Every Step a Lotus: Shoes for Bound Feet

by Dorothy Ko
Every Step a Lotus: Shoes for Bound Feet cover
Good Books rating 4.25
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  • ID: 6134
  • Added: 2025-11-03
  • Updated: 2025-11-03
  • ISBN: 9780520232846
  • Publisher: Univ of California Press
  • Published: 2001-12-11
  • Reviews: 3

Every Step a Lotus delves into the fascinating history and craftsmanship behind the exquisite shoes designed for bound feet, offering a unique glimpse into a once-common practice. The book is not just a visual feast but also a poignant exploration of tradition, beauty, and the stories of the women who wore these delicate shoes. /n/nBeautifully illustrated and meticulously researched, this book combines historical context with artistic appreciation, making it a must-read for those interested in cultural history and fashion. It's a poignant reminder of the intersection of pain and beauty, tradition and innovation.

Reviews
muse.jhu.edu · LB Arthur · 2003-01-01
intriguing 4.00

The book provides a detailed examination of footbinding and lotus shoes, offering valuable insights for those interested in material culture. The author's thorough research and analysis make it a compelling read.

LB Arthur's review highlights the meticulous research and detailed examination of footbinding and lotus shoes presented in the book. They appreciate the author's thorough analysis and the valuable insights provided, making it a compelling read for those interested in material culture. The book challenges conventional views and offers a fresh perspective on the practice of footbinding, making it a significant contribution to the field.

Quick quotes

    In Every Step a Lotus, Dorothy Ko examines footbinding and lotus shoes in great detail.

    Those of us who are interested in material culture will find this book particularly engaging.

    The author's thorough research and analysis make it a compelling read.

Cambridge University Press · F Bray · 2003-01-01
daring 4.50

The book is a daring contribution to women's history, challenging readers to reconsider their views on footbinding. The author's classic study is both daring and insightful.

F Bray's review describes the book as a daring contribution to women's history, challenging readers to reconsider their views on footbinding. They appreciate the author's classic study for its daring and insightful perspective, which offers a fresh understanding of the practice. The book's challenging and thought-provoking analysis makes it a significant contribution to the field.

Quick quotes

    This book is a daring contribution to the new women's history, challenging us to take footbinding to our hearts.

    Dorothy Ko is the author of a classic study of footbinding and lotus shoes.

    The book's challenging and thought-provoking analysis makes it a significant contribution to the field.

The China Quarterly · Patricia Ebrey · 2002-09-01
absorbing 4.25

The book offers a detailed and beautifully written exploration of footbinding, challenging conventional views. The author's perspective is both absorbing and thought-provoking.

Patricia Ebrey's review praises the book for its detailed and beautifully written exploration of footbinding. They find the author's perspective both absorbing and thought-provoking, challenging conventional views and offering a fresh understanding of the practice. The book's absorbing narrative and superbly detailed analysis make it a significant contribution to the field of women's history.

Quick quotes

    Her absorbing, superbly detailed, and beautifully written book demonstrates that in the women's eyes, footbinding had less to do with the exotic or the sublime.

    The author's perspective is both absorbing and thought-provoking.

    The book challenges conventional views and offers a fresh understanding of the practice.

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