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Book cover of Plucked

Plucked

2015287 pagesNew York University Press

Synopsis

From ancient razors to modern lasers, Americans have long sought to remove unwanted hair. Historian Rebecca Herzig explores how societal beliefs about body hair have shifted dramatically over centuries, particularly for women. What was once considered 'mutilation' became an expectation, with visible hair growth on young, white women sometimes linked to deviance or illness. This book examines the history and social impact of this pursuit of hair-free skin.

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About the author

Rebecca M. Herzig is a historian of science who writes about the intersection of technology and the human body. She is best known for Plucked, a social history of hair removal in America. Her work

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Rebecca HerzigProtagonist

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Book cover of Plucked