In this fascinating insight to the world of the mullet the authors examine all areas of the phenomenon.

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Product Description

The mullet-cut is a style in which the hair is short at the front coupled with a long mane at the back. Popular in the 1980s, entering the zeitgeist and becoming the hairstyle to have, the mullet is now in decline. The authors examine all areas of the phenomenon, from mullets in pop to advertising.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #329157 in Books
• Published on: 1999-11-17
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
In the post-war years of the 20th century fashions came and went but some managed to cross the boundaries of time refusing to disappear into style oblivion. The mini-skirt, flared trousers, polka dots, all politely meandered in and out of fashion--happy to be described as "retro", pleased to make a comeback for a season, resigned to stay cupboard bound for years at a time. Hairstyles have behaved in the same way: feathered cuts, fringes, bobs with varying angles all stepping into the spotlight on cue and then disappearing until next time. Of course to every rule there is the exception and, in this case, it is a hairstyle known as "The Mullet".

The Mullet is a bi-level compromise of a coiffeur saluted by Mike Larson and Barney Hoskyns as a timeless phenomenon which can be traced back to prehistoric times. This light-hearted celebration follows the mullet's popularity among ancient civilisations, its revival in the late Eighteenth Century (as evidenced in Gainsborough's Blue Boy) through to the rock era of the Twentieth Century. Little did anyone know that David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust look would begin a mullet-mania which was destined to reach its pinnacle in the 1980's--anyone who was anyone in the world of rock music, sport and fashion wore a mullet of some kind and this book contains ample (damning) photographic proof of its popularity. Famous mullet-heads featured here include Jason Donovan, Glenn Hoddle, Barry White and Patrick Swayze.

The book adopts a knowing, ironic tone throughout its textual commentary and is made up largely of whimsical features such as a Mullet Man cartoon strip and Mulletinboard--an agony page for bi-levellers with a problem. This is a fun and playful present to give to anyone who wears their mullet with pride. --Nicola Hollins

About the Author
Rock historian Barney Hoskyns is the author of nine books including SAY IT ONE TIME FOR THE BROKENHEARTED, PRINCE: IMP OF THE PERVERSE, FROM A WHISPER TO A SCREAM: THE GREAT VOICES OF POPULAR MUSIC and ACROSS THE GREAT DIVIDE: THE BAND AND AMERICA. He has written for numerous music publications such as NME, MOJO, as well as THE TIMES, VOGUE, ARENA, the NEW STATESMAN and the INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY. He lives in London.

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Customer Reviews

definitely the best
This is the only book that provides both an historic and sociologic study about the rise of the mulet, coming back to its origin: the Egyptian pharaon hair cut. According to its author on a recent interview on Channel 4, Chris Waddle missed its penalty in semi-final of the world cut 1990 because Paul Gascoigne cut his mullet just the day before the game. The mullet had definitely a strong impact on the recent history of british football, that may have won the US world cup. Too bad however that the author concentrates its thesis on the english and US "mulleted" people (David Bowie, Jon Bon Jovi, football players) , since France has also given many excellent mullet case studies: Patrick Sebastien, Jeanne Mas, Jean Castaneda

Business at the front, party at the back!
A hilarious illustrated history of the Neckwarmer, or whatever you call yours.... One complaint though: Where is Roger Waters, ex-Pink Floyd mullet-boy? Yes he was one, from 1987 to 1993. Even Nick Mason and Rick Wright were Prog-Mullet-boys in the 80s. I really think there should be a 2nd edition, re(hair)dressing these omissions. As it is, this is a hugely enjoyable tome about the style everybody secretly adores, but wouldn't want their significant others to sport. A joyous, ridiculous pleasure!

An in depth guide in Mulletology...
Emerging from me local hair dressers (Giorgio's) I realised to my horror that the length of the back of my hair was disproportionate to the front........To my horror I realised I had gone the way of the Hoddle....the way of a wrestler, Hulk Hogan stylie. Ho hum but on flicking through this book I realised that I was part of an elite group of men (and women...?) to have this exceptional hair style. This book undoubtedly redeemed my enthusiasm for the mullet. Loads of pics of celebs with mullets as well as an interesting piece on the history of the mullet. Book good....very good....