Book cover of Black is Beautiful: A Philosophy of Black Aesthetics

Book description

Black is Beautiful identifies and explores the most significant philosophical issues that emerge from the aesthetic dimensions of black life, providing a long-overdue synthesis and the first extended philosophical treatment of this crucial subject.
The first extended philosophical treatment of an important subject that has been almost entirely neglected by…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Black is Beautiful as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I don’t know how many times I referred to chapters of this book in my lectures. And I don’t know how many times my students asked for more. But this is not an academia-only kind of affair.

Taylor’s book is an intelligent, curious, and meticulous investigation into all there is to love, appreciate, and discover about black aesthetics. He moves from black hair and Black Panther to questions of identity and intersectional debates. I’ll keep assigning it, and I’ll keep reading it.

From Laura's list on people who overthink their look.

If you love Black is Beautiful...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like Black is Beautiful?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Black is Beautiful.

Browse books like Black is Beautiful

Book cover of Fashion Criticism: An Anthology
Book cover of Directed by Dorothy Arzner
Book cover of Dandy Lion: The Black Dandy and Street Style

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,366

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Black is Beautiful, you might also like...

Book cover of Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS

Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS by Amy Carney,

When I was writing this book, several of my friends jokingly called it the Nazi baby book, with one insisting it would make a great title. Nazi Babies – admittedly, that is a catchy title, but that’s not exactly what my book is about. SS babies would be slightly more…

Book cover of A Forgivable Indecision

A Forgivable Indecision by Shawn Jennings,

In 1913, a 15-year-old pregnant girl was found dead of apparent suicide. Dr. James Wilson, a new graduate and the first doctor ever to start a practice in this rural town, feels guilty over her death because of his delayed intervention.

He knows Bessie was raped by one of her…

5 book lists we think you will like!