Mae West: An Icon in Black and White

Book Description

"Why don't you come up and see me sometime?" Mae West invited and promptly captured the imagination of generations. Even today, years after her death, the actress and author is still regarded as the pop archetype of sexual wantonness and ribald humor. But who was this saucy starlet, a woman who was controversial enough to be jailed, pursued by film censors and banned from the airwaves for the revolutionary content of her work, and yet would ascend to the status of film legend? Sifting through previously untapped sources, author Jill Watts unravels the enigmatic life of Mae West, tracing her early years spent in the Brooklyn subculture of boxers and underworld figures, and follows her journey through burlesque, vaudeville, Broadway and, finally, Hollywood, where she quickly became one of the big screen's most popular--and colorful--stars. Exploring West's penchant for contradiction and her carefully perpetuated paradoxes, Watts convincingly argues that Mae West borrowed heavily from African American culture, music, dance and humor, creating a subversive voice for herself by which she artfully challenged society and its assumptions regarding race, class and gender. Viewing West as a trickster, Watts demonstrates that by appropriating for her character the black tradition of double-speak and "signifying," West also may have hinted at her own African-American ancestry and the phenomenon of a black woman passing for white. This absolutely fascinating study is the first comprehensive, interpretive account of Mae West's life and work. It reveals a beloved icon as a radically subversive artist consciously creating her own complex image.

Customer Reviews:

PC slant backfires.......2007-03-19

The book itself is tediously written, as others have stated already, but the politically correct issue of "did she have negro blood" backfires. It's incredibly racist to assume that a white woman could not be sexual in an earthy way and love rhythm & blues unless she had negro blood. That falls under the category of "all blacks are good dancers" and "all whites are uptight" and other such nonsense. The argument of "What's so wrong if she's a little black?" can easily be countered with "What's so wrong if she's all white?" Mae West did not fit the stereotype of a white woman of her era, so people are trying to find some small trace of "something" which can justify cramming her into a comfortable stereotype. She was sensual and bawdy, well then, she must be black because God Forbid a genuine white woman behave that way. She made people uncomfortable back then and she's making people uncomfortable now. Mae West is an original and she's still stirring up controversy, which I'm sure she'd be delighted about. But if you want a good book about her, read Simon Louvish's book instead.

Mae West As Technicolor Goddess.......2006-11-24

In her biography of Mae West, "An Icon in Black And White, Ms Watts makes a valiant attempt to connect West's appropriation of African American idioms to her possible black roots. While Ms Watts may be on shaky ground, there is no disputing the fact that Mae West borrowed liberally from Black culture in creating her unique persona.
West's personal life mirrored her respect for African Americans and she evidently enjoyed the company of people from a broad range of cultural and sexual backgrounds as friends and associates. Unfortunately, Ms Watts examination of West often comes across as a university text book, which it appears to be.
During the past ten years, I have been researching a ribald biography on the 'stimulatin' but nevah irritatin'' Miss West entitled SAINT MAE: OUR LADY OF HIPS & QUIPS, and I am presently seeking a publisher. While extensively interviewing the men involved in her life, a previously hidden side of Mae's personality is unmasked and she comes alive through their stories. Her tough vixen image was considerably softened in the company of the friends she held in high esteem. Surprisingly, Miss West was more comfortable socializing with colorful, offbeat characters than the Hollywood crowd.
Ms Watts' examination of Mae West proves to be an entertaining read. One thought to ponder, although Mae West once appeared on the vaudeville stage as a man, she was sensitive enough never to appear in blackface and undo the behind the scene assistance she gave her fellow African American coharts.

YES, AN ICON!.......2005-03-20

When you tell the truth, people will be angry. Yes it is true that there is no real proof about Mae West, but I have had people insist that I had caucasian blood in my family tree. I look in the mirror from time to time and wonder why this was but I am now starting to see it to a degree. It is not that this or that person have this or that blood, but the truth is that we are made of one blood. That is the unique thing about the human race.

I hope that this book becomes a #one saler to help people understand the genome project. I did not purchase this book to read about Mae West's genetic make-up, but to learn more about her fantastic mystical style!

There is one thing that bothers me. Her movies tend to show racial inequalities. But this is the characteristic of 30's movies.

Amazon Reviewers Can't Read.......2004-01-05

Amazon customers' reviews of this book are as fascinating as the book itself. I'm amazed at how many people appear unable to understand what they read. Contrary to several reviewers' indignant claims, Jill Watts does *not* argue that Mae West was part black. Her meticulously-researched book carefully separates speculation from fact, and she states early and clearly that there is simply not enough information to settle the question of West's racial background. She then asserts that it doesn't matter whether West did or did not have African-American ancestry. What *does* matter is how West handled issues of racial identity in her writing and in her personal and professional performances. Watts' analysis reveals a woman who was, for her time, a strong champion of African-Americans and who was also deeply ambivalent about racial roles and identities. This book is more than a biography; it is also study of the social constructions of race, class, and gender in general and of the persona of "Mae West" in particular.

I suspect that the readers who are so outraged at the idea that West may have been part-black find issues of race personally disturbing. (As one reviewer asked, why does it matter so intensely to some people that Mae be all-white?) The dismissive readers probably also came to the book expecting a standard Hollywood-style star story rather than an academic analysis. Perhaps because the book took a different approach than they expected, they didn't read very carefully.

In terms of the text itself, it has the strengths I've already noted: it's carefully researched, thoughtful, and does a great deal more than simply detail a star's life. However, in exploring her thesis, Watts is often repetitive and is sometimes guilty of trying far too hard to make her case. Also, because she wants to portray West as a positive force in subverting traditional definitions of gender and class, Watts often downplays or excuses West's sometimes demanding, hurtful, temperamental behavior. It would have been more intellectually honest to acknowledge West's flaws more fully.

Overall, an informative, interesting book.

Author is trying to make money off of lies.......2003-12-24

Pure sensationalism! It's like reading the National Enquirer. The author has jumped on the "he/she was part-black bandwagon" in a feeble attempt to make a buck.
Hey, I got an idea... I will write a book claiming that Robert DeNiro must of had a black grandma because he only dates dark skinned women!
Skim thru it at the library and you will agree.

Average customer rating:

Mae West: An Icon in Black and White
Jill Watts
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKKK42

Average customer rating:

Mae West: An Icon in Black and White
Jill Watts
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKB97Y

Book Description

Gemstones of the World is truly the single volume that every hobbyist, jeweler, jewelry maker, and rockhound needs: it’s the cornerstone of the field. And this updated edition contains a host of new findings on “Gemstones for Collectors,” additional gems in the “Table of Constants,” and the “double fraction” figures that experts have long wanted—a very special new feature.

All the gemstones are treated in their many variations: more than 1,500 full-color photos showcase each precious and semiprecious stone in both its rough, natural, and its polished and cut renditions. Each entry offers complete information on the gemstone’s formation, structure, physical properties, and characteristics, along with the best methods of working, cutting, and polishing it. There are even full treatments of lesser-known gems, from andalusite to vesuvian, and a special section is devoted to rocks as precious stones, including alabaster, onyx, obsidian, and fossils. Organic gem materials are also covered, such as coral, ivory, amber, and pearl. Charts and tables help collectors identify unknown gemstones and check for genuineness.

Customer Reviews:

Gemstones of the world.......2007-09-21

This is a very informative book with some good pictures, especially for the beginner who is learnig about gemstones. I read and reference it often. I am very pleased with this book and I look forward to using it for a long time.

Gemstones of the World.......2007-09-12

I use it all the time. It has answered all of my questions. Great book.

Great book, tiny print..........2007-08-31

I so want to read this book but every time I try I get a headache because the print is so tiny, and that is with my reading glasses on. Otherwise a very interesting book!

Best overall gemstone book ever.......2007-08-08

I bought the 2001 edition several years ago and found it indispensable at the jewelry store where I worked. Now that I'm getting into the nitty gritty of the Graduate Gemologist program at the GIA, I'm quite pleased to find an updated version available. I expect I'll be taking this to school with me to replace several large, ungainly lab manuals that haunt my desk.

This book makes a great cornerstone for any gem library. I own many gem guides and encyclopedias twice the size and weight of this while containing considerably less information. This one has the most complete collection of information and pictures I've seen anywhere at an astonishingly diminutive size. If you plan to buy only one gem book in your lifetime, I highly recommend this one.

Gemstone trader's bible.......2007-07-28

I dabble in gemstones - buying and selling from Brazil, Colombia and other countries. Schumann's book is a bible - an essential reference with a very accessable layout, excellent and concise information. Rarely do I need to seek other sources when researching stones.

Average customer rating:

Definitely among the best
Gemstones of the World
Professor of Gemology aka Jasper
Outstanding Reference!!!
What the others did not say...

Gemstones of the World, Revised Edition
Walter Schumann
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0806994614

Book Description

With a million copies in print, here comes an even larger, more up-to-date version of the most complete reference book ever published on the subject. All the gemstones ever discovered are treated in their many variations. More than 1,500 full-color photos showcase each precious and semiprecious stone in all its singular glory--in both its rough natural state and its polished and cut renditions. Each entry offers complete information on a gemstone's formation and structure, physical properties and characteristics, methods of working, cutting, and polishing. Learn about the best known, including amethyst and diamond. Find full treatments of lesser-known gems, from andalusite to vesuvian. A special section is devoted to rocks as precious stones, including alabaster, onyx, obsidian, and fossils. Organic gem materials are also covered, such as coral, ivory, amber, and pearl, plus new on the market stones like charcoite. Everything is covered, including imitations, synthetics, and combined stones. Charts and tables help you identify unknown gemstones and, when you're in the market, how to check for genuineness. This is truly the ultimate one-volume book every hobbyist, jeweler, jewelry maker and rockhound will ever need!

"Invaluable to rockhounds of all ages."--Science Teacher.

"One of the 100 outstanding Sci-Tech books of the year."--Library Journal.

"Anyone interested in minerals and gems will want a copy of this beautifully-illustrated book."--Science Books & Films.

Customer Reviews:

Definitely among the best.......2007-05-24

This is the best book for gemstone I ever have. It's very detail and compact information without too much bla... bla... bla...

Gemstones of the World.......2006-11-10

A great travel guide for those buying/looking at gemstones, lots of visual id's...well worth price.

Professor of Gemology aka Jasper.......2006-06-23

This book is excellent for everyone. Perfect combination of words and pictures. The things I found to be useful are the descriptions for each gemstone and they have a list of what each gemstone may possibly be confused with. They also give you alternative names for gemstones and the history of the name with its meaning. If you are interested in gemstones this is the book for you.

Outstanding Reference!!!.......2006-06-16

I use this book constantly as a reference in my hobby. It not only has complete descriptions of the gemstones, but the color pictures are marvelous and include not just one, but MANY pictuers of the gemstones in the rough, polished and cut states. You will be glad you purchased this book.

What the others did not say..........2005-11-25

I am going to leave out any helpful information given by the previous reviews, and say what impressed me most about this fantastic little guide. Its size is perfect, the hardback made me happy because it arrived just after another field guide (petersons) which fell apart, losing pages when I first looked into it, and this book looks like it will endure for some time, so yeah! for quality of workmanship, and there are layers and layers of information in this referance.

While scanning it I found on page 142 a very quick yet in-depth study of Layered Stones, and I will say that I was very interested to see the way a (true) cameo was formed and that cameos were once (perhaps still) fashioned from a stone of this sort, such as an agate, and that the base layer of a cameo is dyed while the uppermost portion is left without dye resulting in the two tone effect rather than the stone being two differing stones. What a pleasent surprise! So, you would not need to worry of losing the carved portion from just such a piece, because they were made from the same stone. There is on the opposite page a pictoral step by step illustration of the craft in photos. Also the creation of a cameo is explained so neatly at the bottom caption of this page, in 9 easy steps.

Other things to referance on the same page: Layer Stones, Onyx, Sard onyx, Cornelian onyx, Niccolo,& Intaglio.

I will try to add some pictures for you all, later on, from my books, (the ones I review) on stones gems and fossils. See my other reviews for additional great book referances.

This book has the most information thus far where mining is concerned. Very helpful to me,as I do not always know which way to go with the ethical issues on mining, anyway... and still I am curious about various methods and their effects on the environment. But I love what we bring forth from these fissures and landscapes.
This guide is just so loaded with illustrations! There are so many wonderful pictures, some of people doing their mining work and also with those who cut polish and that sort of thing (drill, color, engrave, polish) nice added touch.

Healing is included in a small section near the end of this guide book as well. Since this is one of my particular interests I was happy to see it.

And so from drilling to healing this guide is quite complete.
There seems to be a page of pictures of stones (mostly faceted and ready for jewelry) for every written page. Left side, the writing, and right side, gorgeous pictures... of lots of stones! This seems to be the basic layout.

I am relishing each and every page of this book! I could go on but someone else will so... remember to see my other reviews for a few more gemstone books that are just really excellant, if you are at all into this sort of thing. I just love these kinds of books.

If I had waited, having had this book longer I would only have more great things to say, of this I am sure, I just could not wait to add a good review! I highly suggest this book!

Project Seek: Onassis, Kennedy, and the Gemstone Thesis

Average customer rating:

Why didn't I read this years ago?
Excellent research on a vital view of U.S. History by a great journalist
Wonderful supplemental research for Gemstone File history
Excellent
PROJECT SEEK: Important New Information

Project Seek: Onassis, Kennedy, and the Gemstone Thesis
Gerald A. Carroll
Manufacturer: Global Insights Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0964010402

Customer Reviews:

Why didn't I read this years ago?.......2007-09-01

I just recieved this book some days ago and I just cannot put it down (well you know what I mean). It is VERY well constructed, and previous knowledge of the "Gemstone Files" and connected theories (I see them as truths) need not be a requirement for this reading. This is in NO way to undermind/understate this superb book. I have shown it to people who know little or nothing of the Onassis-Kennedy connection conspiracy, how even just reading the introduction sparked intrest in some of the most non-believers I know (or have talked to about these subjects). This is a true 5 star book... If any of the subject matter makes you wonder, question or as I said just spark some interest. Get this book! Other popular books on the Gemstone Files are also worthy reading... The full Gemstone Files will be released soon, and all the skeptics that still believe that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone will be in for a BIG surprise. The Kennedys were right on, dismantle the CIA, crack down on mob activity (well infused within the CIA) and get the United States of America back on a rightous track. Something we are suffering from since the "cold-war" and the "arms-race"...to today with the Bush (let's kill more people and lie to the American public) USA I feel so ashamed to be a part of. But I am only a man, a civilian, who feels he deserves to know the truth like the rest of the America and the world should. I am not a patriot at all (at least not in the right-wing way), I do love the USA and our country. This is why these books that reveal how corrupt our government is, and globally connected to other countries for well, POWER SUPREME are SO important. The couragious people who revealed these hidden truths, are primarily dead and from "suspicious circumstances" are no conincidence... Read for yourself. Be Aware, beware and be a "true" American. Big Brother is upon us and growing day by day. Project Seek is a great starting point for those seeking to piece the "Global Puzzle" together...piece by piece it will come out.

Peace everyone and I wish it was as simple as that...

Excellent research on a vital view of U.S. History by a great journalist.......2007-04-21

Gerald A. Carroll spent years researching the Gemstone File history, and produced the best volume of documentation and analysis yet available. Well written and great reading, reads like an excellent mystery story but it's all true.

Wonderful supplemental research for Gemstone File history.......2006-09-30

Gerald Carroll did a marvelous job of seeking out the truth behind the "Skeleton Key to the Gemstone File." With several hundred pages from Bruce Porter Roberts' original Gemstone papers published in "The Gemstone File - A Memoir", "Project Seek" is still an excellent, well-written and well-researched supplement for people who want to understand more about what has happened to our world over the last 50 years.

Excellent.......1998-12-11

I worked for Hughes during the time of the event described as his "kidnapping." At the time, the entire Staff on Romaine street was in a major uproar, ostensibly because of a "falling out" between Hughes and Noah Detrich. However, the behavior of some members of the staff subsequent to this event have convinced me that a great degree of truth is contained in Gemstone.

PROJECT SEEK: Important New Information.......1996-05-18

This thick new volume on the famous Gemstone Files is complete with additional research and photos. An extremely valuable book that looks into the roles of Howard Hughes, (Aristotle) Onassis, World War II conspiracies and the Kennedy assassinations in the light of a mysterious document known as the "Gemstone File.&quot

Average customer rating:

Gemstones of the World
Walter Schumann
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
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Gemstones of the World: Newly Revised & Expanded Third Edition

ASIN: B000LQH394

Gemstones of North America (v. 2: Gemstones of the world series)

Average customer rating:

Detailed compilation of discoveris of NA gemstones

Gemstones of North America (v. 2: Gemstones of the world series)
John Sinkankas
Manufacturer: Van Nostrand
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Prospecting & Mining | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Detailed compilation of discoveris of NA gemstones.......1999-08-31

This is an update featuring all new information which has come to light since vol. II was published in 1976. It is a detailed compilation of discoveries and occurrences of all North American gemstones.

The book is organized simply with a brief description of each stone followed by details from each geographical region in which it has been found. Detailed bibliographical references follow each entry, facilitating further study.

There is a dazzling section of 16 color plates highlighting the most spectacular recent discoveries. An array of heat-treated sapphire colors, precious opal, exquisite turquoise & a beautiful elephant tourmaline carving are featured.

Product Description

This deck features full-color illustrations created exclusively for this special series, with a different gemstone on each card face.

Minerals & Gemstones of the World (A naturetrek guide)

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Minerals & Gemstones of the World (A naturetrek guide)
G. Brocardo
Manufacturer: David & Charles UK
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Rocks & Minerals | Field Guides | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

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All gemstones are precious: An introduction to the world of jewels

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All gemstones are precious: An introduction to the world of jewels
Joan Frank
Manufacturer: Model and Allied Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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Foredestined Summer / Fires of War and Winter, Autumn in Cranky Otter Series I & II

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Foredestined Summer / Fires of War and Winter, Autumn in Cranky Otter Series I & II
C.J. Winters
Manufacturer: Hard Shell Word Factory
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0759947929

Product Description

Foredestined Summer: In 1920, Swift, an American Indian raised in a white family on a Wisconsin farm, is accustomed to his non-white status. Then he reveals his love for Aurie, his blonde neighbor. Although the psychic Aurie reciprocates his feelings, Fate intervenes, separating the lovers and setting them on different paths to maturity and union. Fires of War and Winter: In 1942, with her fiancé overseas, clear-headed Melany is mesmerized by a charming Free Czech Army sergeant. Gifted with gypsy sight, Daniel "sees" in Melany his future wife and the mother of his children. As Melany discovers her own psychic gift through gemstones, the darkness of war descends, altering her future.

Average customer rating:

From the world of gemstones
Hermann Bank
Manufacturer: Pinguin-Verlag
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007AIA9G

Customer Reviews:

Managin Across Cultures.......2007-02-19

The book was received in good decision and within the time promised of two days.

expand your horizon.......2006-03-15

This book is great for those who are interested in comparative management. I liked it a lot and it was very useful for me because it provides lots of concrete examples of different management styles of various cultures. It made me understand and overcome some of my prejudices regarding different cultures of which I had created a certain image and it made me realize that most of the times what we assume about a different culture is wrong. It was a good read and I will certainly think twice from now on before judging people who think differently than me.

Managing Across Cultures.......2000-06-25

Susan C. Schneider and Jean-Louis Barsoux do an outstanding job of covering a very complex subject. Their extremely comprehensive chapters will please the researcher and manager alike. They are well written, avoiding academic jargon, while at the same time providing all the references a reader wanting more information on any topic may need.

The three sections of the book are logically laid out. Part one gives necessary background on the meaning of Culture. First, it debunks a dangerous assumption: that business is business and cultures are converging, thus reducing the need for cultural sophistication on the part of a manager. They clearly demonstrate that Cultural differences are alive and well and have a significant impact on business. Then they go on to discuss different cultural dimensions and how countries differ from, or are similar to, each other along them.

In Part 2 of the book the authors demonstrate how Culture affects the organization, its strategy and human resource management practices. This is must reading for strategists and HR managers and anyone who wants to have a big picture understanding of the interaction of culture & business.

The final Part of the book focuses on the actual management of cultural differences. It was my favorite. Particularly, the chapters devoted to the 'international manager' and the 'multicultural team'. I have read extensively on the two topics and was very impressed by the depth and breadth of the discussion and the authors' ability to address all the relevant issues of two complex topics briefly and clearly. I found these chapters an extremely valuable overview of what we know on both topics.

The book ends with an overview of organization strategies for managing cultures differences: ignore, minimize, or utilize. The material in this chapter is equally applicable to global cultural differences and to domestic management of diversity. The authors wrap up the book with a coherent discussion of business ethics and social responsibility in a global-economy.

An excellent book. I recommend it highly to anyone doing international work today. (Which is practically everyone...)

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