The Many Faces of Josephine Baker: Dancer, Singer, Activist, Spy

With determination and audacity, Josephine Baker (1906-1975) turned her comic and musical abilities into becoming a worldwide icon of the Jazz Age. In this in-depth biography, the author follows Baker's life from her childhood in the depths of poverty to her comedic rise in vaudeville and fame in Europe. This biography covers her outspoken participation in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, espionage work for the French Resistance during World War II, and adoption of 12 children--her "rainbow tribe." Also included are informative sidebars on relevant topics such as the 1917 East St. Louis riot, Pullman railway porters, the Charleston, and more.