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Publication Date: June 27, 2023
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Genre: Cultural History
ISBN: 978-1-63988-896-2
List Price: 18.99 paperback
Page Count: 488
Audience: Adult
When Taylor first heard about Donald Trump’s victory, which he describes as “a diabolical manifestation of a left-parted orange hairpiece surfacing as the next president (without savoir faire) of the United States,” he was shocked: “Then crashing reality set in: hair systems have had a momentous repercussion on the dawning of human history.” His own struggle with hair loss forced him to try hair restoration technology. After spending thousands of dollars seeking a solution for thinning hair, Taylor realized he wasn’t alone in his struggle. His curiosity leads him to look into the enduring impact of hair on history. “Ancient Egyptians were the precursors of the modern billion-dollar hair replacement industry,” he states, “Most Egyptians had a longstanding bias against baldness dating to 3100 B.C. Hair was a factor in determining social status and wealth.” From there, he covers everything from Greco-Roman history and mythology to the origin of hair transplantation and the advances in hair transplantation technology. Taylor populates his narrative with a vast array of characters, including Bill Gates, Warren Buffer (billionaire tycoons), William F. Buckley (American writer), Lenin, Hitler, Stalin, the British Royals, Mansa Musa (the ninth Mansa of the Mali Empire), Samuel Little (the infamous serial killer), and scores more. Taylor is deft in his exploration of history, showing how hair has played a crucial role in the rise of many well-known figures. Meticulous research and a witty, satiric, and conversational tone make for a unique, stylish, and detailed narrative. Vastly comprehensive and delightful.
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