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Summary: White male from New Jersey
Review: I stumbled on this book while Christmas shopping. As a 44-year-old white man who is not a church-goer, I didn't think the book would have much to say to me. I looked at a few photos and briefly scanned some of the text and was riveted. I bought the book for myself, read it in an afternoon, and headed back to the bookstore to purchase additional copies as Christmas gifts for friends and family. Messrs. Cunningham and Marberry have produced a truly enchanting book, brilliantly photographed and movingly written.
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Summary: Inner Beauty Blossomed in Worldly Events
Review: I'm so surprised to see this book published since I was just in a small church in Harlem and was admiring the gorgeous hats I saw on the women there. I'd never been to a church of mostly black women, and decided then that their hat appeared to provide the external sign of their inner strength and beauty that lies within, as it they were the crowns of glory each felt important to display. I hadn't realized that it was a tradition until I saw your book listed on Amazon. I think it would also be nice in color since much of the color adds to their plumage similar to the beading I see in the braids of young girls and women which I decided served a similar purpose. How exellent it is that the females are so willing to reveal themselves with such grace and passion for living. I rather wonder if white women haven't missed something along the way, in making themselves so available to the world in choosing to allow such scrutiny in such a dignified manner without the pretense of having to do it with clothing. It may well be a lost art that black women have kept alive.
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Summary: I loved this book
Review: Reading CROWNS was a joy. The photography is stunning. Some of the women's stories made me laugh and one or two brought tears to my eyes. You will feel like you know these women. I just wish the book was longer.
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Summary: Hooray for Hats !
Review: The black and white photos are as expressive as the wonderful stories about how these charming ladies began their love affairs with hats. Each story is unique and also very much like the others. There is lots of unexpected humor. I have been inspired to continue wearing and buying more hats. Love the book. Thank you Mr. Cunningham and Mr. Marberry and all the ladies who shared their thoughts and their hats.
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Summary: Beautiful!!!
Review: The pictures and the stories as told by these Queens wearing their crowns was extraordinary. It was delightful to hear in these womens own words the significance of their hats. Truly a celebration of Black Women.
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Summary: Laughter & Tears
Review: This incredible combination of elegant photographs and inciteful interviewing makes this book a very treasured addition to my library. I have well over 3,000 books... of them there are about 15 that I will never part with and "Crowns" has just become one of that select group. The beautiful portraits of these distinguished ladies in their wonderful hats has been so poetically captured. I fully agree with the photographer that color would have been a distraction for the purposes of this book. It is not a book about hats, it is a book about a way of life and the women who make it live. The text will alternately make you cry and laugh, and sometimes even laugh until you cry... I would love to have tea and a long conversation with many of these wonderful women. Failing the ability to do that, this book will suffice quite nicely.
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Summary: Laughter & Tears
Review: This incredible combination of elegant photographs and inciteful interviewing makes this book a very treasured addition to my library. I have well over 3,000 books... of them there are about 15 that I will never part with and "Crowns" has just become one of that select group. The beautiful portraits of these distinguished ladies in their wonderful hats has been so poetically captured. I fully agree with the photographer that color would have been a distraction for the purposes of this book. It is not a book about hats, it is a book about a way of life and the women who make it live. The text will alternately make you cry and laugh, and sometimes even laugh until you cry... I would love to have tea and a long conversation with many of these wonderful women. Failing the ability to do that, this book will suffice quite nicely.
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Summary: The Cats who saw the hats
Review: This is a great gift book. It describes a phenomenon that is uniquely ours. Just look at the cover. The pictures and the words lead you on a journey to the core of our culture. The subject is warm and familiar, but you'll be surprised at the insights delivered in the book. I imagine these two as little boys sitting in church. Too short to see the pulpit; just peering through the hats. Its fortunate for us that they did.
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Summary: A Must Have for Students of American History
Review: This is THE book that friends will pick up FIRST from the top of your coffee table at home or at work. Beautiful message, pictures and content.
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Summary: What The Best-dressed Black Woman Wears
Review: This pictorial showcase of "sistuhs" crowned elegantly is nice "sampler" of the chapeau's that are so common to Sunday services in the Black Church. Every photograph presents a woman that is confident, composed, and totally sure of herself as she is adorned in a hat that uniquely "speaks for her." The prose that accompanies the photos is deliciously informative. The only downside of the publication is the lack of color, for these "toppings" burst forth with color and should be seen in that light. Otherwise, this is a purchase worth making.
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