Biography: arts and entertainment Books
Grand Central Publishing What Really Happens in Vegas
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£17.59
Grand Central Publishing What Would Dolly Do?: How to Be a Diamond in a
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£18.40
Grand Central Publishing Radiant: The Dancer, the Scientist, and a
Book Synopsis Part hidden history, part love letter to creative innovation, this is the 'imaginative and immersive' (The Star Tribune) true story of an unlikely friendship between a dancer, Loie Fuller, and a scientist, Marie Curie, brought together by an illuminating discovery. At the turn of the century, Paris was a hotbed of creativity. Technology boomed, delivering to the world electric light, the automobile, and new ways to treat disease, while imagination blossomed, creating Art Nouveau, motion pictures, and modernist literature. A pivotal figure during this time, yet largely forgotten today, Loie Fuller was an American performance artist who became a living symbol of the Art Nouveau movement with her hypnotic dances and stunning theatrical effects. Credited today as the pioneer of modern dance, she was perennially broke, never took no for an answer, spent most of her life with a female partner, and never questioned her drive. She was a visionary, a renegade, and a loyal friend. In the early 1900s, she heard about Marie Curie's discovery of a glowing blue element and dreamed of using it to dazzle audiences on stage. While Loie's dream wouldn't be realized, her connection with Marie and their shared fascination with radium endured. Radiant is the true story of Marie Curie and Loie Fuller, two revolutionary women drawn together at the dawn of a new era by a singular discovery, and the lifelong friendship that grew out of their shared passion for enlightenment.
£20.89
Little Brown and Company Tiger Tiger
£16.99
Grand Central Publishing Disgraceland: Musicians Getting Away with Murder
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£25.20
Grand Central Publishing Meghan and the Unmasking of the Monarchy
Book Synopsis Extensively updated with brand new chapters and images chronicling Meghan Markle's life after the royal wedding, this revised edition of renowned royal biographer Andrew Morton's New York Times bestselling biography is a comprehensive look at the American actress who—like Princess Diana before her—threw the British monarchy into turmoil.When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry went on a blind date in 2016, little did they know that the resulting whirlwind romance would lead not only to their marriage, but ultimately to their eventual withdrawal from the royal family. From the joy and laughter of her wedding day to dark days when her mental health was so rocky she feared being left alone, Meghan’s life amongst the royals has been dramatic and tempestuous. She has now experienced the highs and lows of motherhood with Archie and Lilibet, and though she vowed to hit the ground running when she first joined the royal family, she felt—rightly or wrongly—that she ran full-tilt into a wall of prejudice and indifference.With updates throughout the book and several entirely new chapters that provide a deep dive into the tumultuous journey Meghan has had in the wake of the royal wedding—acclimating to the demands of Buckingham Palace, the birth of her son Archie, and her and her husband's decision to leave the royal family and forge a new life outside of England—this biography is the full and intimate story of Meghan's life so far. Drawing on exclusive interviews with her family members and closest friends, and including never-before-seen photographs, Morton offers a window to the real Meghan as he reflects on the impact that she has had on the rigid traditions of the House of Windsor, as well as what the future might hold.
£14.39
Grand Central Publishing The Last Days of John Lennon
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£16.14
Grand Central Publishing The House of Kennedy
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£9.99
Grand Central Publishing Diana William and Harry
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£10.26
Hal Leonard Corporation 100 Great Guitarists: The Gear That Made Them
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£15.19
£46.49
Graywolf Press,U.S. Crying at the Movies: A Film Memoir
Book Synopsis'In these insightful essays, even the writing itself is cinematic as Sprengnether's memories and quick film summaries meld into one another, making it seem as if the author hasn't just seen many movies, but has actually lived one.' - Publishers Weekly In this fascinating memoir, Srengnether looks at the interactions between happenings in the present, troubling events from the past, and the fantasies of the individual dreamer -in this case the individual moviegoer.
£12.59
Chicago Review Press Duke Ellington: His Life in Jazz with 21
Book SynopsisDuke Ellington, one of the most influential figures in American music, comes alive in this comprehensive biography with engaging activities. Ellington was an accomplished and influential jazz pianist, composer, band leader, and cultural diplomat. Activities include creating a ragtime rhythm, making a washtub bass, writing song lyrics, thinking like an arranger, and learning to dance the Lindy Hop. It explores Ellington’s life and career along with many topics related to African American history, including the Harlem Renaissance. Kids will learn about the musical evolution of jazz that coincided with Ellington’s long life from ragtime through the big band era on up to the 1970s. Kids learn how music technology has changed over the years from piano rolls to record albums through CDs, television, and portable music devices. The extensive resources include a time line, glossary, list of Ellington’s greatest recordings, related books, Web sites, and DVDs for further study.Trade Review"The many black-and-white excellent photos show up well on the glossy pages . . . an informative account in an attractive paperback format." --Booklist"Stein Crease delivers a closely written biography bespeaking her Ellington scholarship." --Kirkus Reviews"[A] thorough look at Ellington's musical life and legacy." -- School Library Journal"Crease's wonderful book has earned the phrase Ellington reserved for his highest praise: It is beyond category." --David Hadju, former president of the Duke Ellington Society and author, Lush Life: A Biography of Billy Strayhorn"Fabulous read." -- Rutherford Parent , Nashville Parent and Williamson Parent"Accessible to today's youngsters." -- New Orleans Magazine"A great musical adventure" -- Education.com"A good book, and quite interesting . . . the activities are kid-friendly . . . this book will quickly become a favourite." --syvjournal.com, Sunday Journal , and The Chicago Crusader
£14.20
Chicago Review Press Here Comes Everybody: The Story of the Pogues
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£999.99
Fay Jones School of Architecture Sacred Spaces The Architecture of Fay Jones The
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£999.99
Ivan R Dee, Inc Louis Armstrong: The Soundtrack of the American
Book SynopsisIn the twentieth century, African Americans not only helped make popular music the soundtrack of the American experience, they advanced American music as one of the preeminent shapers of the world's popular culture. Vast numbers of black American musicians deserve credit for this remarkable turn of events, but a few stand out as true giants. David Stricklin's superb new biography explores the life of one of them, Louis Armstrong. The life story of this great instrumentalist, bandleader, and entertainer illustrates much of the black entertainer's impact on American culture and illuminates how popular culture often intersects with politics and economics. Armstrong emerged from a precarious background and triumphed over almost impossible odds, becoming a transcendent public figure and an international icon. Mr. Stricklin concentrates on Armstrong's musical talent, something many observers called a thing of genius. But he also pays special attention to Armstrong's identity a black man in America and the ways in which he triumphed over the mistreatment and disrespect dealt countless people like him. The creativity and exuberance he shared with the world came from his unique vantage as an artist and as an African American with a striking and lively spirit of freedom. He might have been able to demonstrate that determination in any line of work, but his story has special urgency because he expressed his creative power through music. With 16 black-and-white photographs.Trade ReviewIn Stricklin's biography, Louis Armstrong: The Soundtrack on the American Experience, he gives us a very compelling revisit to the total majesty of Louis Armstrong. . . . His book re-illuminates the greatness that he consistently displayed on trumpet and vocals but also puts the spotlight on Louis's impact on society and culture at large from the vantage point of a pioneering African-American artist. His stances on mistreatment and injustices give us the full picture of Mr. Armstrong the human being and how we are deeply in his debt for showing us the way musically, socially, spiritually, and humanly! This book is a must have for all to remind us the toll we pay to Armstrong every time we pick up an instrument or enjoy freedoms that he, along with other ancestors, felt were entitled to his race, the human race! -- James CarterTable of ContentsPreface Introduction Chapter 1: Humble Origins Chapter 2: A Rising Talent Chapter 3: Hot Music in a Strange Time Chapter 4: An Independent Musician Chapter 5: Fully Free African American Chapter 6: Looking to a New Future Chapter 7: International Icon Chapter 8: The Soundtrack of the American Experience
£18.99
Chicago Review Press Bowie on Bowie Volume 8: Interviews and
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£23.36
Riverhead Books Goldwyn
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£24.48
Centerstream Publishing C. F. Martin & His Guitars, 1796-1873
Book Synopsis(Reference). The Martin is considered the finest acoustic guitar in the world, a distinction it has held for more that 160 years. Martin guitars have been played by performers Eric Clapton, Stephen Stills, Judy Collins, and Johnny Cash, as well as hundreds of thousands of other professional and amateur musicians. In C.F. Martin and His Guitars, 1796-1873 , Philip Gura chronicles the career of Christian Frederick Martin from his humble start as an importer and repairman of musical instruments in New York City in the 1830s through his move to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and the founding of C.F. Martin & Company. Gura is the first historian to thoroughly study the Martin company records dating back to the 1830s: Letters, account books, inventories, and other documents. Using this rich archive, Gura establishes how a German immigrant from Saxony's guild tradition became the finest American guitar maker of his time and created a uniquely American business that successfully eclipsed its competition. As Gura shows, Martin's success was based on his successful navigation of the rapid economic expansion and industrialization of his time. The many sketches and hundreds of photographs illustrate how Martin adapted his artisanal craft to modern industrial methods, maintaining quality while meeting increased demand for instruments. Gura traces the network of suppliers who provided Martin with his raw materials and explores the advertising and other methods Martin employed to build a market for his goods. After Martin's death in 1873, the company continued to grow. It thrives today under the leadership of a sixth-generation Martin, producing instruments that are still the most sought after and collectable in the world. Includes an 80-page color section!
£23.75
Centerstream Publications Chick Webb Spinnin the Webb The Little Giant
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£18.04
University of North Texas Press,U.S. A Deeper Blue: The Life and Music of Townes Van
Book SynopsisThis is the first serious biography of a man widely considered one of Texas’—and America’s—greatest songwriters. Like Jimmie Rodgers, Woody Guthrie, Robert Johnson, and Hank Williams, Townes Van Zandt was the embodiment of that mythic American figure, the troubled troubadour. A Deeper Blue traces Van Zandt’s background as the scion of a prominent Texas family; his troubled early years and his transformation from promising pre-law student to wandering folk singer; his life on the road and the demons that pursued and were pursued by him; the women who loved and inspired him; and the brilliance and enduring beauty of his songs, which are explored in depth.The author draws on eight years’ extensive research and interviews with Townes’ family and closest friends and colleagues. He looks beyond the legend and paints a colorful portrait of a complex man who embraced the darkness of demons and myth as well as the light of deep compassion and humanity, all “for the sake of the song.”
£13.46
Cherry Lane Music Co ,U.S. The School House Rock Songbook
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£16.99
Avery Publishing Group Tough Sh*t: Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who
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£14.45
Avery Publishing Group Duke: A Life of Duke Ellington
Book SynopsisA major new biography of Duke Ellington from the acclaimed author of Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington was the greatest jazz composer of the twentieth century—and an impenetrably enigmatic personality whom no one, not even his closest friends, claimed to understand. The grandson of a slave, he dropped out of high school to become one of the world’s most famous musicians, a showman of incomparable suavity who was as comfortable in Carnegie Hall as in the nightclubs where he honed his style. He wrote some fifteen hundred compositions, many of which, like “Mood Indigo” and “Sophisticated Lady,” remain beloved standards, and he sought inspiration in an endless string of transient lovers, concealing his inner self behind a smiling mask of flowery language and ironic charm. As the biographer of Louis Armstrong, Terry Teachout is uniquely qualified to tell the story of the public and private lives of Duke Ellington. A semi-finalist for the National Book Award, Duke peels away countless layers of Ellington’s evasion and public deception to tell the unvarnished truth about the creative genius who inspired Miles Davis to say, “All the musicians should get together one certain day and get down on their knees and thank Duke.”
£17.00
Soft Skull Press Different Every Time: The Authorized Biography of
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£999.99
Gray & Company Publishers America's Polka King: The Real Story of Frankie
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£999.99
Triumph Books Elizabeth Taylor
Book SynopsisElizabeth Taylor was a woman of stunning beauty—an actress blessed with immense talent, and someone whose never-dull life shaped the world's view of what it meant to be a celebrity. This must-have keepsake uses a breathtaking collection of photographs to tell the story of a life well-lived, following Taylor from her debut as a child star to her two Academy Awards and her years as an activist for AIDS research and other causes. It recalls her many loves, her costars, her family, her friends, and her fans—people touched by an unforgettable woman bursting with warmth and passion.
£13.25
University of Alaska Press When the Laughing Stopped: The Strange, Sad Death
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£999.99
J. Paul Getty Museum The Letters of Paul Cézanne
£999.99
J. Paul Getty Museum Lives of William Blake Lives of the Artists
£999.99
University Press of Colorado Herndon Davis: Painting Colorado History,
Book SynopsisHerndon Davis, an artist and journalist, dedicated his life to depicting the major landmarks and personalities of Colorado in watercolor, oil, and pen and pencil. Best known for the Face on the Barroom Floor, the portrait of an alluring woman on the floor of the Teller House Hotel barroom in Central City, Colorado, Davis was a prolific artist whose murals, sketches, and portraits can be found all over the state, from the Sage Room of the Oxford Hotel on Seventeenth Street to the Denver Press Club poker room. Despite his numerous contributions, his work was never showcased or exhibited in the traditional manner. In this biography and first-ever collection featuring most of his life's work, authors Craig Leavitt and Thomas J. Noel provide a detailed look into Davis's life and career and include a catalog of almost 200 photographs of his work from Colorado and around the country. They also put his work into the broader context of the time through comparison with such contemporary Colorado artists as Muriel Sibell Wolle, Allen Tupper True, Charles Waldo Love, and Juan Menchaca. Published to coincide with the Denver Public Library's 2016 exhibition-the only public display of Davis's work to date-and bringing deserved attention to this overlooked figure, Herndon Davis: Painting Colorado History, 1901-1962 is an important contribution to Colorado's cultural history. This book and the accompanying exhibit are sponsored by the Western History/Genealogy Department at the Denver Public Library. Publication originated and supported in part by Diane B. Wunnike.
£999.99
University of New Orleans Press His Other Life: Searching for My Father, His
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£17.95
Boutique of Quality Books These Are My People
Book SynopsisWhat would it be like to be a part of country music history? Singer/songwriter and manager Merle Kilgore could have told you. He awed his fans with tales of his life in the music business, always with a supporting cast of impossibly famous friends. At age fourteen Merle carried the guitar for Hank Williams Sr. Four years later he wrote his first song, and Webb Pierce turned it into a million-seller. He double-dated with Elvis Presley, wrecked hotel rooms with Johnny Cash, held seances with Johnny Horton, and convinced Audrey Williams to put Hank Jr. on the road at fourteen-years-old. Merle became a prolific songwriter, entering the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He co-wrote his signature accomplishment, Ring of Fire with June Carter Cash. This work is listed by CMT as one of the top four all-time country music songs. These are just a few of the amazing stories of Merle's life, showcased in These Are My People, written by his grandson Mark Rickert.
£15.15
University of Iowa Press Wrong: A Critical Biography of Dennis Cooper
Book SynopsisDennis Cooper is one of the most inventive and prolific artists of our time. Working in a variety of forms and media since he first exploded onto the scene in the early 1970s, he has been a punk poet, a queercore novelist, a transgressive blogger, an indie filmmaker - each successive incarnation more ingenious and surprising than the last. Cooper's unflinching determination to probe the obscure, often violent recesses of the human psyche have seen him compared with literary outlaws like Rimbaud, Genet, and the Marquis de Sade.In this, the first book-length study of Cooper's life and work, Diarmuid Hester shows that such comparisons hardly scratch the surface. A lively retrospective appraisal of Cooper's fifty-year career, Wrong tracks the emergence of Cooper's singular style alongside his participation in a number of American subcultural movements like New York School poetry, punk rock, and radical queercore music and zines. Using extensive archival research, close readings of texts, and new interviews with Cooper and his contemporaries, Hester weaves a complex and often thrilling biographical narrative that attests to Cooper's status as a leading figure of the American post War avant-garde.
£32.25
History Press (SC) The Heart of Branson The Entertaining Families of
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£18.69
History Press Alabama Musicians
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£18.69
Bancroft Press Sondheim & Me: Revealing a Musical Genius
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£24.26
Bancroft Press Sondheim & Me: Revealing a Musical Genius
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£21.56
Bancroft Press Becoming JFK
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£27.50
Savas Beatie Running the Race: The 'Public Face' of Charlton
Book SynopsisThundering across the screen, Judah Ben-Hur’s iconic chariot race against his former friend turned bitter foe remains an indelible part of cinematic history and established Charlton Heston as an international superstar. In many ways the race was a metaphor for the actor’s dynamic life, symbolizing his struggle to establish himself in his profession. Brian Steel Wills captures for the first time a comprehensive view of the actor’s climb to fame, his search for the perfect performance, and the meaningful roles he played in support of the causes he embraced.The actor was born and raised in the Michigan woodlands and suburbs of Chicago, where he found his love of acting in the books he read and the movies he saw. 'Chuck' Heston’s introduction to the craft that would become his life’s work began at New Trier High School and spilled over into Northwestern University. The Second World War interrupted his journey when he served his country, after which he and his wife Lydia headed to Asheville, North Carolina, where they both acted and directed in theatre.The lights of New York City and Broadway beckoned, and live television offered an important platform, but Hollywood and feature films were his destiny. His roles were as varied as they were powerful, and included stints as Moses, Ben-Hur, El Cid, Michelangelo, Mike Vargas, and Charles 'Chinese' Gordon under legendary directors like Cecil B. DeMille, William Wyler, Franklin Schaffner, and Orson Welles. He shifted to science fiction in Planet of the Apes and Soylent Green, a wide range of action and disaster films, and more nuanced roles such as Will Penny.Over his decades of performance Heston defined and redefined his 'public face' in a constant quest for an audience for his work. He undertook wide-ranging public service roles for the government, the arts, and other causes. His leadership in the Screen Actors Guild and American Film Institute carried him from Hollywood to the halls of Congress. He became an outspoken advocate of the arts and other public and charitable causes, marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Washington, and supported Second Amendment rights with the National Rifle Association. He did so even when his positions often clashed with other actors on issues ranging from nuclear arms, national security, and gun rights. The proud independent shifted decidedly to the Republican Party and appeared at political rallies and conventions, but rebuffed calls to run for office in favour of assuming similar roles on the big screen.Award-winning historian Brian Steel Wills digs deep to paint a rich portrait of Heston’s extraordinary life – a mix of complications and complexities that touched film, television, theatre, politics, and society. His carefully crafted 'public face' was impactful in more ways than the ordinarily shy and private family man could have ever imagined.
£22.99
Chicago Review Press Cobain on Cobain Volume 9: Interviews and
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£23.36
Chicago Review Press Who on the Who
Book SynopsisThe Who were a mass of contradictions. They brought intellect to rock but were the darlings of punks. They were the quintessential studio act yet were also the greatest live attraction in the world. They perfectly meshed on stage and displayed a complete lack of personal chemistry offstage.Along with great live shows and supreme audio experiences, the Who provided great copy. During the 1960s and ’70s, Pete Townshend, messianic about contemporary popular music and its central importance in the lives of young people, gave sprawling interviews in which he alternately celebrated and deplored what he saw in the “scene.” Several of these interviews have come to be considered classic documents of the age. Roger Daltrey, Keith Moon, and John Entwistle joined in. Even when the Who were non-operational or past their peak, their interviews continued to be compelling: changes in allegiances and social mores left the band members freer to talk about sex, drug-taking, business, and in-fighting.By collecting interviews with Who members from across fi ve decades, conducted by the greatest rock writers of their generation—Barry Miles, Jonathan Cott, Charles Shaar Murray, John Swenson, and Greil Marcus among them—The Who on The Who provides the full, fractious story of a fascinating band.
£24.26
Chicago Review Press Ralph Peer and the Making of Popular Roots Music
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£16.19
Chicago Review Press Hollywood Godfather: The Life and Crimes of Billy
Book Synopsis Billy Wilkerson was the most powerful man in Hollywood during the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s. He was owner and publisher of the Hollywood Reporter, the film industry newspaper that became known as “Hollywood’s bible,” and he built the CafÉ Trocadero and other legendary nightspots of the Sunset Strip. In thirty years as Tinseltown’s premier behind-the-scenes power broker, Wilkerson introduced Clark Gable and Lana Turner to the world, brought the Mafia to Hollywood, engineered the shakedown of the Hollywood studios by Willie Bioff and his mob-run unions, helped invent Las Vegas, tangled with Bugsy Siegel (and possibly was involved with his murder), touched off the Hollywood blacklist, and conspired to cripple the studio system. Perhaps nobody in Hollywood history has ever ruined so many careers or done so much to reshape the movie industry as Billy Wilkerson, yet there has never been a solid biography of the man. Billy’s son, William R. Wilkerson III, has done tremendous research on his father, interviewing over decades everyone who knew him best, and portrays him beautifully—and damningly—in this book.Trade Review"Scandal at the Dream Factory! Based on unique and original research, Willie Wilkerson's sparkling new book provides devastating insight into the history of organized crime in Hollywood." ROBERT LACEY, historical consultant, The Crown , and author of The Year 1000 , Great Tales from English History , Inside the Kingdom , and Monarch"Willie Wilkerson's biography of his father fascinatingly illuminates the life of one of Hollywood's most important, dashing, but unsavory historical figures. Read it and encounter a storybook raconteurand be transported to a magical time when America's western outposts, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, were turning from orange tree pastures and deserts to the centers of the dark side of American culture." SHEILA WELLER, author of Girls Like Us and Dancing at Ciro's"Billy Wilkerson's lawyer called him a 'desperado'bold and reckless. Willie Wilkerson's poignant telling of his father's story reveals the good, the bad, and the ugly of one of the twentieth century's most influential publishers. Like a Mississippi riverboat captain, Billy Wilkerson held high society in one hand and organized crime in the other. This is a masterfully written must-read for anyone who wants to know the truth about what happened behind the velvet ropes of Hollywood's golden age." B. JAMES GLADSTONE, author of The Man Who Seduced Hollywood"Mr. Wilkerson's fascinating book, with its marvelous anecdotes and pause-giving speculations, reads like the wind." The Wall Street Journal"Payoffs provided a generous living for gangsters like "Handsome Johnny" Rosselli, who with his Chicago allies orchestrated the treaty, with the help of Wilkerson, publisher of The Hollywood Reporter , who provided his own mob contacts as well as friendly press coverage. Wilkerson's son, W.R. Wilkerson III, details this curious alliance in his candid and well researched book, Hollywood Godfather ." -- Deadline
£24.26
Chicago Review Press Clash on the Clash
Book SynopsisThe Clash thought they could change the world. They never did, but they created some of the greatest rock music of all time in the attempt.Clash interviews were mesmerizing. Infused with the messianic spirit of punk, the Clash engaged with the press like no rock group before or since, treating interviews almost as addresses to the nation. Their pronouncements were welcomed but were hardly uncritically reported. The Clash’s back pages are voluminous, crackle with controversy, and constitute a snapshot of a uniquely thoughtful and fractious period in modern history. Included in this compendium are the Clash’s encounters with the most brilliant music writers of their time, including Lester Bangs, Nick Kent, Mikal Gilmore, Chris Salewicz, Charles Shaar Murray, Mick Farren, Kris Needs, and Lenny Kaye.Whether it be their audience with the (mainly) simpatico likes of punk fanzine Sniffin’ Glue, their testy encounters with the correspondents of pious UK weeklies like New Musical Express, Melody Maker, and Sounds, or their friendlier but no less eyebrow-raising conversations with US periodicals like Creem and Rolling Stone, the Clash consistently created copy that lived up to their sobriquet “The Only Band That Matters.”Trade Review" The Clash on The Clash returns to the heady days of '77, and confirms that the only English band that mattered made music, politics, and commerce matter like few others. Sean Egan's excellent collection of interviews ranges from the early days to the aftermath, from the dubious recollections of original guitarist Keith Levene to expanded versions of Egan's own 21st century interviews with the band members. Lester Bangs's 16,000-word love letter to the Clash is a real gem. Guttersnipes rejoice!" Randal Doane, author of Stealing All Transmissions: A Secret History of The Clash"A bright garland of well-selected interviews strung out across the saw-toothed time-line of one of the most truthfulas well as one of the most self-deceptivebands of all time. . . . What you have assembled here is the true and authentic voice of Radio Clash." Mike Laye, Clash photographer"Throughout, Egan's excellent annotations provide context and structure to the interviews and articles. Fans of music from the original punk rock era will enjoy this title." Library Journal
£24.26
Chicago Review Press Go Slow: The Life of Julie London
Book SynopsisIt has been said that the records of singer and actress Julie London were purchased for their provocative, full-color cover photographs as frequently as they were for the music contained in their grooves. During the 1950s and ’60s, her piercing blue eyes, strawberry blonde hair, and shapely figure were used to sell the world an image of cool sexuality.The contrast between image and reality, the public and the private, is at the heart of Julie London’s story. Through years of research; extensive interviews with family, friends, and musical associates; and access to rarely seen or heard archival material, author Michael Owen reveals the impact of her image on the direction of her career and how it influenced the choices she made, including the ultimate decision to walk away from performing.Go Slow follows Julie London’s life and career through its many stages: her transformation from 1940s movie starlet to coolly defiant singer of the classic torch ballad “Cry Me a River” of the ’50s, and her journey from Las Vegas hotel entertainer during the rock ’n’ roll revolution of the ’60s to the no-nonsense nurse of the ’70s hit television series Emergency!Trade Review"Beautifully crafted and stunningly researched, this entertaining biography of Julie London reminds us why she matters, now and for always. It is a great read!" Michael Feinstein, singer" Go Slow offers us a long-awaited, highly detailed look at a neglected jazz and pop singer who has always been worthy of greater recognition and attention. The author provides lots of new information and historical context, while, to his credit, resisting the temptation to make outrageous claims for his subject. I learned a lot that I didn't know and it made me want to hear more." Will Friedwald, author of Stardust Melodies and Sinatra! The Song Is You"Michael Owen tells the unique story of a singular talent and reluctant celebrity with dispassionate appreciation, weaving personal life and professional history into the tale of a woman who was steadfast in her personal passions and career path without the ego and ambition that drives so many other singers and actors. Neither sycophant nor assassin, Owen deftly chronicles Julie London's life with both empathy and objectivity." Michael Cuscuna, record producer, writer, and discographer" Go Slow is a sensitive, informative biography, inviting the reader to discover Julie London's unique and solitary contribution to the history of American music. With an ear for tone and an eye for story, Michael Owen leads us seamlessly through a life fashioned for style, revealing an instinctive range where just enough sound can occupy a space, exploiting every lyrical nuance along the way. As Go Slow discloses, through years of struggle and turmoil, an irony was born that would further distill some of Julie's finest work as an interpreter of popular song. Esteemed jazz vocalists and musicians loved and respected her. A generous spirit to her family and friends, Julie London was one grand dame and there will never be anyone like her. Thanks to Michael Owen, we begin to understand why." Kevin Tighe, actor, Emergency!"An affectionate and complex portrait of London that will help rekindle an interest in her life and work." Kirkus Reviews"The book offers an intimate look at her memorable public career and the sharp contrasts of her private life." Discover Hollywood"Michael Owen has written an interesting book that fans of London or people interested in the popular culture of the 1950s will want to read." All About Jazz"Owen's fascinating, clear-eyed portrait examines her work and looks at her decision to walk away from show business in the '70s, as well as her apparent indifference to her career." The Arizona Republic
£24.26
Chicago Review Press Love Becomes a Funeral Pyre: A Biography of the
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£17.09
Chicago Review Press First King of Hollywood
Book SynopsisDouglas Fairbanks was the greatest leading man of his generation—the first and the best of the swashbucklers. He made some of the greatest films of the silent era, including The Thief of Bagdad, Robin Hood, and The Mark of Zorro. With Charlie Chaplin, D. W. Griffith, and his wife, film star Mary Pickford, he founded United Artists. Pickford and Fairbanks ruled Hollywood as its first king and queen for a decade. Now a cache of newly discovered love letters from Fairbanks to Pickford form the centerpiece of the first truly definitive biography of Hollywood's first king, the man who did his own stunts, built his own studio, and formed a company that allowed artists to distribute their own wealth outside the studio system. Fairbanks was fun, witty, engaging, creative, athletic, and a force to be reckoned with. He shaped our idea of the Hollywood hero, and his story, like his movies, is full of passion, bravado, and romance.Trade Review"For years, Fairbanks and Pickford reignedover Hollywood as its first king and queenand, here, in The First King Of Hollywood,weve the first, if not also the weightiest,Fairbanks biography. Acting out his ownstunts, Fairbanks, we learn, helped shape ourenduring concept of the Hollywood Hero.Worth reading for the legacy value alone....5 Stars" Philip Turner and Leslie Waller Screen Trade Magazine"one of the most delightful Hollywood biographies to slide down the mast in years." New York Times Sunday Review"Tracey Goessel's biography of Douglas Fairbanks is impeccably researched and elegantly written. It gives new relevance to one of the seminal figures of 20th century movies and manhood, and at the same time it gives us an amazingly intimate view of the tragic love affair between Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. This is not merely a worthy book, it's a necessary book." Scott Eyman, author of John Wayne: The Life and Legend and Empire of Dreams: The Epic Life of Cecil B. DeMille"Tracey Goessel gives us for the first time the real, three-dimensional man, in all his vibrancy, creativity, and sexiness. Beyond being a mega-star, he was a daring, hands-on producer and industry leader." Cari Beauchamp, historian, journalist, and author of Joseph P. Kennedy Presents: His Hollywood Years
£17.05
