Life

Book competition: Explore the story of redheads

Red: A Natural History of the Redhead 
Red: A Natural History of the Redhead  Red: A Natural History of the Redhead 

With the summer a distant memory, how about settling down with a captivating autumn read?

Described as a "fascinating social and cultural celebration of a rich and mysterious genetic quirk", Red: A Natural History of the Redhead by Jacky Colliss Harvey is a New York Times best seller.

`Red’ is the first book to explore the history of red hair and red-headedness throughout the world.

The author begins tracing the redhead gene in prehistory as it made its way out of Africa with the early human diaspora, only to emerge under Northern skies.

She goes on to explore red hair in the ancient world, from China to the Islamic kingdom of the Khazars, the prejudice manifested against red hair across medieval Europe, and red hair during the Renaissance as both an indicator of Jewishness and the height of fashion in Protestant England, thanks to Elizabeth I.

Colliss Harvey also examines depictions of red hair in art and literature.

I have five copies of Red: A Natural History of the Redhead to give away.

If you fancy winning a copy, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com

Closing date for entries is Tuesday, October 6 at 12 Noon.

(Q) Who wrote Red: A Natural History of the Redhead?

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