On Blondes

By Joanna Pitman

'Fascinating ...Pitman skillfully navigates the complicated history of our addiction to fair hair, skipping through the centuries with an elegant touch' Independent

'Riveting ... provocative ... ON BLONDES is ultimately a study of power-and powerlessness-between the sexes ... travelling undercover, this brunette produced a book which, like its subject, is wonderfully enlightening' Telegraph


In art and literature, in history and popular culture, blonde has never been a mere colour. For 2,500 years, it has been a blazing signal and around this obsession entire industries have developed, influential trends set. From Greek prostitutes mimicking the golden-haired Aphrodite, to the Californian beach babe; from pigeon-dung and saffron dyes to L'Oreal - because you're worth it - we see the lengths to which women will go to become blonde.

The power and duality of the blonde as either erotic symbol or saintly virgin waxes and wanes but never disappears. Weaving a story rich in anecdote, history and high intrigue, Joanna Pitman effortlessly combines the wealth of her knowledge with a sharp and clear-sighted view of the power of the blonde throughout the ages.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
• Release date: Dec 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781408863572

Joanna Pitman

Joanna Pitman was Tokyo correspondent for the Times (London) from 1990 to 1994. She is now the photography critic for The Times. She is the author of a previous book, On Blondes. She lives in London with her family.