The Art of Ruth E. Carter

"""Taken as a whole, Carter's three-decade career is not just a collection of great films; it tells a story. Whether comedies or period pieces, biopics or Super Hero blockbusters, her films have shaped the narrative of the Black experience in American cinema. And her work is sure to inspire the next generation of storytellers."" --Robyn Belt, Marvel.com ""This definitive work makes visible the thought, care, and skill required of a successful film costume designer.... The author comes across as the storyteller she is, both with her costumes and her words.... The pages are filled with fascinating original illustrations, stunning photographs, and eye-catching stills highlighting Carter's artistry in full, glorious color.... VERDICT An appealing read for anyone interested in moviemaking, and essential for aspiring costumers."" --Library Journal Starred Review ""In this stunning blend of backstage memoir and portfolio, Carter recounts her unexpected journey from actress to theater costume assistant and her life-changing encounter with a young director named Spike Lee. Tasked with designing his second film, School Daze, Carter drew on her eye for creative detail, deep grounding in history, adventurous sense of color and texture, and dizzying work ethic. Carter and Lee collaborated on nine more films.... While it was the Black Panther movies that brought her wide popular acclaim, she reveled in her historical films, which allowed her to revisit family stories and to delve into period photography and poetry."" --Booklist Starred Review"