Red

A captivating history of red hair through the ages, drawing on science, religion, politics, literature and art.

More than just a book for redheads, Red is a fascinating social and cultural celebration of a rich and mysterious genetic quirk.

A New York Times bestseller

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A New York Times bestseller

Red is the first book to explore the history of red hair and red-headedness throughout the world.

More than just a book for redheads, Red is a fascinating social and cultural celebration of a rich and mysterious genetic quirk.

With an obsessive fascination that is as contagious as it is compelling: the book explories red hair in the ancient world, the prejudice manifested against redheads across medieval Europe, and red hair during the Renaissance as both an indicator of Jewishness and the height of fashion in Protestant England, thanks to Elizabeth I.

It also examines depictions of red hair in art and literature, looks at modern medicine and the genetic decoding of redheads, and considers red hair in contemporary culture, from advertising to 'gingerism' and bullying.