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.

Redheads are a truly fascinating breed. Being a redhead is more than just a hair color -- it's a way of life. It's a calling card. It's... well, you'll have to buy this book if you want to find out more. THE REDHEAD HANDBOOK will help you navigate through all areas of redhead life, including: Where redheads originally came from Famous redheads in history Which celebrity redheads are real... ...and which are faking it The genetics of red hair Fashion and makeup tips The biggest myths about redheads And lots of interesting redhead facts Ever wondered what makes redheads so special? THE REDHEAD HANDBOOK answers this question and many more. For redheads and fans of redheads alike, this book will satisfy your endless curiosity about red hair. Put simply, "The Redhead Handbook" is the definitive guide to everything red.

DIVA colleciton that looks at how Irishness has become a discursive commodity within popular culture./div

Stories by Willa Cather, Mary Austin, Mari Sandoz, and Leslie Silko, among other women writers, who have illuminated the Western experience.