Looking for Miss America: A Pageant's 100-Year Quest to Define Womanhood

Looking for Miss America is a captivating narrative history that delves into the evolution of the iconic pageant, from its inception in 1921 to the present day.

Margot Mifflin's meticulously researched book sheds light on the pageant's rich history, highlighting memorable contestants, protests, and scandals that have shaped this American ritual. From Yolande Betbeze, who refused to pose in swimsuits, to Vanessa Williams, the first black winner who faced death threats, Mifflin's book showcases how women have used the pageant as a platform for both economic advancement and cultural change.

The author also examines the excluded groups, including women of color, who were only crowned in the 1980s after Rule Seven was retired. With vivid chapters that unpack each decade of the pageant, Looking for Miss America offers a rigorously researched and engaging account of this enduring institution.

Whether you're a history buff, a feminist, or simply a fan of the pageant, this book is sure to captivate and inspire.

So why wait? Get your copy today and discover the fascinating story behind America's most iconic beauty pageant!