The Greek word melancholia (literally meaning lsquo;black bilersquo;) defines our sense of depression and black moods. Yet the little black dress is the epitome of chic and has positive meanings. From ancient and classical times to today black has been used as a symbol; a tool and a metaphor in a plethora of startling and often problematic ways. The Story of Black is an exploration of our ambiguous relationship with this most lsquo;accursedrsquo; of colours throughout cultures worldwide. The ancient Egyptians used black as their colour of death; becoming the standard garb for millennia of priests of myriad churches and cults. The innate austerity and gravity of black has made it a perennial choice for the robes of merchants; lawyers and even monarchs. Conversely black gained popularity with the Dandies of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; and in the street-fashions and subcultures of our present time. Artists and designers have always been fascinated with the use of black; from the earliest cave paintings; to Caravaggio and Rembrandtrsquo;s bold use of darkness and on to Rothkorsquo;s imposing canvasses; black as definition or absence has always been central to our representative traditions. White Europeansrsquo; association of the colour with negativity; evil and lsquo;the otherrsquo; aided and fuelled the enslavement of millions of black Africans.What is the secret of the continuing power of black to fascinate; compel and divide? How can a single colour embody such disparate values as evil; death; chic; and glamour? The Story of Black skilfully unpicks the social; political; aesthetic and sexual nuances of black throughout the ages.
#1439846 in eBooks 2014-02-03 2014-02-03File Name: B00IOPVZG6
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Very highly recommended!By T. FoxStan Leveys remarkable role in the development of Bebop; his relationships with jazz and boxing greats; his personal triumph over addiction; and his solid character as father; husband; and provider all make for a compelling story. That he was a unique individual; teaching himself to play drums; and following fearlessly his important role as co-innovator of a new enduring style of music; is manifest on each page of this well written book. Very highly recommended!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. informative Informative account of a seminal figure around the birth of bop.By Nelson GonzalezInteresting and informative account of a seminal figure around the birth of bop; this book describes Stan Leveys interactions with the musicians of the era. The war on drugs; and its pervasive disastrous effects on fragile musicians trying to make a living playing jazz; is another theme in Mr. Leveys book. A highly recommended book for those interested in the forgotten heroes of the bebop era.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Enjoyable read.By Stuart Y.I thoroughly enjoyed this bio. Like the Stan Levey DVD "The Original Original" (which I think is one of the best jazz bio DVDs) the focus is on the music. While neither the book or the DVD explain how Levey could develop and adapt his playing so readily; Leveys career is well-chronicled. And the biggest news; which may be a spoiler of sorts: Stan Levey was not left-handed.
