Pageant The Beauty Contest

"This book is in three parts. The first, "foundation," is a history of the development of the beauty contest-from its humble origins to its status as international cultural event. The second part, "Parade," is a collection of themed pages that show the variety and, at times, the eccentricity of pageants from around the world. The third section, "Close-up," examines my personal experience of three, quite different beauty contests-from the behind-the-scenes preparation to the climactic winning moments." -- introduction.