In recent years, cosplay-the practice of dressing up in costume as a character-has exploded, becoming a mainstream cultural phenomenon. But what are the circumstances that made its rise possible? Andrew Liptak-a member of the legendary 501st Legion, an international fan-based organization dedicated to the dark side of Star Wars-delves into the origins and culture of cosplay to answer this question. Cosplay: A History looks at the practice's ever-growing fandom and conventions, its roots in 15th-century costuming, the relationship between franchises and the cosplayers they inspire, and the technology that brings even the most intricate details in these costumes to life.