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Black Beauty: A History and a Celebration [Paperback]

Ben Arogundade
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

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Product details

  • Paperback: 192 pages
  • Publisher: Thunder's Mouth Press (17 Oct 2001)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 156025341X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1560253419
  • Product Dimensions: 30.7 x 23.3 x 1.4 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,690,267 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Synopsis

Through over 150 color and black and white photographs and an engaging, informed text, Black Beauty discusses the position of blacks within the beauty hierarchy of the West, as well as the kinds of work available to black models within the past century. Author Ben Arogundade also offers insight to the ways in which certain styles of black beauty have been promoted above others. In considering black icons and celebrities from Marcus Garvey, Josephine Baker, and Muhammad Ali to Billy Dee Williams, Grace Jones and Lauryn Hill, Black Beauty reveals the many differing images of those who have embodied black beauty in our culture. Portraits by Herb Ritts, Albert Watson, Richard Avedon, and other eminent photographers are included in this stunning compilation.

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive,well researched and long overdue. 25 Jan 2001
Format:Hardcover
Black Beauty examines the often complex and elusive subject of beauty and all its tenets in regards to continental Africans and more so,Africans of the diaspora.The text is rich in history and starts with an account of Saartje Baartman-the 'Hottentot venus' in 1810.

We are further treated to a close look at Black representation throughout the 20th century,with chapters such as 'Black Venus' (1940's to 60),'Black is beautiful'(1960's) heralding the emergence of Black Power,civil rights leaders such as Malcolm X and the general era of celebrating 'Blackness' and self determination.The final chapter 'Painted Black' deals with today's icons,especially in the field of music and cinema,are highlighted and their global contributions and impact in shaping the Black existance and experience is examined.Brothers like Spike Lee and Tupac by virtue of greater access to,and in some cases,control of the mass media are featured,amongst many others.Sisters are there too!

No study of Black beauty could be complete without reference to the impact of the African slave trade-this is elucidated fully.Equally too,are the Black queens of Egypt and Ethiopia,as is the politics of beauty;the wearing of the afro and dreadlocks,the significance of skin bleaching and the continual debate of dark skin Blacks being less attractive than lighter toned Blacks or Mixed race,etc.

Black Beauty is packed full of numerous excellent photographs and images,some rare,such as queen Charlotte Sophia of Mecklenburg-Strelitz,the Black wife of Englands George III.Jack Johnson,Ophella Devore,Donyale Luna (Vogue's first Black covergirl),Bob Marley,Tyson Beckford,Lil' Kim,Erykah Badu-in short,they are all there!!

Most definately not a book to be missed.

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Amazon.com: 3.9 out of 5 stars  8 reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Let's Finally Celebrate 22 Oct 2000
By "cathymarie" - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
A history and a celebration indeed. This book is exquisitely fascinating and absolutely beautiful; it's BREATHTAKING and will leave you completely speechless. From an informative history of black beauty and fashion and how it has been perceived throughout the years by the media to wonderful images of black icons like Mohammed Ali, Wesley Snipes, Lauryn Hill and Josephine Baker. It features not only the prominent faces of today but the icons of yesteryear who were our fore fathers and mothers in the shaping of what black beauty is today. This is a must have for every coffee table in every proud household; a must have for any lover of photography and the beauty of fashion and media icons. To say that this book is captivating is a complete understatement. Every time I look through the pages of this beautiful book, I'm proud and grateful that finally, the world is coming to see that WE ARE A BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Well researched coffee table book 10 May 2001
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
From its striking cover photo of Grace Jones, to its fact-based, somewhat colorful prose, this is a fascinating book on a controversial subject - black is beautiful - or is it. Mr. Arogundade says it is - and for the most part he's right. He clearly discusses on the history of beauty in the black diaspora, and how it has survived, despite European influences and attempts to define it...the pictures speak for themselves...the subjects are quite stunning...I think it is a great book for black people of all ages, and for non-blacks who are simply curious as to know what defines black beauty...
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Black History: A History and a Celebration 12 Jan 2001
By MARVIN WOODS - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
I believe this book is well written and filled with great insight and photos. I found that it gave a good look at some of our heros, and their obsticles that they had to over come before they could revel in the glory of greatness. It also show's some of our struggles as a people of color and how we have made positive progress over the last 100 years. This book offers inspiration because the author himself (from what I understand) had finished his studies to be an architect, and couldn't find steady work in his field. He then stumbled into modeling by chance. After an unsuccessful business venture of his own, not to be beaten Ben pushed forward and successfully rallied to writing and having his work published by a major publishing company I say hats off to him. Congradulations Ben!Job well done. His perserverance and tenacity goes along with the people inside this book that he has written about. Lastly, I definetly recommend this book for all... This is precise and concious writing and it is not just for people of color and who happened to live in the United States. We can all gain something from this book.
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