Red

A History of the Redhead

By: Jacky Colliss Harvey

Narrated by: Jacky Colliss Harvey

Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Red is a brilliantly told, captivating history of red hair throughout the ages. An audiobook 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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2015 Jacky Colliss Harvey (P)2015 Hachette Audio

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!

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.

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.

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.

What's in a hair color?

I'll be honest: This book was fascinating, and provides some solid facts about redheads and how people view them. It's light reading, but fascinating nonetheless.

What most Reds probably don't know but should for their physical and mental health.

My red-headed family member is getting the hardcopy book as a gift. It definitely explains certain health issues as it seems red heads disproportionately experience. There are humorous accounts of the author's experiences as well as notably famous and infamous redheads in history. There are aspects of the physiology of red heads as their genetic makeup produces which affects how they smell to others, how scents (perfumes) react poorly to their skin due to these differences. The nature of their physiology also has a direct bearing on their response to sexual stimulation. On that point, the author seemed over dwell on that theme, returning to it multiple times, and tediously so. I feel perhaps the author dwelled on sex so much, under the rubric that sex sells. However, she writes clinically on the sexual desires and gifts of red heads. Sex sells written in porn novels when appealing to prurient interests. Her work isn't porn but science and history. She would have done better reduce her discussion on sex by 40% or more, IMHO.

Wonderful braiding of facts, observations and perceptions!

I thought I had a pretty good handled on the history, science and experience of being red haired. There was so much more in this book! The author deftly interweaves such an amazing narrative involving science, anthropology, art, social history and her own experiences and observations that I ended up missing sleep to listen to the entire book in one sitting. I feel informed and entertained at the same time. Suddenly, I’m very proud to be a redhead!

All Things Ginger

Thank goodness this was written by a redhead. As a redhead I agree the stereotypes exists (ginerism is for real).
Jacky's information is educational and insightful. Must reading for us gingers for truth seekers.
Her voice is delightful and pleasant. I hope she performs more audiobooks.

fun witty and informational

I absolutely loved this book I will definitely be getting the hardcover a great read for gingers and non gingers alike.

Great narration by the author

Informative and interesting even as a non- redhead. Well researched and well delivered. Extra plus for PDF accompaniment. I'm going red.