Inventing Beauty : A History of the Innovations that Have Made Us Beautiful

Rating:
Summary: Different types of Beauty
Review: It is an interesting coincidence that Teresa Riordan's "Inventing Beauty" is
appearing at the same time as the English translation of Umberto Eco's book on
the history of beauty. Each author looks at beauty in an original way, but Eco
and Riordan come at the same subject from opposite directions. "History of
Beauty" (actually, only about half of book's chapters are written by Eco; the other
half are  
written by Girolamo de Michele) is an erudite dissection of the meaning of
beauty. Riordan's effort is much more materially based; she
examines the technology of beauty, the implements that women use in the
pursuit of self-manufactured beauty. Visually, the books are distinctly different.
Eco's book is illustrated with sumptuous color reproductions of art. Riordan's book has a black and white aesthetic and features old
advertisements, photographs and, most interestingly, patent drawings. She
writes that she considers these drawings overlooked folk art, and I have to
agree. Strangely, given that Eco's book is published by the famous art publisher
Rizzoli, Riordan's is by far the better designed book. It is gorgeous to hold, even though
it is a paperback original rather than a coffee-table book, and even though it is illustrated
with naive drawings and advertisements rather than fine art.

Rating:
Summary: What A Fascinating Book!
Review: My copy of 'Inventing Beauty' arrived just the other day, and I find myself carrying it wherever I go, dipping into it for "just one more" section.

I keep wanting to tap complete strangers on the shoulder and say, "Did you know..." and then share with them some bizarre tidbit such as the fact that movie stars in the 1940s used a mechanical contraption called a Hollywood Lift -- made of glue, silk thread, and rubber bands -- to pull their sagging faces upward. Makes me want to rent some old movies and look for telltale signs on those ultra-smooth faces!

This book is a lot of fun, and would make a great gift for any woman, of any age.

--Janis Jaquith, author of "Birdseed Cookies: A Fractured Memoir"

Rating:
Summary: Hilarious!
Review: Teresa's book is full of fun facts that were not included in any histories of the 19th & 20th Century I had ever read, until she pulled them together with a deft touch and her witty commentary. Anyone who has ever tweezed, twirled, lined, or moisturized will enjoy learning about the many pioneers responsible for modern beauty devices and products. Beautifying oneself is usually a solitary business, done in the privacy of one's bathroom or bedroom. After reading "Inventing Beauty," I know I am but one member of a devoted sorority throughout history. I'll never feel the same again about my bra or my mascara!

Rating:
Summary: The Perfect Gift for Every Woman on Your List!!!
Review: This fascinating and very funny book is not only an eye-popping history that will amaze today's young women, it's a trip down memory lane for those of us over a certain age -- and a clear reminder of how far we've come. Teresa Riordan's thoughtful commentary is far more intelligent than simple knee-jerk feminist rhetoric, and serves to make us consider the choices we ourselves have made (or decided not to) over the years, in pursuit of Beauty.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant, Hilarious!!!
Review: What a wonderful book! Ms. Riordan is a gifted social critic, who spins a fascinating tale! Great for Christmas gifts.