that the hardcover book would blow me away.
Profile Image for Megan.
708 reviews89 followers
July 23, 2014
I have to say dr.a.g. is probably one of the most beautiful coffee table books out there. The subject matter is unique of course and this book will only be found in the most awesome of tables.

The photos in this book are beyond gorgeous. I mean they are all showstoppers. Very detailed and vivid. It’s a real treat to see all of these amazing drag queens from around the globe with their different styles– some imitating famous women like Bette Midler or Liza Minnelli, some dressing for an era and others clearly being their beautiful selves.

You can tell a lot of work went into making this book as you go through and see where everyone is from. There are drag queens from Belgium, Chicago, Canada, and even Africa. Each photo is unique to each woman and fits their distinct personality– no photo looks alike.

My one criticism of this book is that I would have like to have been a bio on at least some of the drag queens. Instead, we just know their stage name and place of residence. There is a little info on Jimmy James but that is it. There’s also a few quotes tossed in here and there.

If you love interesting coffee table books, get this book. If you are or know a drag queen, totally get this book. dr.a.g. is worth it.
Profile Image for Noura.
396 reviews85 followers
July 9, 2014
I didn't even know this was a thing that existed until I was browsing the shelves at NetGalley. I applied right away in hopes of getting accepted for a review copy and when I woke up this morning a beautiful email was waiting for me in my inbox telling me just that.
I always thought that drag queens were outspoken, insanely creative and mostly stay true to who they are and what their vision is. This book captured that wonderfully.
I loved how it started with a basic definition of what drag was and it taught me that it's an acronym for dressed as girl. Something which I ashamedly admit not knowing.
The contents of the book itself are incredible! Such aesthetically pleasing and vivd pictures that starts off with Larry Edwards and continues on with a roster of queens that will wow and amaze you, closing it off with the legendary Jim Bailey which is something I didn't expect but there you go.
I also immensely enjoyed the varied aspects of drag this book presented, showing me that it really is an art form to be reckoned with.

All in all this is a gorgeous book to own and something that I would want the physical copy of as soon as possible.
Profile Image for Radym.
53 reviews11 followers
July 12, 2014
Some may purchase this book just for the sheer beauty of its photos, and the photos certainly are beautiful. This book, however, goes beyond the physical beauty of the individuals featured. This book is about dignity and the manifestation of the human spirit. Though the book contains very few words, what the author does say is really powerful:

"Dr.a.g. isn't what you wear or who you are, it's how you wear who you are."

About the photos: the colors and textures just pop in every single photo. The performers and performances shown in this book are diverse and unbelievably eye-catching. While I read this book online as an e-book, I will certainly be purchasing a physical copy to place in my personal library. This is a book is both an important documentary of modern dr.a.g., and also a wonderful coffee table book. I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy.
Profile Image for Chechoui.
195 reviews8 followers
September 21, 2014
184 pages of stunning color-filled photographs of drag performers. This book contains a range of drag performers from celebrity impersonators to original character creations. Some you will recognize if you're a view of RuPaul's Drag Race. I enjoyed seeing performers from Canada, coast to coast US, Puerto Rico and other countries. The makeup is out of this world, and I could definitely benefit from their lessons! Beautiful photography. My only longing was I wished to hear more from the performers themselves. It would have been nice for each photograph to contain some wisdom from its subject. I recommend this book for fans of drag queens. It would make a great coffee table book to spark discussion while you have friends over.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amy Adams.
824 reviews9 followers
July 8, 2014
This is a beautiful, full-page, full-color book of photographs of drag queens. You're bound to see some faces you recognize, whether they belong to a celebrity impersonator or a drag celebrity. There are a few issues with consistency throughout the book, as it would be nice to have each person's name on each page, but overall I thought it was a lovely book.

This would make a great centerpiece for your coffee table, and it's a must for anyone who loves pop culture and drag!

I received an advanced electronic version of this book.
Profile Image for Tina.
727 reviews22 followers
September 7, 2014
These are some of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. This coffee table book of famous drag queens is fun, colourful, and a damn good time to flip through. From the traditional to the extreme, each of these shots will make you marvel at the beauty and skill (seriously, they can give me makeup tips anytime!) these people have at transforming themselves into an alter-image. Thank you to the publisher for making this available on Netgalley -- I'm so glad I was approved and got a chance to experience this.
Profile Image for Dirty Dayna.
2,261 reviews110 followers
November 19, 2014
Received via netgalley for an honest review
5 Sissy that walk Stars
I am obsessed with the beauty that is drag queens. I love how different each one is and that’s why they hold a place in drag history. Some look prettier than most women, some are scary, some are bald, some are large, some have fake hair but they all maintain a beauty that is their own. This book is good on a ereader but would serve best as a coffee table book. I was hoping for a few other drag queens that I was in love with come to light ..little sad we didn’t see Rupaul
Profile Image for Jennifer Brinkle.
Author 5 books4 followers
November 19, 2014
If you love fashion and photography and are looking for a great coffee table book that is guaranteed to generate many conversations, then look no further. dr.a.g. is filled with beautiful photographs of some of the most well-known and talented drag queens from around the world. Ensconced within these pages are photographs of top performers such Jim Bailey, Sherry Vine, Raye Sunshine, and Raja. And if you need another excuse to buy this book, it was created to help raise funds for independent film productions.


2,962 reviews3 followers
August 4, 2014


Rating: 4.75 rounded up to 5 out of 5 stars


For my full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-2FF


Visually stunning, a lush portfolio of diversity awaits you between the covers! From bearded and bald, to coiffed and made-up, old school and new, the faces of drag performers these days has never been more diverse or mesmerizing!…



For my full reviews, visit the link above or http://ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords...
Profile Image for Mark Ward.
Author 32 books48 followers
September 10, 2014
Gorgeous photographs of drag queens across the spectrum (although slightly more towards fashioned orientated queens, than say trashy or guerrilla drag). Some more context and text to accompany the pictures and a bios too would have been nice but still, a nice nook,makthough I don't think reading it as a digital copy (I got this from netgalley) does it much justice, it really needs to be in a beautiful coffee table sized book. Some beautiful, well shot portraits.
Profile Image for Debbie.
724 reviews
February 12, 2015
STUNNING!!!! (both the books and the humans photographed for it)

If you want to stimulate interesting conversation, put this one on your coffee table and wait for comments.

The photography is gorgeous. The costuming, the make-up, the accessories and the attitude needed to pull this off are also amazing.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book!

Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from NetGallery in exchange for a fair and honest review, but I will be purchasing a hard copy to enjoy.
539 reviews3 followers
September 12, 2014
Wonderful pictures! I only wish there was a greater diversity in backgrounds (rather than a single colour). Would've liked to see some street or stage backgrounds.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews