Homer admired it, Hitler dreamed of it, Hitchcock was fascinated by it, Hollywood made money out of it . . .
In art and literature, in history and popular culture, blonde has never been a mere colour. For two and a half thousand years, it has been a blazing signal in code, signifying power, beauty and status. To feed the obsession with blondeness, entire industries have developed, influential trends set.
From Greek prostitutes mimicking golden-haired Aphrodite, to the Californian beach babe; from pigeon dung to L'Oreal - because you're worth it; we see the lengths to which women go to become blonde. The power and duality of the blonde as either erotic symbol or saintly virgin fluctuates but never disappears.
By exploring what it means to be blonde, or make oneself blonde, we are drawn into an intriguing portrait of the world. Why did blondes rise to prominence in Hollywood and Nazi Germany at the same time? Why do young Japanese women today want to be blonde?
Weaving a story rich in anecdote and history, Joanna Pitman combines the wealth of her knowledge with a clear-sighted view of the power of the blonde throughout the ages.
