Josephine Baker
Image and Icon
Provocative Performer. In 1919, thirteen-year-old Freda Josephine McDonald ran away from home to become a Vaudeville player. When she left the country several years later, she would become one of the most famous entertainers of the early twentieth century.
Josephine Baker: Image and Icon, edited by Olivia Lahs-Gonzales (Reedy Press, 9 x 11, 90 color and b/w photographs and illustrations, 159 pages, hardcover, $35.00, 978-1-933370-02-6), was created to celebrate the 100th birthday of the legendary jazz performer. Biographical essays detail the actress’s life, including her childhood in St. Louis; her early career, when she began exploring issues of race, gender, and class; and her eventual move to Paris, where she became a star.
Photographs are accompanied by promotional posters and pieces of art, depicting the exotic Baker mid-performance—dancing, singing, and in her famous banana skirt.
A fascinating addition to any jazz or burlesque collection.
Reviewed by
Whitney Hallberg
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
