Red: A History of the Redhead

For 2% of the world that are redheads! Makes a great present.

I’m a redhead, and found this an interesting read. I don’t agree with all her conclusions, but it’s a well written book.

It took a while to arrive, but the book was well-packaged, was in pristine shape and is a great read. Thanks.

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.

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!

From the description, I anticipated some scientific info on redheads, humor, and historical info about redheads. It did contain those things but there was another focus of how redheads were perceived sexually, etc. Since the gift was for a young woman who identifies with being a redhead I thought the sexual detail was not really appropriate.

Interesting book for those who are redheads or are fond of redheads.

If you have red hair or are curious about history of people who do, it is an interesting book, easy to read and apparently well researched. Some of her findings are interesting and possibly a bit unnerving, if you do have red hair of any shade.