Black Beauty: A History and a Celebration

by Ben Arogundade

Through over 150 color and black and white photographs and an engaging, informed text, 'Black Beauty' discusses the position of blacks within the beauty hierarchy of the West, as well as the kinds of work available to black models within the past century. Author Ben Arogundade also offers insight to the ways in which certain styles of black beauty have been promoted above others. In considering black icons and celebrities from Marcus Garvey, Josephine Baker, and Muhammad Ali to Billy Dee Williams, Grace Jones and Lauryn Hill, Black Beauty reveals the many differing images of those who have embodied black beauty in our culture. Portraits by Herb Ritts, Albert Watson, Richard Avedon, and other eminent photographers are included in this stunning compilation.

Genres: Photography

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

I am an award-winning author, journalist, designer and broadcaster from London. I have written for The Times, The Telegraph, The Guardian, The Evening Standard, Elle and GQ, amongst others, and on a diverse range of subjects, including race and diversity, sport, politics, music and relationships.

I am also a voiceover artist and radio broadcaster for the BBC World Service. I have voiced audiobooks for titles by George Orwell, Charles Darwin, Bernadine Evaristo and many others.

I have authored and edited 12 works of fiction and non-fiction, including Black Beauty: A History and a Celebration, which was honoured by the New York Public Library and adapted into a three-part BBC documentary.

I recently launched my own publishing imprint, White Labels Books, as vehicle for special projects. Its latest venture, My Terrifying, Shocking, Humiliating, Amazing Adventures in Online Dating is currently being adapted for television.

My latest book, Hollywood Blackout: Race, Diversity & The Oscars, was published worldwide by Hachette in February 2025.

Reviews

[Ben Arogundade · Rating 5 out of 5]

“BEAUTIFUL”
Vogue

“SUPERB”
The Daily Express

“MAGNIFICENT”
Black Hair

“AN ENTERTAINING CHRONICLE”
VIBE

“LOOK AND LEARN”
Independent on Sunday

“CRISPLY WRITTEN, WITH SMART DESCRIPTIONS”
i-D

“A SMART, SUMPTUOUS BOOK, INTELLIGENT AND INSIGHTFUL”
Essence

“CONTROVERSIAL AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING”
New York Amsterdam News

[Kandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved these stories! The way black beauty has been feared, loathed, loved, celebrated, and envied (even within our own culture) paints a very vivid picture of what we've endured and still must overcome.

[Habeeb Akande · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great photos