Description
Book SynopsisSusan J. Vincent is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Renaissance and Early Modern Studies (CREMS) at the University of York, UK.
Trade ReviewThis richly illustrated book reveals the power and importance of hair, from the 16th century to the present day. Amazing, amusing and erudite, Susan Vincent brings historical hair practices into lively dialogue with the hair on our heads today. * Sarah Cheang, Royal College of Art, London, UK *
Meticulously documenting hair as an object, a commodity, a gift, a fond memory of a person and, sometimes, an animal, Vincent covers 500 years of European hair history in clever chapter titles: from hair care, to those who care for hair, those who are hairy, and those who are hairless. Well written and strategically illustrated, her account is thoroughly absorbing. * Joanne B. Eicher, Editor in Chief, Encyclopedia of World Dress and Fashion *
Hair is ‘extraordinary stuff’ are the closing words of this informative and witty examination of its history in developed societies. The text is complemented by 150 images providing readers with a well-illustrated primer on hair in its myriad forms. * Valerie Cumming, author of 'Understanding Fashion History' and Editor, Costume: The Journal of the Costume Society *
Entertaining ... lavishly illustrated ... a sheer delight to read. * Yorkshire Gazette and Herald *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction: Hair matters 1. Care for your hair 2. From servant to stylist 3. The art of being hairless 4. The practice of being hairy 5. The politics of appearance 5. Social challenge: the long and the short of it Conclusion: Histories and hair stories Endnotes List of Illustrations Abbreviations Bibliography Index
