Red

A History of the Redhead

Red is a brilliantly told, captivating history of red hair throughout the ages. A book that breaks new ground, dispels myths, and reinforces the special nature of being a redhead, with a look at multiple disciplines, including science, religion, politics, feminism and sexuality, literature, and art.

With an obsessive fascination that is as contagious as it is compelling, author Jacky Colliss Harvey (herself a redhead) begins her exploration of red hair in prehistory and traces the redhead gene as it made its way out of Africa with the early human diaspora to its emergence under Northern skies. She goes on to explore red hair in the ancient world; the prejudice manifested against red hair across medieval Europe; red hair during the Renaissance as both an indicator of Jewishness during the Inquisition and the height of fashion in Protestant England, under the reign of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I; the modern age of art and literature, and the first positive symbols of red hair in children's characters; modern medicine and science and the genetic and chemical decoding of red hair; and finally, red hair in contemporary culture, from advertising and exploitation to "gingerism" and the new movement against bullying.

Very interesting and entertaining

A great listen filled with interesting research, historical anecdotes and the authors opinions. Most were spot on and supported though I diverged a few times with her logic such as - while red hair is attractive on a female on a male it’s unattractive because males tend to try to be uniform which she cites how hairstyles on men haven’t changed in the last two generations. But I could also argue that excessive weightlifting and tattoos (both males trying to make themselves different and standout) is not uncommon. But again, amazingly entertaining and insightful book all around just be ready to occasionally say “ya, maybe not, at a few of the authors suggestions.

From one redhead to another

I found this fascinating!! What an amazing way to learn about my hair, and everything to do with being a redhead! Can’t wait to read it again!

So So So Interesting

Way way way better than I even hoped. It was fascinating from start to finish, the history of how people with red hair were treated and are treated today. One of the best books I've listened to, ever.

Fantastic and fascinating

I loved this book. It answered so many questions for me as a redhead that I couldn't put it down.

I loved that it highlighted the bullying redheads fave and what's being done about it.

Pushing Past Stereotypes

This book is a fascinating look into the history, mythology, and socio-religious aspects of what it means to be a redhead, backed by science and the popular culture (art, stories, film, etc.) of different eras. The author's writing style makes it even more so, instantly engaging the audience in the topic. On the whole, it's a brilliant topic designed to push past the stereotypes and understand how and why they might have came about in the first place.

My only gripe comes early on when Cleopatra is mentioned. This seems to be a touchy subject for many people, as though seemingly every racial and/or regional group out there wants to claim the Queen for their own. Interestingly, the opposite occurs here. The author is quick to dismiss the idea that Cleopatra was very likely a redhead because of her Egyptian origins. It's as though because Cleopatra lives up to the hurtful stereotypes the author is trying to undermine. The defensive attitude is therefore understandable given the author's quest here. However, historical fact is just that and cannot be dismissed due to inconvenience. Cleopatra was a Ptolemy, the product of an incestuous family line from Macedonia. She had not one single drop of Egyptian blood in her, thus negating the author's rather short argument. It doesn't prove she was a redhead, but it doesn't dismiss it either, especially given the science of just how rare the gene is and why it expresses itself. If anything, the case is stronger than ever despite the author's attempt to gloss it over.

Save for this one tiny exception, the whole of this book is meticulously researched and thoughtfully executed. The author narrates her own work, which very rarely works out, but in this case kudos for her clarity and enthusiasm.