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Hair Story
Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America
Ayana D. Byrd and Lori L. Tharps
St. Martin's Griffin, January 2002
ISBN: 978-0-312-28322-3, ISBN10: 0-312-28322-9,
6 1/8 x 9 1/4 inches, 208 pages, Includes 50 black-and-white photographs thorughout,
Trade Paperback, $15.99
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African American Studies
African American Studies - All Titles
History
United States: African American History
Sociology
Sociology - All Titles
Hair Story
takes a chronological look at the social history behind the ever-changing state of Black hair—from fifteenth-century Africa to the present-day United States. Explicating the links between Black hairstyles and the personal, political, and popular facets of Black culture,
Hair Story
affords all students and scholars a unique and fascinating view of African and African American history. From the antebellum practice of shaving the head in attempt to pass as "free" to the "sacred space" of the barber shop or beauty parlor, from the afro to the fade to the Jheri curl, this is "an impressive work of cultural history [that offers] an engaging look at what has become a major status symbol among African Americans" (
BookPage
).
Praise
"[An] entertaining and concise survey . . . A book that successfully balances popular appeal with historical accuracy."—
Publishers Weekly
"Taps into the art and history of how Black hair is perceived in America in a way that will no doubt be relevant for generations to come."—
The Source
"
Hair Story
presents an absorbing rendition of American history told through Black hair. In prose that is both humorous and haunting, the authors manage to bring vividly to life a subject most would consider inconsequential. After reading this comprehensive tale, people will walk away with a whole new appreciation for Black hair and all of its wonder and power."—
Lloyd Boston, author of
Men of Color: Fashion, History, Fundamentals
"From antiquity to the present day, Black hair has been both ornamentation and a medium of artistic expression. At the same time, its changing political and cultural values have often mirrored the current social climate.
Hair Story
, in documenting our natural hair's beauty and capacity for communication, brings to life and infuses with historical relevance this unique slice of Americana."
—Harriette Cole, author of
Jumping the Broom
and
How to Be
"[This book combines] keen historical insight with pop-cultural anecdotes."—
Entertainment Weekly
"A comprehensive and colorful look at a very touchy subject."—
Essence
About the Author(s)
By
Ayana Byrd
and
Lori Tharps
Ayan D. Byrd
holds a bachelors degree in political science from Barnard College. Her work has appeared in
Vibe
,
Rolling Stone
,
Honey
, and
InStyle
magazine.
Lori L. Tharps
attended Smith College and received a Masters Degree from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. She is currently a correspondent for
Entertainment Weekly
magazine.
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