On Blondes - Softcover

Pitman, Joanna

3.31

131 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0747568456 ISBN 13: 9780747568452

Publisher: Bloomsbury Paperbacks, 2004

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In art and literature, in history and popular culture, blonde has never been a mere colour. For 2,500 years, it has been a blazing signal and around this obsession entire industries have developed, influential trends set. From Greek prostitutes mimicking the golden-haired Aphrodite, to the Californian beach babe; from pigeon-dung and saffron dyes to L'Oreal - because you're worth it - we see the lengths to which women will go to become blonde. The power and duality of the blonde as either erotic symbol or saintly virgin waxes and wanes but never disappears. Weaving a story rich in anecdote, history and high intrigue, Joanna Pitman effortlessly combines the wealth of her knowledge with a sharp and clear-sighted view of the power of the blonde throughout the ages.

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Review:

‘An entertaining and potent history of all things fair headed’ -- List

‘I defy anyone not to enjoy it ... It is well written, has pace and intrigues the reader ... hugely entertaining’ -- Ann Widdecombe, Evening Standard

‘Pitman tells us something we already suspect to be true, and she does it beautifully’ -- Spectator

‘Riveting ... provocative ... travelling undercover, this brunette produced a book which, like its subject, is wonderfully enlightening’ -- Telegraph

From the Publisher:

In art and literature, in history and popular culture, blonde has never been a mere colour. For two and a half thousand years, it has been a blazing signal in code, signifying beauty, power and status.

Why did blondes rise to prominence in Hollywood and Nazi Germany at the same time? Why do young Japanese women today want to be blonde? Joanna Pitman combines the wealth of her knowledge with a clear-sighted view of the power of the blonde throughout the ages

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