African-American male style is a dynamic, diverse expression of what works. Men of color are trend setters who carry tradition in their hip pockets. Black men keep style moving.

That's the message of "Men of Color: Fashion, History, Fundamentals", written by Lloyd Boston. In his first book, Boston offers 10 chapters on areas of dress such as The Suit, The Pant, The Shirt, The Hair, and The Details. Each chapter offers a look back to show how style has changed.

Within each chapter are celebrity interviews with stars such as Samuel L. Jackson, Jesse Jackson, Gregory Hines and LL Cool J., and each chapter includes information from leaders in the field of style, including Tommy Hilfiger and Martin Cooper of Burberry's of London.

Using images, story and history, Boston shows how men of color have used their dress as an expression of the self, even when this was prevented by society's rules. From the oversized industrial sportswear inspired by and worn in solidarity with incarcerated brothers, to the classic, bow-tied slim suit adopted as the unofficial uniform of the Nation of Islam, the style has reflected certain social climates.

Boston documents the effect black men have had on fashion, from the timeless elegance of Nat King Cole, the sophistication of Sydney Poitier, the colorful comfort of Bill Cosby and the undeniable sex appeal of Denzel Washington. At the same time, he offers tips on how to create a fashionable and original outfit. "Men of Color: Fashion, History, Fundamentals" gives hindsight to the black man's past and a clear picture of his future. The publisher is Artisan Books; publication is set for October.

Lloyd Boston is vice-president for art direction at the Tommy Hilfiger clothing label. He began in 1990 at Tommy Hilfiger as an intern.

A tale of a giraffe's travels

Michael Allin's small book "Zarafa" tells an entertaining and true tale of a giraffe's travel in 1826 from central Africa to the bustling city of Paris. The giraffe was a present from the royalty of Egypt, Muhammed Ali, Ottoman Viceroy, to King Charles X.

Two giraffes, Zarafa and Salt, were captured when young and tamed for the journey to France. But Zarafa was healthier than Salt, and the final decision was for Zarafa to be the royal gift.

The giraffe and its party traveled to Alexandria by boat -- most likely on the ship's deck -- living among the cabins and masts. Zarafa traveled 3,500 miles up the Nile and across the Mediterranean to Marseille, France. From there, Zarafa was walked to Paris. Allin's account shows how people were in awe of the unusual animal, and how they documented the giraffe's arrival.

Not only does "Zarafa" tell a giraffe's story, but it offers a historical account of world events during the giraffe's life, including Europe and Africa's discovery of each other.

Michael Allin is a writer who lives in East Hampton, New York. The publisher is Walker and Co.; publication is scheduled for August.

Everything you wanted to know about the Three Stooges

Readers may laugh when they see the cover of Robert Kurson's "The Official Three Stooges Encyclopedia: The Ultimate Knucklehead's Guide to Stoogedom," which is decorated with the faces of Samuel, Moses and Jerome Horwitz -- three men better known worldwide as Larry, Moe and Curly.

"No eye goes unpoked, no face stays unslapped. This a Stooge fan's dream," said comedian Martin Short.

"A must-have for anyone who has ever pondered the perfect pronunciation of 'N'yuk, n'yuk, n'yuk,' or drove teachers and girlfriend crazy with Moe's much-uttered threat, 'Why I oughta ...', offered Lou Diamond Phillips. "Come to think of it, this masterpiece might finally bring women closer to understanding why guys just love the stooges."

The stooges -- one of America's most famous comedy teams -- produced 190 short films and six feature films. Kurson's book organizes the people, places, jokes and routines for which the various Stooges are known. The 364-page book includes biographies of each stooge and entries categorized by film, film synopses, category and gags. For example, "Forgiveness -- Immutable Stooges Law #20: If Moe says he forgives you, the worst is yet to come." The book contains 140 photographs and film stills.

Robert Kurson is a 1990 graduate of Harvard Law School and is the entertainment reporter for the "Chicago Sun Times". He has nurtured a particular love for the antics and language of the Three Stooges since the age of five. The publisher of "The Official Three Stooges Encyclopedia: The Ultimate Knucklehead's Guide to Stoogedom" is Contemporary Books.

I love Ethel

Everyone loves Lucy, but what about Ethel?

Vivian Vance, who played Ethel Mertz in the "I Love Lucy" show, had a career of her own before joining the show at Desi Arnaz's request -- and against Lucy's wishes!

Authors Alvin Walker and Frank Castelluccio walk the reader through Vance's life, from her dream of becoming a glamorous actress to the personal differences that would later arise between her and Lucille Ball. The book offers humorous stories of her climb to the top, included her work with actors such as Jimmy Durante, Ethel Merman, and Bob Hope.

"The Other Side of Ethel Mertz", an autumn offering from KIT, Inc. publishers, reveals Vance as not the happy-go-lucky Ethel but a frustrated and unhappy Vivian who had to turn adversity into satisfaction. The woman behind the scenes worked her way through family and marital problems and also dealt with depression. In the end, the book shows how a woman put her own desires aside and helped create a classic of American television.

"The Other Side of Ethel Mertz" is 300 pages and contains 50 black and white photographs. The publisher is KIT, Inc.; publication is scheduled for October.

Understanding and controlling a man

Harrison Forrest's "For Women Only: How To Control A Man," is aimed at all women -- married or unmarried -- who would like to understand men better. Forrest says there is a smarter way to control a man than the age-old tactics women may have been using.

According to Forrest, a woman's "control" produces more positive results in a relationship. He delves into the nature of man and his behavior. Readers learn about the first "five minutes of truth" on a first date, and "the pyramid law" of finding the right man.

Forrest, born of European parents, says he has always had a fascination with the relationships between men and women. He says he began studies on men and their relationships with women, and was encouraged to write his book after a series of discussions held with a group of his wife's single friends. Publisher is Amingway Publishing.

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