Speaking Volumes | Explore body image at library

The idea of "beauty" and what constitutes the perfect body or perfect face is not a recent idea. Throughout history, these standards have changed.

In Ancient Greece, a fuller figure was more desirable; during the Victorian Era in England, women wore tight corsets to create and emphasize an hourglass shape. Thanks to celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, the Golden Age of Hollywood ushered in a new era of the ideal body shape: curvier shapes with a slim waist.

By the 1960's, Twiggy and very slim women became the epitome of glamour and little had changed in the way of that until very recently.

With growing concern over body image and how the constant insistence of an "ideal type" affects girls, women, and increasingly even boys and men, many big name companies have embraced every-body campaigns in their marketing.

The public library serves as a great resource for more information about body image. Louise L. Hay's book, "Love Your Body a Positive Affirmation Guide for Loving and Appreciating Your Body," relays the message of self-worth and self-esteem, and is available for download as an eBook on the hoopla database.

"Getting Real" by Gretchen Carlson, a memoir written by the FOX news anchor and former Miss America, candidly discusses the issues of body image and encourages women to have the courage to be themselves.

"Body of Truth: How Science, History, and Culture Drive our Obsession with Weight -- and What We Can Do About It" by Harriet Brown explores the changing attitudes regarding body image over the decades and our cultural obsession with weight and beauty. All of these titles, and more, are available for check out from your local, award-winning Manatee County public library.

Speaking Volumes, written by Manatee County Public Library System staff members, is published each Sunday. Kimberly Barbour is a librarian at the Rocky Bluff Library. You may access the library at mymanatee.org/library.

This story was originally published May 6, 2016 at 6:06 PM with the headline "Speaking Volumes | Explore body image at library ."