A new history of cowboy boots explores the art of a Western classic and American icon.

This book traces the history, beauty, and cultural meanings of the cowboy boot from its inception just after the Civil War to its use today. Rough and Ready is arranged in five chapters featuring interviews and contributions from a wide range of boot makers, scholars, and celebrities. The first chapter, Real, provides a history of the origin of the cowboy boot and the real cowboys who wore them. The second chapter, Rodeo, looks at the beginning of Western myth making through the development of Wild West Shows, rodeos, and the use of cowboy boots in early film. The rise of “dude ranches” and their impact on fashion will also be explored. Chapter three, Rhinestone, will explore costuming and Country Western music, including Nudie boots, and the post war interest in the cowboy. Chapter four, Red, will consider the return of Western appeal in politics and fashion from the 1980s to today. Chapter five, Reclaimed, will look at a new generation of Western style as demonstrated by performers and creatives including Beyoncé and Pharrell.

About The Author

Elizabeth Semmelhack is the creative director and senior curator of the Bata Shoe Museum, and her work focuses on the intersections of fashion, economics, and gender with a particular interest in the history of footwear. She has curated over twenty exhibitions for the Bata Shoe Museum, including the blockbuster traveling exhibition The Rise of Sneaker Culture. Previous titles include Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting Edge Kicks and Sneakers x Culture: Collab.