Shoes And The Georgian Man, Matthew McCormack

Shoes and the Georgian Man offers a compelling examination of how footwear in 18th-century Britain transcended mere function to become a potent symbol of masculinity, identity, and social status. Matthew McCormack delves into the material culture of men’s shoes, exploring their role in shaping and reflecting the evolving gender dynamics of the era. Through meticulous study of surviving examples in museum collections, he reveals how these objects bear the imprints of their wearers—indentations, stretches, and scuffs—that serve as unique primary sources about the men who wore them. The book traverses themes such as politics, war, dance, and disability, illustrating how shoes were not only worn but inhabited, embodying the complexities of Georgian masculinity.

Richly illustrated with approximately 80 images, including rare surviving objects, Shoes and the Georgian Man provides an insightful look into the sartorial choices that defined an era. McCormack’s approach reanimates the feet that once inhabited these shoes, offering a tactile connection to the past and shedding new light on what it meant to be a man in the 18th century.

About the Author
Matthew McCormack is Professor of History at the University of Northampton, UK, and course leader for the MA History program. A Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, he has authored several works on the social and cultural history of the long eighteenth century, including Embodying the Militia in Georgian England (2015). His research interests focus on material culture, gender, and the body, with a particular emphasis on how everyday objects, like shoes, can illuminate historical experiences.

Publication date: 2025
Publisher: Bloomsbury Visual Arts
Pages: 208
ISBN: 9781350358669