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Eyeliner

A Cultural History

Zahra Hankir

$39.99

Hardback

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English
Harvill
13 February 2024
A dazzling exploration of the intersections of beauty and power around the globe, told through the lens of an iconic cosmetic

A dazzling exploration of the intersections of beauty and power around the globe, told through the lens of an iconic cosmetic

'Fascinating' Nigella Lawson 'Awe-inspiring' Funmi Fetto 'A treat to read' Kassia St Clair

A Sunday Times Style Barometer and New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice Pick

From the distant past to the present day, humans have been drawn to lining their eyes. The aesthetic trademark of figures ranging from Nefertiti to Amy Winehouse, eyeliner is one of our most enduring cosmetic tools; ancient royals and Gen Z beauty influencers alike would attest to its uniquely transformative power. It is undeniably fun - yet it is also far from frivolous.

Seen through Zahra Hankir's (kohl-lined) eyes, this ubiquitous but seldom-examined product becomes a portal to history, proof both of the stunning variety among cultures across time and space and of our shared humanity. Through intimate reporting and conversations - with nomads in Chad, geishas in Japan, dancers in India, drag queens in New York, and more - Eyeliner embraces the rich history and significance of its namesake, especially among communities of colour. What emerges is a delightful, surprising, and unexpectedly moving journey through streets, stages, and bedrooms around the world, and a thought-provoking reclamation of a key piece of our collective history.

By:  
Imprint:   Harvill
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Dimensions:   Height: 222mm,  Width: 144mm,  Spine: 34mm
Weight:   471g
ISBN:   9781787303300
ISBN 10:   1787303306
Pages:   368
Publication Date:  
Audience:   General/trade ,  College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  ELT Advanced ,  Primary
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active

Zahra Hankir, a Lebanese British journalist and the editor of Our Women on the Ground, writes about the intersection of politics, culture and society. Her work has appeared in publications including Conde Nast Traveller, the Observer, Times Literary Supplement, BBC News, Al Jazeera English, Bloomberg Businessweek, the Los Angeles Times, and The Rumpus. She was awarded a Jack R. Howard Fellowship in International Journalism to attend the Columbia Journalism School and holds degrees in politics and Middle Eastern studies. @zahrahankir, zahrahankir.com

Reviews for Eyeliner: A Cultural History

I loved Eyeliner. Hankir approaches her subject with dedicated curiosity, humility and humour, blending anthropology, travel, memoir and history. A treat to read and - of course - beautifully eye-opening. -- Kassia St Clair, author of THE SECRET LIVES OF COLOUR Captivating... An arresting feminist narrative from start to finish, this book reveals the depth and multi-dimensionality of a cosmetic that connects Queen Nefertiti to young women protesting in contemporary Iran. -- Rafia Zakaria, author of AGAINST WHITE FEMINISM Cosmetic, tool of rebellion, status signifier: Eyeliner has been all these and more. Moving through millenniums and across civilizations, Hankir gives the makeup its eye-opening due. * New York Times * Combining the steady contemplation of the personal essay with her journalistic flair for storytelling, Zahra Hankir traces the history of kohl, traversing space, time and cultures to delve into the deeply human importance of a makeup kit staple many of us don't give a second thought. An engaging read that is poignant, enlightening, and full of emotional depth. -- Layla AlAmmar, author of SILENCE IS A SENSE Intriguing . . . [Hankir] uses this ancient form of makeup as an ingenious prism through which to explore cultural identity. * The Bookseller, Editor's Choice *


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