Description:
The first definitive text on the subject, The Art and History of Black Memorabilia provides a sensitive rendering of a difficult topic and intelligently discusses a variety of interpretations for a large range of products and advertisements that relate to the experience of African Americans. Beginning with a brief timeline of specific events in African American history, author Larry Vincent Buster balances discussions of modern pop culture, politics, and the international slave trade from 1324 to 1995. Buster's preface makes it clear that his writing is both a labor of love and a scholarly document--he was willed a large collection of memorabilia from a friend, and his examination of this collection led him to write this book. Each chapter details a particular type of relic, including accessories to the slave trade, printed entertainment posters and advertisements, dolls, bric-a-brac, and magazines, photos, and books related to more recent heroes like Martin Luther King Jr., Joe Louis, Malcolm X, and Madam C.J. Walker. Throughout the book, special sections are devoted to characters of particular importance, ranging from Little Black Sambo to Josephine Baker. In all cases, the text addresses the variety of emotions these collections inspire, as well as the practical details related to collecting: pricing, rarity, popularity, and specifics on how to spot fakes. Buster's words on Aunt Jemima express the multiple meanings behind the memorabilia as a whole: "Aunt Jemima and her clones have come out of the closet as collectibles, coveted by connoisseurs.... Others are mystified by her power to degrade, anger and offend." Certainly, collectors and historians alike have much to learn from Buster's work, and The Art and History of Black Memorabilia is sure to serve as both a conversation starter and reference guide for years to come. --Jill Lightner
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