Anna May Wong was not merely one of the most photographed women of her era; she remains one of the most intriguing figures in Hollywood’s storied past. A self-made icon in a time when opportunities for women of color were scarce, Wong recognized the significance of visual representation. If the media overlooked her, she sought out avant-garde photographers to capture her image. When film roles leaned into stereotypes, she elevated them to the level of performance art.

The Anna May Wong Compendium: From May to Zahrat serves as the first A-to-Z reference dedicated solely to the life, legacy, and imagery of this remarkable actress. Each entry offers a glimpse into Wong’s universe—spanning her film and television roles and public persona to rare photographs, memorabilia, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. With its diverse entries, this compendium provides a nuanced, engaging, and visually captivating homage that will resonate with film enthusiasts, cultural historians, collectors, and the expanding audience intrigued by Anna May Wong’s pioneering contributions.

Unlike conventional biographies, this compendium encourages exploration: readers can dive in from start to finish or navigate through it based on their interests. The entries delve into her cinematic endeavors (Acting, B-movies, Dragon Lady), offscreen activities (Activism, Autograph, Friendships), and lasting impact (Barbie, Quarter, Pop Art). It stands as both a tribute to an often-overlooked Hollywood pioneer and a vital corrective to the stereotypes that have shaped—and frequently misrepresented—her career.

This book occupies a unique niche in the literary landscape. Until now, no other work has amalgamated scholarly insights, memorabilia, and encyclopedic details about Anna May Wong into one easily accessible and visually appealing volume.

The following entries exemplify the tone, structure, and content style found within The Anna May Wong Compendium. Each entry is organized alphabetically and varies in length and focus—some spotlight Wong’s cinematic performances while others investigate her impact on pop culture or examine her personal artifacts and activism. The aim is to present an immersive collection of facts, visuals, and narratives that pay tribute to her diverse legacy.