#287 - Drag Trade ebook Ed Wood Jr

$2.87
SKU: #287



Drag Trade
a book by Ed Wood, Jr.
Triumph News Co., Inc.
Van Nuys, California
1967


digital replica




This is one of the few ebooks we offer that has no pictures in it.


In Glen or Glenda, Ed Wood's first (1953) film, a transvestite decides whether to reveal his fetish to his fiancée. In the same way that the book Glen or Glenda may be based on a real person, Drag Trade may have considered actual events. The cover of the book says “A Triumph Fact Book” but the title page says “A Novel by Edward D. Wood, Jr.” and “A Triumph Novel.” A note says that the following chapters are based on fact with names changed.

If it were a work of fiction, it doesn't have the structure of a novel. Drag Trade collects personal histories of transvestites who become criminals and use female disguise as a tool that helps accomplish nefarious objectives. Chapters introduce us to strong personalities who enjoy female dress. Some accounts begin early, with varied reactions to cross-dressing teens by parents and siblings.

Late in the book, the author says, “It is not the plain transvestite who interests us here. What is of interest is the homosexual transvestite and the temporary drag who puts on women’s clothing for the purpose of criminal activities.” Chapters take us to many states, Japan, Mexico and France. While many of these “drags,” “Shimbashi girls,” “sister boys,” “pretty boys,” or “boy/girls” engage in various forms of prostitution, others practice credit card fraud, car theft, international espionage, and liquor store robbery. Some find their marks while entertaining as female impersonators.

The back cover advertises: “Now the hidden notorious world of the infamous drag queen is revealed in all its shocking details.” In his prose, Mr. Wood makes frequent reference to angora, cashmere, high heels, cardigans, brassieres, falsies, skirts, nightgowns, blouses and wigs. He doesn't condemn his characters but describes series of events that lead to criminal activity and its consequences.

The ebook has all the content of the paperback volume, including the cover and back cover. [Some guess that the t-v on the cover is Ed Wood.] The text has been completely re-set for the ebook edition. Editing changes only a small amount of spelling, punctuation and words.


One digital replica ebook, delivered by download from your 30th Street Graphics account.

Price: $2.87