Mae West, an icon of wit and sensuality, emerges as a pioneering playwright in "Three Plays: Sex / The Drag / The Pleasure Man", a collection that showcases her audacious exploration of societal taboos and complex human desires. Set against the backdrop of the roaring twenties, West's narrative bravado cuts through the conventions of her time, presenting a bold critique of the era's sexual and social mores. From the scandalous brothels of Montreal in "Sex", which challenges perceptions of female sexuality and solidarity, to the glittering, provocative world of "The Drag", which confronts and celebrates homosexuality long before it found acceptance, West crafts characters that live and breathe defiance. Her final piece in the collection, "The Pleasure Man", serves as a darkly comic revenge against male exploitation, blurring the lines between justice and cruelty in the pursuit of love and retribution. Through these plays, Mae West invites the reader into the underbelly of society, where the marginalized and the scorned reclaim their power with unapologetic flamboyance. Schlissel's insightful introduction frames West not just as a film and stage star, but as a visionary writer whose works were far ahead of their time. Captivating in its honesty and bold in its execution, this collection is a testament to West's enduring legacy as a trailblazer for free expression and an advocate for the unvarnished truth of human experience. With each play, West peels away the veneer of propriety, revealing the complexities and contradictions that define us all, making "Three Plays: Sex / The Drag / The Pleasure Man" an essential read for those who dare to look beyond the surface.