Mae West Books

this book is fun in that it has a lot of photos of Mae West and talks about her films but the author must not have seen the films recently when he penned this collection because he gets the many small facts wrong and miss matches the order of the scenes. I watched the movie then read what he wrote and it doesn't match up. it would be great for someone who has seen the films a long time ago to get an idea of them. one other neat thing about this book is that it contains some of Mae's best one liners.

This is a softcover, profusely illustrated book about 5x7" in size on the career of Mae West with analysis on her first eleven films (her final one, SEXTETTE, had not yet been made when the book was published in 1975.) Bavar does very well with her writings on the films but the photo collection would make this one a five-star book even if the text was not so great. Essential for any Mae West library.

Decades before Candace Bushnell conceived Sex And The City, Mae West was experiencing the lifestyle loud and proud. West's Broadway play, "SEX" which premiered in 1926, was so far ahead of its time, she had to soften the blow of its content and make it safe for mass consumption by placing the setting in the Bowery of the 1890's complete with period piece costumes. West's vision of SEX was not an escape into the fantasy of the past, but a journey into the possibilities of the future.
Taschen's latest addition to their Movie Icons series, Mae West, is depicted in a stunning collection of mostly black and white stills from her films and stage productions, many never published before, wearing gowns designed by Travis Banton, Schiaparelli, Walter Plunkett, and Edith Head. A pleasant surprise is the inclusion of several rare advertisements that Paramount and Columbia Pictures utilized in promoting these films at the time of their original release.
The only disappointment is the rather weak commentary. In an attempt to appeal to three different markets, Taschen has printed the accompanying text in English, German and French, leaving a lot to be desired. However, the superior production values and low price make this volume a must have for West aficionados.

As a Mae West collector of almost 3 decades, I can be quite the skeptic when it comes to new Mae West items. This book just arrived in the mail and I was instantly impressed with the quality. They have clearly produced the rare color photos within, from original transparencies or had them beautifully color corrected! There are also many rare behind-the-scenes photos I have never seen before. Most of the book contains black and white photos, all very fine quality. It is mainly photos and what little text there is, is usually WAY off in terms of correct information, indicating very little research (probably an hour online one night!).There is no new insight, but this particular book is not really for that purpose, as it is part of a larger series of "icons" of which Mae West certainly is. This book is for the adoring Mae West fan or someone who is collecting the whole 'Icon' series from this company. I know my friends will love it!

Well researched and written. A little book, part of a series I think, but worth buying. No photos unfortunately, but a good addition to a Mae West book collection.

June Sochen's "Mae West: She Who Laugh's Last," published in 1992 in a paperback edition, comprised part of an American Biographical History Series. Aimed at a sophisticated audience, Schon made the point, "West was not a social activist, an organizer, or a member of any women's group. The only group she belonged to was the Mae West Fan Club. She was an American pioneer: She created herself, became a rugged individualist and permanently imprinted her image on the American imagination."
Highly recommended for the serious Mae West scholar.

We need more historians like William H. Goetzmann. Focusing on the history of the Army's Topographical Engineers we get a completely different view of the Cowboy's and Indians portrayal of the American West that Hollywood likes to keep repeating. Goetzmann shows that almost to a man, and despite many faults, these engineers, the cream of each West Point graduating class, made a most remarkable contribution to the exploration, definition and integration of the American West into the rest of the country at large.

An extension of first the Executive branch and then subsequently of the Congress itself, these men not only defined what others claimed they saw, they scientifically refined what existed to a point where others, who could not see for themselves, could rely with the utmost confidence that things were as reported. Along the way, they influenced everything from much needed infrastructure changes such as road and bridge building, reconnaissance, railroad surveys, raw exploration, and map making to establishing frontier forts and our national boundaries themselves.

These men accomplished for the United States what the English, French, Russians, Spanish and native peoples could not. They reported an accurate, scientifically based, in-depth understanding of what would be required to conquer and subdue a land that, from the beginning of time, had avoided and frustrated any and all attempts at civilization. This is the amazing story of the men who, more than any other single group, led in the development of the American West.

In this well-researched book Marybeth Hamilton offers a picture of an brave and individual performer/writer and her work. It was surprising to discover that Mae West was all but washed up by the 1940's, her legend seems so dominating in popular culture. I also learnt more than I could ever have imagined about burlesque theatre and life in early 20th Century America.

All in all, The Queen of Camp an interesting history of the fascinatin' Ms West and the world she inhabited.

I'd actually give it 4 1/2 stars, but the system won't let me!

It is an awesome book; and I loved it. It was very well written and an easy, enjoyable read. Once I got about twenty pages into it, I had a hard time putting it down. While it had a few dark moments, it was witty, clever, and lighter than I had anticipated. I could relate to the main character, Tess, in her recovery from rape and struggle to find her way. It is an interesting journey through the NY brothel, the dynamics of relationships (family, friends, and johns), and her inner emotions. She is so real, down to earth, and honest about her life.

The language of descriptions and metaphors was rich and vivid. The world through Tess' eyes was rendered so clearly, her voice was such a strong one, that I felt I was there seeing what she was seeing and feeling what she was feeling. I got lost in the wonderful and creative details of the story.

The interesting thing is the psychological aspect of the novel - the exploration of the rape victim's mind and what she does in response - very real world. It is a realistic reflection on what many young women go through. Also, it helped humanize prostitutes and strippers. An eye opener.

In the August 1966 Mae West Fan Club Letter, Craig Eadie, who later went on to become Craig Russell, a world renown female impersonator, warned members of an upcoming book entitled, "The Wit and Wisdom of Mae West" edited by Joseph Weintraub. "Just one problem...and not a small one by any means," he proclaimed. "The publishers have undertaken this project, researched and compiled the material and arranged the layout and text, without one attempt to get in touch with Miss West."
West had her lawyer, Harold Fendler inform the President of Putnam "if they proceeded with publication of her copyrighted material with unauthorized commercial exploitation of her name and photographs, they would meet with prompt legal action." Putnam went ahead with their plans to publish the book and advance copies were sent to various newspapers to be reviewed.
Eadie wrote to fan club members, "There's no way of stopping a Mae West fan from adding this volume of delights to his or her collection of Westiana, but I know you'll agree, though, that's it's a criminal shame the book is being done under such shady circumstances. It is unjust and unfair, but obviously necessary, that Miss West go to the courts to get compensation for use of her own material."
West obtained a court injuction, and in a later newsletter in 1967, Eadie was able to report, "Putnams have agreed Miss West will have full approval of all photos and material, approval of publicity and exploitation strategy and as hoped for - fifty percent of the profits. Now we can all buy the book with Miss West's blessings."
The book went through numerous hardback and paperback editions and was retitled "Peel Me A Grape" in England. A fun, must have collection of Westian witicisms and delightful observations on life and love as could only be offered up by the inimitable Mae West for hardcore and casual fans alike. Numerous black and white photographs and caricatures are included as well.

This book is one of the most well researched of any Mae West bios in recent years. GREAT photos, and fascinating reading, it uncovers things even the most die-hard fans of Mae West wouldn't know! It delves into the phyche and influences that went into creating Mae West as we came to know her. A highly recommended book.

I love Mae West but this book bombed. It is informative but so much that it's boring. I never finished it. It has some great photos and if you're doing a term paper on her it's wonderful.

Way too much attention to "social history" and "cultural commentary" and not enough information on Mae West. It was if the author felt she had to use every bit of historical background she had found - little of which served to move the book forward. I did not feel I got to know Mae West nearly as well as I did the times she was living in - which was not what I wanted from a Mae West biography.

This book gives a sketchy account of her childhood and dwells on the characters she played rather than who she was. I would have preferred more insight to her personal life since that is what made Mae West so interesting.

An easy book to put down.

Emily Wortis Leider has written a biography of Mae West that is more than a rehash of her films and a retelling of her famous lines. Leider writes well and entertainingly and has researched her subject conscientiously. The result is a clearer picture of who Mae West was as a person and how she "became" the character that became her. Leider states her intention early and clearly. While her bio does cover West's entire life, her films and her efforts to remain an icon, Leider is more interested in how the little girl from Brooklyn became a musical soubrette, a vaudeville star, a playwright and stellar star of stage and screen. Along the way we get revealing glimpses into the show business of the early 20th century, America's social attitudes and the personal rebellions that would emerge into movements. Highly recommmeded.

First, two responses to several reviews...

1 - The reviewers who suggest that this book is all about proving that West was black have simply not read the book. Watts introduces the book with that rumor (and the rumor that she was a man)...and then MOVES ON. She's off that subject by the middle of the second page.

2 - This is an academic book, written by a history professor. It is not a fan-oriented biography about West. If you want a quick and easy read, this is NOT the book for you. Watts' writing style makes the book accessible to people who aren't scholars, but if you aren't comfortable with footnotes or references to literary and cultural theory, you may want to choose a different book.

On to my own review:

This is an impressive piece of scholarship. The amount of archival research done for this project is impressive. Watts does a fine job of showing how West's work and image were very much shaped by working-class, black, gay, and feminist ideals and cultural forms. What we want to see as wholly her self-creation (including her trademark line "Come up and see me sometime!") was absolutely informed by what she saw around her.

My only criticism (and hence, the 4 stars) is that I think Watts' analysis of West's appropriation of black culture is too generous. Watts does a grand job of talking about white performers who didn't think much about their consumption and those who just plain 'stole.' However, Watts works really hard to show that West was not one of them; I'm not so sure.

Amazon customers' reviews of this book are as fascinating as the book itself. I'm amazed at how many people appear unable to understand what they read. Contrary to several reviewers' indignant claims, Jill Watts does *not* argue that Mae West was part black. Her meticulously-researched book carefully separates speculation from fact, and she states early and clearly that there is simply not enough information to settle the question of West's racial background. She then asserts that it doesn't matter whether West did or did not have African-American ancestry. What *does* matter is how West handled issues of racial identity in her writing and in her personal and professional performances. Watts' analysis reveals a woman who was, for her time, a strong champion of African-Americans and who was also deeply ambivalent about racial roles and identities. This book is more than a biography; it is also study of the social constructions of race, class, and gender in general and of the persona of "Mae West" in particular.

I suspect that the readers who are so outraged at the idea that West may have been part-black find issues of race personally disturbing. (As one reviewer asked, why does it matter so intensely to some people that Mae be all-white?) The dismissive readers probably also came to the book expecting a standard Hollywood-style star story rather than an academic analysis. Perhaps because the book took a different approach than they expected, they didn't read very carefully.

In terms of the text itself, it has the strengths I've already noted: it's carefully researched, thoughtful, and does a great deal more than simply detail a star's life. However, in exploring her thesis, Watts is often repetitive and is sometimes guilty of trying far too hard to make her case. Also, because she wants to portray West as a positive force in subverting traditional definitions of gender and class, Watts often downplays or excuses West's sometimes demanding, hurtful, temperamental behavior. It would have been more intellectually honest to acknowledge West's flaws more fully.

Overall, an informative, interesting book.

The book itself is tediously written, as others have stated already, but the politically correct issue of "did she have negro blood" backfires. It's incredibly racist to assume that a white woman could not be sexual in an earthy way and love rhythm & blues unless she had negro blood. That falls under the category of "all blacks are good dancers" and "all whites are uptight" and other such nonsense. The argument of "What's so wrong if she's a little black?" can easily be countered with "What's so wrong if she's all white?" Mae West did not fit the stereotype of a white woman of her era, so people are trying to find some small trace of "something" which can justify cramming her into a comfortable stereotype. She was sensual and bawdy, well then, she must be black because God Forbid a genuine white woman behave that way. She made people uncomfortable back then and she's making people uncomfortable now. Mae West is an original and she's still stirring up controversy, which I'm sure she'd be delighted about. But if you want a good book about her, read Simon Louvish's book instead.

In her biography of Mae West, "An Icon in Black And White, Ms Watts makes a valiant attempt to connect West's appropriation of African American idioms to her possible black roots. While Ms Watts may be on shaky ground, there is no disputing the fact that Mae West borrowed liberally from Black culture in creating her unique persona.
West's personal life mirrored her respect for African Americans and she evidently enjoyed the company of people from a broad range of cultural and sexual backgrounds as friends and associates. Unfortunately, Ms Watts examination of West often comes across as a university text book, which it appears to be.
During the past ten years, I have been researching a ribald biography on the 'stimulatin' but nevah irritatin'' Miss West entitled SAINT MAE: OUR LADY OF HIPS & QUIPS, and I am presently seeking a publisher. While extensively interviewing the men involved in her life, a previously hidden side of Mae's personality is unmasked and she comes alive through their stories. Her tough vixen image was considerably softened in the company of the friends she held in high esteem. Surprisingly, Miss West was more comfortable socializing with colorful, offbeat characters than the Hollywood crowd.
Ms Watts' examination of Mae West proves to be an entertaining read. One thought to ponder, although Mae West once appeared on the vaudeville stage as a man, she was sensitive enough never to appear in blackface and undo the behind the scene assistance she gave her fellow African American coharts.

When you tell the truth, people will be angry. Yes it is true that there is no real proof about Mae West, but I have had people insist that I had caucasian blood in my family tree. I look in the mirror from time to time and wonder why this was but I am now starting to see it to a degree. It is not that this or that person have this or that blood, but the truth is that we are made of one blood. That is the unique thing about the human race.

I hope that this book becomes a #one saler to help people understand the genome project. I did not purchase this book to read about Mae West's genetic make-up, but to learn more about her fantastic mystical style!

There is one thing that bothers me. Her movies tend to show racial inequalities. But this is the characteristic of 30's movies.

The author has stumbled onto a gimmicky trick to get herself published, but one as old as time: Iconoclasty. In other words, she picks a subject almost at random. Today its delta blues music, tomorrow its Mae West. Next week it might be The Beatles or Picasso. It doesn't matter. Then write a book "shattering" everyones image of said topic. Wow, see how wrong you were about that. I must be a great author to point that out. Problem is, its all in her head. Why only a few reviews of each of her books? Because not many people give her any credibility. Even less care. Notice the cliche'd academic style title too: Statement, colon, three words. Always three words. Here's a title for you, I'm Trying Too Hard: Academia, Pretension, and the Desperate Need to Get Published.

Made me wish I was there back then to see some of those (now) obscure and (now) little-remembered performers!

Although the book follows Mae's career, and reveals her exceptional talent and her extremely creative ability to be able to Think On the Run and/or In the Paddy Wagon, (so to speak) it does not give us the essence or the character of Mae the Woman. In many places it bogs down with critical analysis instead of narrative.

However, I DID find it interesting enough to read through to the end, AND the book piqued my interest enough to make me go to my local library and pick up other books on Mae West that have more of her "personality" in them.

Atrocious is the word for this horribly researched, terribly written piece of "fiction." This book in no way reflects anything very accurate about the true Mae West. It is totally unfair, and amounts to a vicious attack designed to assassinate the character of the legendary film star Mae West. No fan should read this disastrous hodge-podge of disinformation, and for that matter, no one should read such an unfair book at all. Having known Mae West and knowing a tremendous amount of information about her career and her life, I found this diatribe completely without any kind of merit. The "author" (if that is what one would call this nasty writer) has no sense of balance at all. This is one of the most unfair, one-sided, pathetic excuses for a "biography" I have ever had the displeasure of reading. It is no wonder than when this piece of crap was released it was stillborn. It was and is a colossal failure both in sales and in what it set out to do.

Very early in West's career in this book, the author loses all credibility by her constant and horrendous assault (and that is exactly what it is) on West. The whole second part of the book is nothing but an angry, bitter attack against West, which leaves out so much about West, but delves up nothing but one constant, angry attack after the other. It is NEGATIVE beyond comprehension!

When I finished reading this mess, I felt like I had been assaulted myself, and was ashamed that I even read anything so negative to the extreme. The "author" attacks West on ALL levels, for any and ALL reasons, and guesses at alleged "facts" rather than revealing anything new here. The entire book is just a simple-minded rehash of other previously published material and ALMOST entirely in the negative. No fair-minded person could give any credibility to a "work" so vicious, so obviously full of just plain hate! I was offended to the 9th degree. Never have I read a book full of such venom, untruths, and consistently inaccurate information. Anyone could have performed better research than this 4th rate writer. This mockery of an autobiographical account is submerged by the bitter, twisted and demented mind of the pathetic excuse for an author (not to mention human being). A TRULY, uncompassionate, possibly insane witch wrote this nasty piece of crap!!!

You won't find out anything that is true or accurate about the great Mae West here, but you will find distortions, countless information about other plays and actors (that have nothing to do with West) and an appalling lack of feeling and humanity. One of the LOWEST, CHEAPEST pieces of trash ever written, and one of the most UNSUCCESSFUL too!!!

This book uncovers every detail of Mae Wests early career. Though Hamilton seems to accent on the negative, those who love Mae West will relish in the new details and great photos. The author is the exact opposite of Mae West, one can easlily surmise, so every triumpth of West's is quickly dashed with a failure, indicating an almost peciliar jealousy on behalf of the author towards her subject! THAT is what makes this book so interesting.

If you are interested in films, plays, censorship, New York, street life, sexual politics, life, oh yes, and Mae West, you just have to read this amazing book.

Witty, savvy, sophisticated, informed, nuanced, and in parts, just plain brilliant, this is a not-to-miss literary treat that emulates the style of its subject. Changed my life.