Red cover art

Red

A History of the Redhead

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Red

By: Jacky Colliss Harvey
Narrated by: Jacky Colliss Harvey
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About this listen

 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. Civilization Nature & Ecology Science Social Sciences World Natural History Middle Ages Africa Ancient History Early Human World

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All stars
Most relevant
I loved listening to this book! So much fascinating history and also hit the nail on the head with how it’s feels to be a redhead in society. If you thought that having red hair was ordinary and ‘what’s all the fuss about..?’ Then by reading this book.. you will understand we are anything but ordinary!

If you thought Red Hair was ordinary…

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As a readhead this was an affirming listen. Echoing many of the things I have learnt about myself and my fellow redheads throughout my life. Really enjoyed listening to this.

Excellent

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Loved it. Yes i’m biased but also empathetic to the human plight, of just living a life without fear or prejudice. Thank you Jack

Live and let live

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