Red: A History of the Redhead

Full disclosure: I originally bought this book because I've recently become friends with the author, and I thought it might be mildly interesting. I was wrong. It's fascinating. Around the central topic of red hair Jacky Colliss Harvey makes connections with genetics, evolutionary theory, history, mythology, art, literature, religion, and popular culture. All these topics are woven together as a narrative; you're reading a scholarly work (with an incredible amount of research) but you read it as a story, so well organized is it. The writing is superb; even complex sentences go smoothly and her descriptions of places and works of art are works of art themselves. Moreover, although a scholarly work, the personality of the author comes through. There is the perfect balance of academic fact with a conversational tone, treating the reader with respect. And you interact with the book (rather than reading it passively); I had fun realizing I knew some of the historical or factual or popular references, but equal fun looking up the ones I didn't know and, thus, learning even more. Finally, although I can't speak for most of the topics in the book, the areas that are my professional specialty (human evolution, genetics, and evolutionary theory) were all accurate and up-to-date. In short, one of the most pleasurable reading experiences of a nonfiction book I've had in a very long time.

Marvelous book for all red heads! It is so well written with touches of humor and stories of fact and fiction backed up with historical and scientific data. Thank you Jackie Harvey -- where were you when I was a little red haired girl being teased about both hair and freckles?! Your book will help my beautiful granddaughter meet the challenges that are sure to come. I have bought several copies as gifts for friends who are red heads and I personally have the hard-back copy and one on my Kindle. All of you who are non-reds who have now changed to "our" color -- enjoy, live like a red head. As for all of you "real" reds, stand tall and walk proudly being who you are -- red to the core!!!

I was hesitant to order from a Goodwill but because the price was just too good I figured I would give it a try! I am so happy I did! The book arrived in perfect condition. It appears new! Cover and pages in perfect condition with no odor. And it arrived ahead of time. Beautiful Book with the pages almost seeming antiqued/aged edges. Glad to add this to my collection! A must for any redhead or redhead lover. Thank you Goodwill of Colorado!