The Buzz on Hair-Story

From Publisher's Weekly
In this entertaining and concise survey, Byrd and Tharps revel in the social, cultural and economic significance of African-American hair from 1400 to the present. ...The authors contextualize issues familiar to African-Americans while explaining black hair culture to the uninformed, so readers who don't already know what "the kitchen" refers to (hair at the nape of the neck, usually the "nappiest") will soon find out. ...[Here is] a book that successfully balances popular appeal with historical accuracy, adeptly exploring the roots of pervasive inter-racial discrimination while explaining, for example, how the much-maligned Jheri Curl ever became a fad.

From NiaOnline.com
This book treats Black hair like a subject worthy of serious scholarship....And not only do the authors write in an accessible and engaging manner, but we also get to hear from celebrities, scholars, and regular folks who all have something to say about the topic of hair.

"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 an all of its wonder and power! " Lloyd Boston, author of the best-seller 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.