Lena Horne: Goddess Reclaimed

From Donald Bogle, the award-winning author of Hollywood Black and leading authority on Black cinema history, this is a first-of-its-kind comprehensive and lavish biography of Hollywood’s first African American movie goddess.

Lena Horne’s life and career are truly remarkable in American film history. She was the first Black performer to become a true star—to receive the kind of glamour treatment at the fabled MGM that the studio had previously given to the likes of Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow, Lana Turner, and Ava Gardner. At the same time, Horne dealt with endless indignities, not the least of which was the fact that her roles in films was often as a musical performer, which allowed her numbers to be easily stripped out of films without affecting the narrative when played to audiences that would find her presence undesirable.​

At long last, Lena Horne: Goddess Reclaimed gives the star her due. Through a highly informed and insightful narrative based on interviews, press accounts, studio archives, and decades of research, the book sheds new light on the star's compelling life and complicated career: her activism; her accomplishments and heady triumphs in movies, television, and nightclubs as she broke down long-standing barriers for Black individuals—especially Black women—and her solemn, sometimes bitter disappointments, both professional and personal. Illustrated by stunning photos (some published for the first time), this is the ultimate book on the icon.

PRACTICAL INTERIOR DECOR GUIDE: Packed with useful tips to help hone your taste and build your confidence, Living Bright is a hands-on tool for boldly decorating any space, large or small.

REFRESHING APPROACH TO HOME DECORATING: A timely post-pandemic pick-me-up, this book makes the case for banishing beige in favor of joyful interiors that will lift your mood.

POPULAR EXPERT AUTHOR: Williamson engages regularly with his nearly 300k Instagram followers, answering their interior design and decor questions. This beautiful, giftable volume collates everything he's learned about decorating with color.print