Ding Dong! Avon Calling!: The Women and Men of Avon Products, Incorporated

The Avon Lady acquired iconic status in twentieth century American culture. This first history of Avon tells the story of a direct sales company that was both a giant in its industry and a kitchen-table entrepreneurial venture.

With their distinctive greeting at the homes across the country—Ding Dong! Avon Calling!—sales ladies brought door-to-door sales of makeup, perfume, and other products to American women beginning in 1886. Working for the company enabled women to earn money on the side...