The American Barbershop: A Closer Look at a Disappearing Place [Paperback]

Mic Hunter (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Author/photographer Hunter offers statistics showing that the traditional all-male barbershop is headed the way of the mom-and-pop grocery. But he will not allow it to go gently, mixing his own reminiscences and those of scores of barbers with his insights as a psychologist, the lore of hair and haircutting, and 100 photographs to illuminate this vanishing institution. To Hunter, the barbershop is a place where men can meet and interact on an equal and informal basis and where observant boys can learn to be men. Having spent time in traditional barbershops, this reviewer might question their appropriateness as teachers of gender behavior. But Hunter's book remains enjoyable reading. Not essential, but recommended for collections of Americana and where budgets permit.?Jim G. Burns, Ottumwa, Ia.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

The American Barbershop: A Closer Look At A Disappearing Place is a loving portrait of congenial barbers, the comfortably massive chairs, the red & white striped poles, the ways of the shop and its long-time customers. Interspersed with one hundred b/w photos is an engaging text that celebrates the folklore of barbers, hairstyles, haircuts, beards, baldness, and more. The American Barbershop reveals some amazing bits of information such as the first owner's manual for haircutting tools was carved in hieroglyphics in a pyramid, early Christians believed wigs would prevent God's blessing from descending on the wearer, and that laughing may cause baldness! The American Barbershop celebrates the hidden wonders of these small mainstreet establishments with their unassuming exteriors, cluttered interiors, and friendly barbers. The American Barbershop is a monument to a pervasive bit of traditional Americana which is now, like the broader society, is undergoing change and may well pass into nostalgia and memory. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 175 pages
• Publisher: Face to Face Books; 1st edition (June 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883953146
• ISBN-13: 978-1883953140
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #720,089 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Mic Hunter holds Minnesota licenses as a Psychologist, and Marriage and Family Therapist. He has been sought out by the print and broadcast media for interviews over 150 times including Oprah, CNN, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. He has spoken throughout North America to professional audiences and the general public over 300 times. He has presented at the meetings of the American Association Of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists, the Society for the Scientific Study of Sex, the American Psychological Association, and Male Survivor. He has been invited to give eight keynote addresses. He has served as a reviewer for The Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, The Journal of Men's Studies, The Journal of Interpersonal Violence, and Violence Against Women. He is a recipient of the Fay Honey Knopp Memorial Award, given by the National Organization on Male Sexual Victimization, "For recognition of his contributions to the field of male sexual victimization treatment and knowledge." In 2007 the Board of Directors of Male Survivor announced the creation of The Mic Hunter Award For Research Advances. Dr. Hunter, for whom the award was named, became the first recipient. It was given to him for his "ceaseless pursuit of knowledge about male sexual abuse in all its occurrences, of the eloquent dissemination of new knowledge in this area, and of the stimulation for further study and concern about revealing, treating and preventing male sexual abuse." In addition to articles, Mic is the author, co-author, or editor of eight books including Abused Boys: The Neglected Victims of Sexual Abuse, The Sexually Abused Male Volumes I & II, Child Victims & Perpetrators Of Sexual Abuse, Adult Survivors Of Sexual Abuse: Treatment Innovations, Honor Betrayed: Sexual Abuse In America's Military, The Ethical Use of Touch in Psychotherapy, and The American Barbershop: A Closer Look At A Disappearing Place.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars The American Barbershop, May 10, 2011

By 

Martha G. Beatty (Belfast, Tn. United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The American Barbershop: A Closer Look at a Disappearing Place (Paperback)

The only critism I find about this book is the unhandy physical form (wider than length) making it difficult to handle and read, and the glossy paper, which presents a glare. The book itself is a collectors item of a disappearing tradition.I especially enjoyed the trek across America as the author looked at all the different shops and photographed them. It had special meaning to me. As the widow of a barber, I could relate to stories the barbers had to tell.