Crowning Glories

The head hairdresser at the MGM studios offers an insider's look at Hollywood's Golden Age, and his role in the history of a great studio

Crowning Glories integrates Louis XIV's propaganda campaigns, the transmission of Northern art into France, and the rise of empiricism in the eighteenth century - three historical touchstones - to examine what it would have meant for France's elite to experience the arts in France simultaneously with Netherlandish realist painting. In an expansive study of cultural life under the Sun King, Harriet Stone considers the monarchy's elaborate palace decors, the court's official records, and the classical theatre alongside Northern images of daily life in private homes, urban markets, and country fields. Stone argues that Netherlandish art assumes an unobtrusive yet, for the history of ideas, surprisingly dramatic role within the flourishing of the arts, both visual and textual, in France during Louis XIV's reign. Netherlandish realist art represented thinking about knowledge that challenged the monarchy's hold on the French imagination, and its efforts to impose the king's portrait as an ideal and proof of his authority. As objects appreciated for their aesthetic and market value, Northern realist paintings assumed an uncontroversial place in French royal and elite collections. Flemish and Dutch still lifes, genre paintings, and cityscapes, however, were not merely accoutrements of power, acquisitions made by those with influence and money. Crowning Glories reveals how the empirical orientation of Netherlandish realism exposed French court society to a radically different mode of thought, one that would gain full expression in the Encyclop?die of Diderot and d'Alembert.

"Americans have heard of King Edward VIII's Wallis Simpson, "the woman I love," for whom he gave up the throne of England. Many recall the beautiful wedding fifty years ago when Grace Kelly became Princess of Monaco. But there are more than one hundred marriages of American women to princes and dukes. Some were calculated business arrangements designed to secure a title while replenishing the bank accounts of destitute royal and noble families. Others were true love affairs. With never-published photographs, excerpts from correspondence, and interviews with descendants, author Richard Jay Hutto has painted a fascinating picture of money, beauty, power, and palaces - the lifestyles of the rich and famous - a lifestyle not entirely ended."--BOOK JACKET.

With these spirited poems, the National Book Award-winning author rejoices in the spirit of individuality and celebrates the beauty and distinction of African-American hair. Full-color illustrations.

“Rebecca Wells has done it again….A new book full of Southern charm and unique characters…impossible to put down.” —Houston Chronicle “Wells weaves that magic spell again.” —New Orleans Times-Picayune For Ya-Ya fans everywhere, New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Wells returns with The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder. The creator of the literary sensations Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Little Altars Everywhere, and Ya-Yas in Bloom delivers an unforgettable new stand-alone novel about the pull of first love, the power of home, and everyday magic. No matter if you already adore the Ya-Yas or haven’t yet entered the miraculous world of Rebecca Wells, you are going to love—and never forget—Calla Lily Ponder.

Crowning Glory: An Experiment in Self-Discovery Through DisguiseYou want your hair to be perfect to show the true you. But without the hair on your head, who are you? What if it is somebody else's hair?In this beautifully written, heartfelt, witty, and life-affirming memoir, Stacy Harshman tracks her amazing experiment. By wearing dramatic, identically styled but differently colored wigs for weeks in New York City, Stacy Harshman learns more about who she is and what she can find in herself as a redhead, a raven-haired goth, a brunette, and a blonde.After hiring a spy to document how people responded to her, Stacy realizes how her hair is woven into every aspect of her life: her self-image, her depression, and her relationships. Changing her hair changed how she approached all of them.By turns rapturous, rueful, and riotous, this wise and funny book charts the story of one woman's way to shake it up, change it all, and discover something new about herself.

Step into the vibrant tapestry of colonial India with "Fort William Calcutta's Crowning Glory" by M. L. Augustine, a captivating journey through the storied history of one of the subcontinent's most iconic landmarks. Prepare to be transported back in time to the bustling streets of 18th-century Calcutta, where the British East India Company established its stronghold in the form of Fort William. Join author M. L. Augustine as he delves into the rich tapestry of this historic fort, chronicling its rise to prominence and its enduring legacy as a symbol of British colonial power. As you explore the pages of "Fort William Calcutta's Crowning Glory," you'll encounter a fascinating array of historical figures and events, each brought to life with meticulous research and vivid storytelling. From the architectural splendor of the fort itself to the political intrigue and cultural exchange that defined its heyday, Augustine paints a vivid portrait of a bygone era. Themes of power, conquest, and cultural exchange permeate the narrative, offering readers a thought-provoking reflection on the complexities of colonialism and its lasting impact on the Indian subcontinent. Through insightful analysis and evocative prose, Augustine sheds light on the multifaceted dynamics that shaped the history of Fort William and its surrounding environs. Character analysis reveals the personalities and motivations of the key figures who played a role in the fort's history, from the ambitious administrators of the British East India Company to the local inhabitants who witnessed the ebb and flow of colonial rule. Augustine's portrayal of these individuals offers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of empire and the human experience. The overall tone of "Fort William Calcutta's Crowning Glory" is one of reverence and nostalgia, reflecting Augustine's deep appreciation for the historical significance of the fort and its enduring legacy. His writing is characterized by its vivid imagery and compelling narrative, drawing readers into a world of intrigue, adventure, and discovery. Since its publication, "Fort William Calcutta's Crowning Glory" has been hailed as a definitive account of one of India's most iconic landmarks, revered for its meticulous research and engaging storytelling. Its enduring relevance continues to resonate with readers interested in the history of colonial India and the legacy of British imperialism. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the colonial era in India, "Fort William Calcutta's Crowning Glory" offers an immersive and enlightening reading experience that will transport you to another time and place. Don't miss your chance to embark on this unforgettable journey through the annals of Indian history. Grab your copy now and discover the secrets of Fort William.