Colonel Barker's Monstrous Regiment: A Tale of Female Husbandry

by Rose Collis

In an England devastated by the terrible losses of World War I, Colonel Victor Barker was a rare man indeed. Dashing, well-respected, with impeccable manners, he was a model gentleman. His wife was proud of his good breeding and fine looks, and his young son worshipped him as a war hero. But beneath the army uniform Barker hid an astounding secret. In 1929, following a sensational trial, the good colonel was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment. For Colonel Barker was, in fact, a woman. Her real name was Valerie Lilias Arkell-Smith, the most infamous “man-woman” of them all. Among Rose Collis’ books are A Trouser-Wearing Character, K.D. Lang, and The Mammoth Book of Lesbian Erotica.

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, Biography

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Micki · Rating 4 out of 5]

V. interesting book about women who passed as men in days gone by -- esp. the epononymous Col. Barker. I particular recommend that you read this book with Terry Pratchett's Monstrous Regiment.

It does get a little sentimental and even mawkish in areas -- a bit tabloid-y. But it never crosses the line into bad taste (well, imo, ymmv), and provides much food for thought.

[Adam Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fascinating story of Colonel Victor Barker - born as Valerie Barker, but living most of her adult life as a man under a variety of pseudonyms, even contracting an illegal marriage with an unsuspecting woman. The truth about Colonel Barker's identity was discovered by accident after being arrested in relation to a bankruptcy charge. Rose Collis outlines the whole of Valerie/Victor's multifaceted life, through various brushes with the law, and onto retirement and death. Along the way, she gives brief vignettes of other "female husbands" and individuals who challenged gender norms. Collis eschews any simple categorisation of transman/impostor/whatever, instead exploring the ambiguities and complexities of Barker's character.

[the Kent cryptid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating story, told with a lot of humour and compassion.