Josephine Baker: Image and Icon

by Bennetta Jules Rosette

BornFreda Josephine McDonaldin St. Louis, Missouri, in 1906,Josephine Bakerran away from home at age thirteen to join a traveling road show. Later, after touring the country as a dancer, she left the United States for Paris. There, she starred in the groundbreaking musical revue La Revue Negre and quickly became the toast of Paris and Europe. Her versatility and flair for performance complemented Paris in the 1920swhich embraced the Charleston and a progressive new musical language called jazz. Created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the celebrated African American entertainer,Josephine Baker: Image and Iconuses lavish illustrations and informative essays to tell the story of a legendary performer whose appeal transcended race, country, and culture. This rich, once-in-a-lifetime volume gathers photographs, posters, drawings, prints, and sculpture to tell the story of Baker's life and contributions to 20th century culture. An essay byBennetta Jules Rosetteoffers a biographical overview of the performer's career, andOlivia Lahs-Gonzalesplaces Baker in context as Modern Woman. Josephine Baker: Image and Icon, through words and rare images, captures the beauty of a groundbreaking artist and her significance. It also serves as the companion to the exhibit opening April 21, 2006, atThe Sheldon Art Galleriesin St. Louis.

Genres: Biography

160 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2006

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable source if you are interested in the famous African-American entertainer Josephine Baker, who took Paris, and all of Europe by storm. Baker helped to to define an era -- or did it define her? This books has excellent essays by scholars Bennetta Jules-Rosette and Tyler Stovall, as well as by Olivia Lahs-Gonzalez, director of The Sheldon Art Galleries in St. Louis, site of the Baker exhibit that inspired the book. This coffee-table books also features many famous as well as little-known images of Baker. Josephine Baker is the protagonist of my forthcoming novel, and I will read this book again for the many intriguing details of her life it presents.

[Merna Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the graphics. Very interesting life.

[Debra Foster Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting examination of Baker's place in the le tumulte noir movement in Europe and her evolution as an icon of black entertainment around the world. Book of essays.