Madam Walker—Entrepreneur - Bibliography
A Note Regarding Resources: Items are listed on this page that enhance work with the topic discussed. Some older items, especially, may include dated practices and ideas that are no longer generally accepted. Resources reflecting current practices are noted whenever possible
Selected resources pertaining to Madam Walker and black History in Indiana
The Indiana Junior Historian, February, 1992.
The February issue of this publication described the early years of Madam C. J. Walker’s personal and business life. There are many resources listed in the Apple of that issue.
Bundles, A’Lelia Perry. Madam C. J. Walker: Entrepreneur. New York: Chelsea House Publishers. 1991.
This is an excellent source on the life of Madam Walker written by her great, great-granddaughter. The book includes wonderful photographs and fascinating information. Written for intermediate and advanced elementary school readers; fast and easy reading for secondary school students and adults.
Goodman, Charles and Dalrymple, Helen. Advertising in America: The First 200 Years. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc. 1990.
Well-illustrated history for secondary school and adult readers.
Lathan, Charles, Jr. “Madam C. J. Walker & Company.” Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History. Summer 1989. Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 29-40.
This is a good, general article with excellent photographs.
Phillips, Clifton J. Indiana in Transition: The Emergence of an Industrial Commonwealth, 1880-1920. Indianapolis: Indiana Historical Bureau and Indiana Historical Society. 1968.
This is a basic reference for Indiana history in this time period.
Rowsome, Frank, Jr. They Laughed When I Sat Down: An Informal History of Advertising in Words and Pictures. New York: Bonanza Books. 1959.
This book includes wonderful illustrations and easy to read text.
Strasser, Susan. Satisfaction Guaranteed: The Making of the American Mass Market. New York: Pantheon. 1989.
An excellent source for secondary school and adult readers.
Other Sources of Interest
Two Dollars and a Dream.
This excellent 56 minute video on the life of Madam Walker is available free of charge from the Indiana Humanities Council, 317/638-1500.
Special thanks to Wilma Gibbs, Editor, Black History News and Notes, and Program Archivist, Indiana Historical Society, for her assistance and cooperation.
Special thanks to A’Lelia Perry Bundles for allowing The Indiana Junior Historian to use photographs in the Walker Collection.