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Entertainment Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Entertainment
The Enchanted Wood
Published in Audio Cassette by Soundlines Entertainment (1997-01)
Author: Ruth Sanderson
List price: $9.95

Average review score:

The Enchanted Wood
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-25
If you like knights, kingdoms, and enchanted forests, then you'll simply love The Enchanted Wood. The Enchanted Wood, by Ruth Sanderson, is a book set back in the medieval times of kings and kingdoms, and takes place in a kingdom. After giving birth to her third son, the queen dies and the king and the land share the same grief. Then the king decides that the only way to end the drought is by going and finding the heart of the world and ask for the drought to end.
There are many good qualities about The Enchanted Wood and here are a few. The genres of The Enchanted Wood are historical fiction and fantasy. One good thing that Ruth Sanderson did is that her themes are very easy to find, like her theme," Don't be distracted in life by things that you want, just be glad with the things you have." The main character is Galen the king's youngest son and he wants to prove himself to everbody by finding the heart of the world. This book's genre is similar to Cinderella's genre because both books are historical fiction and fantasy.
The Enchanted Wood would be a good book for younger kids because ruth Sanderson wrote the book like it was for little kids. I believe that Ruth Sanderson should use more forceful language. The Enchanted Wood's theme is very easy to find where other books have it harder to find the theme. I think that this is a good book because it has a great theme. Remember, if you like medieval times then you will love The Enchanted Wood.

Ruth Sanderson is a GREAT writer and illustrator
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-23
This book is a great story, filled with marvelous paintings. I love this book, and Ruth Sanderson is probably my favorite artist.

Thank you, Ruth Sanderson, for writing and painting!

Sanderson's "Enchanted Wood"
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-14
This story teaches so much it is anything but 'weak'!! The folly of selfishness and vanity are foremost among the lessons to be learned. Devotion to a greater good than our own individual desires is modeled, and the pitfalls of the opposite character trait. I find it fascinating that the one temptation that ruled each of the first two princes turned out to be all 'smoke & mirrors'when the enchantment was gone. There WAS no black knight, only hack marks in the trees. So often in real life, the things that detour us from a noble purpose turn out to be irrelevant.

Beautiful!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-10-24
Ruth Sanderson is an excellent story-teller and author. This is a fine book to add to anyone's collection of fairytales or picture books. Highly recommended!

Glorious Paintings, Predictable Story
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2003-03-13
First of all, I need to clarify what at least two other reviewers have mistaken: this book is NOT Enid Blyton's 'Enchanted Wood' as part of her Faraway Tree trilogy. This is a children's picture book confusingly by the same name - an original fairytale by author and illustrator Ruth Sanderson, also know for her works 'The Crystal Mountain', 'Cinderella' and 'The Golden Mare, the Firebird and the Magic Ring'.

That said, this book is an interesting mix of truly beautiful paintings (its a pity there isn't a picture of the cover on this webpage, as that always puts people off buying products) and a traditional, predicable story.

After a beautiful kingdom becomes plauged by a drought the king sends his three sons Edmund, Owen and Galen to find the Heart of the World that lies within the Enchanted Wood to restore the kingdom - in finding it their purpose will be magically achieved. Successively the three head off, and individually come to a cottage on the verge of the forest, where an old woman warns them not to wander off the path no matter what. Well, you don't really need to be told any more to know exactly what happens. The two older sons succumb to temptation, while the youngest remains true to his quest and succeeds, inheriting the kingdom and marrying the old woman's beautiful daughter Rose who accompanied him through the forest (for both mother and daughter had been unwilling gatekeepers of the forest, though eventually liberated by Galen's nobility). It is an old formula, encompassing all the cliches of a beautiful maiden, the threefold trial, the cursed kingdom, the virtueous youngest brother... Even though children will certainly not be bothered by this, seasoned fairytale lovers will know the tune oh-so-well and be frustrated at its predictability. Thus the title 'original fairytale' is somewhat misused.

On the other end of the scale however, some points of the story are quite confusing. It is unclear why finding the Heart of the World restores the land to its former glory, nor how it actually manages to achieve this. Furthermore, though Edmund and Owen's submissions to temptation (respectively to hunt a white stag and engage in battle with a Black Knight) are indeed vices, we are never really certain whether Galen did the right thing in turning his back on his own brothers when witnessing them in peril. Lastly, the meaning of the silver key that Rose drops into the Heart's waters and the 'ceremony' that she performs is unclear in its meaning and point.

However, *please* don't let my grousing over this feature stop you from finding this book as they pale in comparison to Sanderson's exquisite oil paintings, and are in fact (in my opinion) her best. In no other book of hers has she reached the level of detail and realism that she does in 'The Enchanted Wood'. She captures motion perfectly, her animals (deer and horses) are beautiful, and all little girls be satisfied that the heroine Rose is stunning. The best part however is Sanderson's illustrations of the forest - their misty, mysterious, shrouded depths are gorgeously created, from their forbidding entrance at the iron gates to the Heart of the World - three treetrunks intertwinging to make one.
The illustrations more than make up for the story and make this book a must-have for all lovers of great art, children's books, fairytales or beauty in general.

It is unfortunate that it has such a well-used title, as I know of two other books by the same name (Enid Blyton's, and another 'Enchanted Wood' by the Australian writer and illustrator Shirley Barber) but the illustrations *are* worth the effort to tracks this book down, either from Amazon or your library.

Entertainment
Florence Lawrence, the Biograph Girl: America's First Movie Star
Published in Paperback by McFarland & Company (2007-03-20)
Author: Kelly R. Brown
List price: $35.00
New price: $28.01
Used price: $26.00

Average review score:

A Fine Tribute to Filmdom's Most Unsung Actress
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2000-06-30
A nicely researched and insightful biography of Florence Lawrence, one of the most shadowy yet important figures of early cinema. Many things about Florence's life and career will perhaps always remain vague, but Kelly Brown gives a worthy account of America's "first movie star." It is refreshing to know that Flo is finally getting the recognition she deserves. This book is a must for the true film buff.

Must Read for Film Buffs
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-23
This slender volume is fascinating because it finally paints a well-researched picture of the long forgotten Florence Lawrence. I've always been fascinated by her after seeing publicity stills of her from the mid-1900s. She appeared to be warm, charismatic and fascinating. Her greatest tragedy is that none of her films have been shown in eighty years. I have one of her shorts, "Flo's Discipline" which only lasts about twelve minutes but it gives you a hint of how dazzling she was before the cameras. While her cohort, Mary Pickford, went onto a spectacular career that included mind-boggling salaries and a world-famous Hollywood castle, Pickfair, poor Lawrence was living in a small, hotel room, being paid a few dollars a week as an extra at MGM. Her life would make a wonderful movie--and a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of how fleeting fame is, and how fickle is the public when it comes to remaining faithful to the flavor of the month.

Magnificent, painstakingly researched work
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-11
Florence Lawrence was an enigma I had always wanted to know about, having been interested in silent films for many years. Information on her was scarce, save for some still photographs in silent movie history books. Kelly Brown really did her homework, in what must have been a difficult task, digging up information about a star whose heyday was almost 90 years ago! Congratulations, Kelly, on a job well done! I can't recommend this book highly enough!

Good, well illustrated biography.
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2001-10-21
I always enjoy a good biography, especially those of the nearly forgotten silent screen stars. This biography of Florence Lawrence was well researched and had many wonderful photos. The author did a good job with the resources available. Most of the films and people involved in silents are gone now, so the job is doubly difficult. Although pricey, this biography is well worth reading.

Great research on the very first movie star
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-10-09
Florence Lawrence was "big" before there were movie stars. She was the original "Biograph Girl" before Mary Pickford was given that name by movie fans. After losing her job at Biograph, she was hired by Carl Laemmle's IMP company (later Universal). As a publicity stunt, Laemmle started a rumor that she was dead. Then she made a personal appearance in St. Louis and was mobbed by fans.

Unfortunately she was pretty much out of work in five years. Poor managemet by her husband Harry, as well as a painful injury forced her into bit parts. She was still acting in very small parts into 1938, when she gave up on life and committed suicide.

Kelly Brown has done an incredible research job. Using Florence's surviving correspondence, as well as trade magazine artices and advertisements, she has reconstructed Florence's life. The book has many footnotes noting sources, and there is a very detailed filmography. Instead of a book full of dry facts, Ms. Brown keeps Florence's story interesting. If you are interested in early cinema, or even important women actresses, you should definitely read this book.

Entertainment
Frank Sinatra: An American Legend
Published in Hardcover by Stoddart (1998-06)
Author: Nancy Sinatra
List price: $29.97
New price: $7.61
Used price: $1.82
Collectible price: $29.97

Average review score:

Sinatra-Viewed Naked & Still Beautiful
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-07-14
Here is Sinatra stripped of everything who leaves me knowing he has deserved my love and admiration all these years. With Sinatra, he drove himself through life going after whatever he wanted and risking the consequences. We get to look at his ups and downs and his prides and his falls. We see him suffer at love and sing about it. We see him finally, after all the aborted tries, finally sink himself into a relationship with his last wife that kept him happy until he died.

Life for Sinatra was all or nothing at all and he did life his way and fell into lots of tender traps and led some into his own tender traps, like one famous movie star I will let you discover on your own.

What so special about Nancy's book is that she is amazingly organized and objective in her account of her father's life. And the CD, well the CD is everything. You get to hear Sinatra on Sinatra, unabashed.

Everyone on the planet needs to buy and read this book to learn what life can be when you go for it all every day!

Kudos to Nancy for a biography well, well done.

The Review
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-26
This book has excellent pictures with the most vital information for a biography project. A great buy and great read for interested fans of Ol' Blue Eyes.

The ideal family album
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-07-23
No wonder this book is so thick- it's filled with numerous photos of Frank Sinatra, his family, and friends over the years. I love looking at these pics, and so will any other Sinatra fan. There is detailed info throughout the book as well. This is one worth having in your collection.

A MARVELLOUS SCAPBOOK
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-03-07
This scrapbook is a real treat to any true SINATRA fan.It is full of pictures of everybody who was important in his life from his parents to collaborators like arrangers NELSON RIDDLE; all his wifes from NANCY to BARBARA;the legendary LOUIS B. MAYER etc.Better than most biographies because it is based on facts not rumours.The early pictures from his beginnings are alone worth the price.I was fortunate enough to get this book at the third of it's price and i went through it very fast because once you open it, you simply can't take your hands out of it.If FRANK became the singer of the past century, it's not by accident, he worked hard at it.I was particulary touched by his loyalty to his true friends.FRANK SINATRA is a mirror of his country. He was the son of immigrants who lived the AMERICAN dream to the fullest.Where is the AMERICAN dream today now that it's last legend is gone?Let's not complain too much ,because everything that FRANK SINATRA ever recorded is now available on cd.Nostalgia when you think of it is a very good thing.SATURDAY is not the loneliest night of the week anymore thanks to the chairman of the board.If you are not already a fan, this book should do the trick.

Everything you want to know about Frank is in this Book
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2000-08-29
I had to get this book after seeing how low the price came down.The original price was 40 dollars. Nancy Sinatra's book on her Father has everything in here.I couldn't believe Frank weighted 13and a half pounds when he was born on December 12,1915.The Doctor ripped and scarred his ear,check,and neck,plus puncturing his eardrum.Frank wasn't breathing,so his grandmother Rose held the baby under cold running water until he gasped his first breath and cried.This book is like a Diary.It goes from year to year,sometimes month to month.All of Franks movies,records,concerts,TV shows,songs,and the name of the songwriters are in here,plus hundreds of pictures,starting with Frank's baby photo, ending with a touching family photo taken in 1996.There's a wonderfull picture of Marilyn Monroe taken with Dean Martin sitting ringside at the Sands..All of the stars are in here,and family pictures we've never seen before.If you are a Frank Sinatra fan,you have to get this Book.Its huge,and the pictures are fantastic.

Entertainment
Funnymen
Published in Kindle Edition by Scribner (2004-01-07)
Author: Ted Heller
List price: $11.99
New price: $9.59

Average review score:

A great read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-02
It's been a few years since I first read Funnymen by Ted Heller (it was published in 2002). I read so many books, and my memory is shot anyway, so it was time to give it another go (Heller is also the author of one of my all-time favorite comic novels, Slab Rat.)

The "funnymen" of the novel are the fictional comedy duo of Fountain & Bliss, loosely based on the legendary team of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. The narrative is unique, set up documentary style, as if Heller himself had interviewed all the major and minor characters of the Fountain & Bliss world. All of these characters (and boy are they characters!) tell of the meeting, union, and rise of the loony comedian (Bliss) and the girl-chasing crooner (Fountain), from the Catskills in the 1940s, to Hollywood of the 1960s, and beyond--past their eventual breakup, and into old age. Each character tells his/her version of events in a unique, identifiable voice, which I know (as a writer) is a hard trick to pull off.

The storytelling in Funnymen is engaging, spot-on, satisfying, exhausting, and more importantly--funny. When the laughs come (and there are plenty of them), it's because you as the reader know the characters so intimately, that you get the joke on every level, as if you are laughing at a long-time friend or family member.

So that's two great novels now from Mr. Heller, but the question is: When is the next one? It's been six long years since Funnymen was published. Ted, if you're out there, help me out. I need some more Heller. I'll be a first reader for you if you need one.

A fictional oral history of a dysfunctional duo
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-19
When Ziggy Blissman, a disastrous mix of sexual and social dysfunction, teams ups with Vic Fountain, (Formerly Fontana) who sings because he is trying to find the easiest life possible, entertainment history is made (up).Filled with ridiculous anecdotes from "friends and colleagues" of the great comedy duo, Fountain and Bliss, Ted Heller recreates the time when the nightclubs ruled. Martin and Lewis are the obvious models for Heller's fictional oral history, but his characters and their lives are different enough that it would be hard to separate any truths from this fiction. Heller does a great job of keeping all the characters consistent and each speaks with an individual voice that holds up to the conceit of this oral history quite well. The stories are so well conveyed by his characters; they have the sound of truth to them even when those stories are beyond belief. The end does become more than a little maudlin, but until that point this book is an outrageous farce.

Lightening in a binding
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-03-31
Ted Heller, you astonish me. This book could not be better than it is. The words genius and brilliant--but not in an anglo, pseudo overstated way--apply. Funnymen is a huge accomplishment. Say nothing of the avalanche of research, the hundreds of moving parts to keep track of, the 543,993 perfect metaphors, this is a supreme character analysis that is at once slyly (and broadly) hilarious, haunting, disturbing, insightful. Ted puts other writers to shuddering shame. I finished it at 2 a.m., and lay in bed (shuddering with shame), thinking about the lives of his characters and crying until 4 a.m. I am blind with exhaustion right now as I type this review. For the record, I loved Sally, Danny, Ernie and Snuffy, "What a kidney is for," Anchors Oy Vey, eyes as deadly weapons, silverware jumping into handbags. Awe, I'm telling you.

So much more than just funny
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-06-25
Funnymen was one of the best books I've read in a long time. I actually didn't even realize it was based loosely on Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis, but I am 24, and barely even know who they are! I don't know if this made the book better or worse for me, but I loved it. I didn't live during that time, or know many of the characters that were referenced, but it didn't matter. The storytelling is amazing, I never wanted it to end. Ted Heller is just amazing for having written this. I thought many times as I read how much work must have gone into it, because it SHOWS. Every detail is wonderful and entertaining and funny and sad.

As much as I loved the story, the reader is definitely made to hate Ziggy & Vic on some level as it goes on, because they are such coldhearted, selfish characters. That's why I was so suprised at how sad I felt at the book's end, when it portrayed what happened to them as they aged. It really touched me, and you pretty much wanted to forgive them for all of the horrible things they had done. I was haunted by it for days. I felt a sense of nostalgia for their youth, as if it was my own life that had passed, and I found myself flipping through the book's earlier passages just so I could relive some of the best times they had had.

Bottom line: extremely inventive storytelling rich with eccentric and distinct characters whose voices you can really hear. A very satisfying, funny and clever book from beginning to end. Ted Heller, I thank you.

Like Spinal Tap in book form, a great "mockumentary!"
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-20
I'm overwhelmed with Ted Heller's achievement in this book. I can't remember ever reading another fictionalized oral history and the idea is such a great one! If you've ever read any showbiz biographies, especially from the Golden Age of Hollywood, you will love this book. True, there are plenty of similarities to the Dean & Jerry team, but there are tons of in-jokes stolen from the lives of Milton Berle, Groucho Marx, and other luminaries. It really did remind me of Christopher Guest's ...documentary movies; the details are believable, but then this slight sense of----insanity slips in. The famous female star whose food [indulging] veers dangerously close to cannibalism...oh, I don't want to spoil it. Just read this book if you're into showbiz stories. You will NOT regret it.

Entertainment
James Brown: The Godfather of Soul
Published in Paperback by Da Capo Press (2003-01)
Author: James Brown
List price: $14.95
New price: $34.93
Used price: $27.50

Average review score:

Get on the Good Foot Y'all!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-28
James Brown was a true innovator. Nobody can take his genius away from him. He has passed on to occupy the ancestral realm. Remember the ancestors are always with us, you simply have to invoke their names.

I recommend this book for any James Brown fans or casual reader of history.

a very good read
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-27
RIP to the Godfather of Soul, Soul Brother #1, The Hardest Working Man in Show Business. This been a great blow and to all of us James Brown fans here. This book was the one I needed to keep me focused. Just read it all the way through earlier this year. Very strong, uplifting and powerful. James Brown was the Hero, the Legend, the American Pioneer. He wasn't just an entertainer or a hit maker or an artist, he's a man that have overcome alot on what's happening in the world: going thru poverty, business, the Civil Rights Movement, the world, loss of jobs, politics, way of culture, way of living, and a way to express ourselves thru a meaning of religion, life, hunger, soul, pain, and suffering. The Man had it all. Boy I'mma miss him and his talent. His spirit always captures us thru this day. GOOD GOD!!!

Thanks for all the hardship and legacy you put us into, Brother James Brown.

Interesting From Start to Finish
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-28
I bought this book a couple of years ago, and once I began reading the first page I couldn't stop until I'd finished the whole book. The things that JB had to go through as a young boy, it's a wonder he didn't wind up on death row, or in an early grave. It's a good thing that he turned his attention to music, and put all he had into it. Even though he was never really raised by anyone, or had a real family life he was able to make his mark in life. I'm glad that he acknowledges the power of God, and he knows what God can do. I enjoyed reading this book. This is a must read for everyone.

The greatest entertainer in the world!!!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-09-08
I'm 34 I had listened to some James Brown manly the hits. I had the oppertunity to see his show a couple of months ago. It was fantastic. I started getting some of his other albums like the big payback(my favorite) I must tell you I'm hooked I can't get enough of that sound. I finished this book today. It was awsome his takes on things are so down to earth. If you're down with Mr. Brown than you gotta read this.

It hooked me - An Amazing Read
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-29
What a life. What a personality. I have enjoyed this book enormously: You get the feeling that this is James Brown telling you his extraordinary story in a long and fascinating conversation. He talks about his music, his personal life and troubles, his philosophy, and, what I think is most thrilling, show business and stage performance.

My main goal in reading this book was resolving a personal doubt: Was he the genius behind his records, or was it Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley or his producers? After reading the book and listening to his records with lots of new insights, I have little doubt that the main driving force (although not the only one) in his records was himself. What Brown says about his music, where it came from, how it was made, what he intended to say, really made me discover many things in his records! For instance, if you have 'Live At The Apollo (1963)' (one of Brown's best albums) or have listened to it, DON'T MISS what he has to say about it -and play the LP again. I couldn't stop laughing for almost a quarter of an hour.

On another hand, I was also wondering: Is he a ruthless, egotistic and authoritarian character, as he is sometimes portrayed? In the book, JB openly and candidly talks about the discipline in his band, prison, guns, Black Power, and politics; and, paradoxically, in the end I finished with the impression of having received a lesson in confidence in man, tolerance, faith and spirituality. Soulful singers like him or BB King really have something to say about life-not only in their records.

On a last note, I think the (co-)writer Bruce Tucker has structured the book very well, hooking you from the beginning until the last page. As usual, it is better to avoid beginning with the prefaces and forewords, and leave them for the end. Only a little information about musicians in the sessions would have been welcome -although it is true that it's not the scope of the book.

Definitely worth reading it if you are a James Brown fan, and also very commendable if you are interested in music in general.

Entertainment
John Carradine: The Films
Published in Hardcover by McFarland & Company (1999-05)
Authors: Tom Weaver and Gregory William Mank
List price: $65.00
New price: $65.00
Used price: $62.98

Average review score:

Dracula Lives!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-20
In a career spanning hundreds of movies from "Tolerable David" in 1930 up until literally his death in 1988, John Carradine blessed this world with his many florid theater, film, and television performances. His greatest role(in his opinion) was split between major parts in the classics "Stagecoach" and "The Grapes of Wrath", both directed by John Ford. He loved to work. He loved Shakespeare. He loved women. The book details his three marriages, his drunken parties with John Barrymore, and his jail time for late alimony payments. And here, for horror fans, is a detailed breakdown of every film, from "House of Dracula" to "Satan's Cheerleaders". The large hardcover tome is complete with a myriad of pictures and posters. John Carradine is truly part of American cinema legacy. He died in Milan, Italy, attending a special screening of "Stagecoach".

Finaly a book about the great John Carradine
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2000-01-21
All the other big names of horror-movie-actors have been covered: Karloff, Lugosi, Chaney, Lee, Cushing, Price ... Here is finaly the first book about John Carradine and all his films (and not only the B-Movie-Horrorfilms !)It was time !

German: Endlich ein Buch über den grossen John Carradine. All seine Horrorfilm-Schauspielkollegen sind ausreichend gewürdigt worden, von Lugosi, Chaney und Karloff über Price, Lee und Cushing. Nun endlich gibt es ein Werk mit vollständiger Filmograhie (und nicht nur die Horror-B-Filme) über diesen Altmeister. Wie alles aus dem McFarland-Verlag teuer aber in jeder Beziehung in Topqualität !

Great Introduction to Carradine
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1999-11-10
Everyone recognizes his face, but few can name him. John Carradine was a memorable character actor who gave rich performances in big and small budget pictures. Finally, a book has been written about him that not only explores his life via anecdotes and interviews interspersed throughout, but his vein of work that stretched innumerable decades and genres. Author Tom Weaver has crafted a fun and lively chronological read, putting together little-known information and revealing asides to enhance our knowlegde of the work of an aspiring actor. Perhaps now, more people will seriously reappraise Carradine's work and give him the consideration he's due.

Long overdue and worth the wait
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1999-11-06
He's the actor everyone knew, but few knew anything about. Here - finally - is the definitive look at the horror icon's hundreds of films, and his surprising life, including the strained relationship with his sons. Best of all, it's by two of the brightest lights in the field.

Superb
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2000-08-02
John Carradine's career spanned six decades and films thatranged from acclaimed classics (The Grapes of Wrath) to undisputedstinkers (can anyone say anything positive about Billy The Kid Vs. Dracula?). In John Carradine: The Films, author Tom Weaver deftly documents each and every film of the multi-talented actor. Complete cast and credits listings, synopsis and author commentarty for each film are included, as are remembrances from various co-stars, directors, Carradine's sons and even Carradine himself.

Weaver's commentaries on the films spices up the usual dryness found in many "Films Of" books, due to their rather strict cast/crew/summary formula. An opinionated reviewer/critic, Weaver doesn't pull his punches in offering up his takes on Carradine's films. Whether or not you agree with his views, it's nice to hear definite opinions for a change in a book like this, instead of the oft-times "take-no-controversial-stand" approach which, while certainly objective, doesn't always make for the most fascinating or interesting reading.

And for regular readers of the author, not to fear...the classic puns are here in good abundance, and will not fail to make one groan and shake one's head on occasion.

Rounding out this tribute to the "thin" Dracula are recollections of Carradine from directors Joe Dante and Fred Olen Ray, and a mini-biography by Gregory Mank. Carradine's flamboyance, lust for life, and love of Shakespeare, as well as his regrets and resignation to the many poor roles he either chose or was forced to accept in order to "feed the family" are just a few of the many sides to the actor that are captured by Mank.

In all, Tom Weaver has assembled an extraordinarily fine and fitting tribute to a too-long overlooked personage of classic horror history. Par for the course for the author, John Carradine: The Films is thoroughly researched, hugely informative, frequently amusing, and most importantly: simply a must-have book.

Entertainment
Literary Law Guide for Authors: Copyrights, Trademarks and Contracts in Plain Language
Published in Paperback by FYOS Entertainment/Legal Write Publications (2003-03-22)
Authors: Tonya Marie Evans and Susan Borden Evans
List price: $19.95
New price: $11.67
Used price: $9.34

Average review score:

Invaluable Resource All Writers Should Invest In
Helpful Votes: 11 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-06
Finally, here's an all-inclusive, easy-to-understand book about issues of intellectual property, copyright, trademarks, online works, the Fair Use doctrine, contracts, agreements, and more. By using helpful symbols and clearly written descriptions, these legal experts provide, in one volume, a wealth of information critical for authors to know. With a little patience, anyone can understand the information the Evans attorneys provide.

They also cover issues such as privacy, domain names, a brief history of intellectual property law, and information about pending legislation. I found the section on agreements for Publishing, Collaboration, and Licensing especially helpful. I did not realize that each book also comes with a CD-ROM containing sample forms and contracts-an extra added bonus that makes this book an invaluable resource all writers, new and experienced, should invest in. Highly recommended.

Insightful and Effective
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-03
Insightful and Effective would be the best two words to describe the advantages of this book. This book lays out literary law in a non-complex way that is very easy to grasp. Dangerous publishing coups could be avoided by implementing all of the book's stratagies when applicable. The details about electronic rights has really enabled me to see the full value of my children's books. Since reading the book, I surveyed many author friends of mine who unbeknownst to them, had signed away valuable electronic rights that their publisher stand to make a bundle on. Also, being told the vast difference between copyrights and trademarks saved me a lot of money that I would have spent needelessly on protecting my products when in fact I had already taken the proper steps. This book takes the paranoia out of negotiating with publishers and has taught me the precious lesson of knowing that everything is truly negotiable, especially when it's your property at stake. I tell everyone I meet about this book.

Understand Legal concepts easily with this book!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-28
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Tonya Marie Evans at the Book Expo of America in Washington DC this year and she is a smart, enthusiastic, driven woman. This book should be required reading for anyone wishing or thinking about writing and publishing a book. This book will help you understand the process in plain english. This book clearly explains complicated legal issues, offers examples and answers your questions. This is a book you will want to keep on your desk and refer back to again and again. I recommend this to each person who sends me a book to review or asks me any type of publishing question.

Well-written, to the point and organized!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-28
Literary Law Guide for Authors is my 'gold medal'. I treasure this well-written and VERY easy-to-read book! I've written (self-published) a children's book and currently writing a spiritual anthology. In both cases, I desperately needed contract forms and from searching the internet and communicating briefly with the author, I ordered this book. The forms section (in addition to the CD) included every bit of information I needed to create and provide a professional looking contract. I just can't say enough of this book. TIMELY. WELL-WRITTEN. INFORMATIVE.

buy it!!!

Certainly a book for the shelf of an author, small business owner who write publications, and infopreneurs!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-14

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I think it does a wonderful job of describing the law and legal issues that an author should know about if they are going to take full advantage of their work product. Knowing the information contained in this book will most assuredly help a small business owner who creates publications to market her company and/or to provide herself with credibility. Definitely a must read for any infopreneur, too!

Interestingly the subject matter included in this book is fairly simple on the grand scheme of things regarding the law. I don't remember a course at either of my law schools that focused on this material. There certainly was a course on Intellectual Property, but that subject is larger than what this book covers. That course covers the real meat of intellectual property: Patent Law. Authors don't need to concern themselves with that subject.

My favorite parts of the book were chapters 2 (Copyright), 4 (Fair Use & Permissions), 7 (Trademark), and 10 (A Brief History of Intellectual Property). I'm glad chapters 3, 8, and 12-14 were included, too. Those talked about how to apply for IP protection with the US Copyright and US Trademark offices, as well as basics about the law of contracts and agreements.

I also enjoyed poking around the Net to learn a bit about the author. I only did this because of the way the author wrote her book. She included herself as part of the book's content. She is a somewhat young attorney who has an athletic background and clearly a drive to be a successful entrepreneur. The world would be a better place if there were more women like her.

I would have enjoyed the book more if it had not been ALL law. For example, while it is true that an author gets substantial protection from registering her copyright so she can sue and get damages. Most writings don't merit filing for such protection. I think it should have been pointed out that some writings don't really need the full range of protection, while others certainly do. If I write a 10-page ebook that helps me market my Web site. Do I really care if someone steals that from me? Probably not. But if I write a 170-page booklet that I sell at my seminars and workshops, then I better register my copyright because some real effort went into that publication and my seminars need it for credibility. I'd be at a loss if someone stole it. Things like this could have been included in the instant book being reviewed to make it better. 5 stars!

Entertainment
Looking for Harvey Weinstein
Published in Paperback by Holly and Shirley Yanez (2004-04)
Author: Shirley Yanez
List price: $25.00
New price: $12.99
Used price: $7.15

Average review score:

Come on Harvey give them a break!!!!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-24
Now he has got his new company surly a movie about mad women chasing the movie producer to save an artist makes a great movie for the failing Hollywood blcobuster? The Weinstein Company should look at this book now and make it into a UK movie.

Thelma and Loise meet The Player?

Come on Harvey
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-13
This book really made me laugh but I have to say I was shocked that Harvey Weinstein did not help them save thier artist, he must be short of money because these women could sell snow to Eskimos. Excellent read and the perfect holiday companion.

Mad English women take on Harvey
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-13
This book is hilarious buy it if you love to laugh at the reality of life.

Black Comedy
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-14
I got hold of a copy of this book from someone important in Hollywood, flying first class, Virgin Airways. He was laughing so much I asked him the title of the book he was reading. Was he laughing at the story or was he laughing at himself. It turned out he was a producer and knew Harvey Weinstein very well. The book is a true account of what happens when normal women get inside the Hollywood system and expose not only themselves but the people who run it. Fantastic story.

What an amazing story
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-13
This is just amazing, what a tale. I wish I had seen this side of Hollywood. The book is a sales manual and a diary for drunks, drug addicts and those who tell the truth.

Entertainment
Loretta Lynn
Published in Paperback by Da Capo Press (1996-03-21)
Authors: Loretta Lynn and George Vecsey
List price: $15.00
Used price: $16.94

Average review score:

Amazing!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-26
I have very high standards when it comes to idols (at least by my warped definition). Mrs. Lynn managed to be both an idol and hero to me. She is a strong out spoken female that refuses to compromise her beliefs to fit into a cookie cutter/hollywood type image. The best day of my life was getting to visit her ranch and pose for a photo on her steps. I love both of her books although Still Woman Enough is my favorite as she is completely relaxed in being herself. Loretta Lynn is an inspritation for all women young and old that have had to overcome hard challenges in life.

What can I say?
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-23
I have been completely in love with Loretta Lynn ever since I saw "Coal Miner's Daughter." I didn't even know who she was til I watched the movie at age 14, then I read the book and became hooked on her music. She is an amazing woman. Her life has been hard, and she doesn't take any of her success for granted. She is who she is. What you see is what you get with her. I don't know if anyone who reads her book could relate to half of what she has experienced, but it makes for interesting reading. I was lucky enough to see her live in concert a month ago, and when she walked out on that stage, I was brought literally to tears. I just couldn't believe this woman I admire so highly was actually standing in front of me. I'll never forget that night. And I will never stop loving Loretta Lynn. Read BOTH of her autobiographies. Both are excellent.

I was a Coal Miner's daughter in Kentucky
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-28
This is one of the greatest books that has ever been written. My father was a coal miner until he got hurt. I sing my self and loretta is just so good. Being from the same state she is i guess the reason she has such a influenece on my life. If you read this book you will love it.

Coal Miner's Daughter
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-23
Very interesting. This woman has led a very difficult life, but she never seems to lose her spirit.

Very Impressed
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2005-05-02
A grandmother at 28? Wow! I learned a lot of interesting things about 1) the country music star, and 2) about coming up hard and making it work out.

This book is Loretta Lynn's tale of her childhood in Butcher Holler with her poor but pround parents. Her parents allow her to be married off to a man she barely knows when she is 13. Amazingly, she remains married to this man for the rest of his life.

Anyway, the husband encourages Loretta to sing publicly because he thinks she has a great voice. And I don't need to tell you how the career goes, because that's pretty popular knowledge.

All in all, this was a great book. Very well developed and informative, whether you're a country music fan or not.

Entertainment
Louise Brooks: Lulu Forever
Published in Hardcover by Rizzoli (2006-11-07)
Author: Peter Cowie
List price: $55.00
New price: $34.19
Used price: $39.74
Collectible price: $127.05

Average review score:

Fabulous ... Just Like Louise!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-18
This book by Peter Cowie has stunning photos and the story of Louise's life is quite intersting. It is put together beautifully and is very well written.

Thank you for this book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-24
First of all thank you Mr Cowie for this fine piece of art in itself. Myself, I think Louise Brooks is and was the most beautiful actress-model ever. Its hard to put in words how her beauty and expressions move me. I love the look of the 20's and 30's and she was the icon for that era.

This book is not only a beautiful history of Lulu but a fine photo album of her life in her hay day. I only wish I could have at least shook her hand when she was living. As a photographer myself, her beauty is unmatched. If you are a fan of Louise Brooks or and a fan of fine photography of the 1920's buy this book.

She will truely be, forever Lulu Thank you again Mr.Cowie and thank you Mary Louise Brooks.

Long time Lulu fan..
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-28
I finally own high quality, gorgeous pictures of my favorite gal! I love this book!

Wonderful Tribute
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-12
Louise Brooks' current reputation rests mostly on two films, both silent, both done in Germany by Pabst: Pandora's Box and Diary of a Lost Girl. This excellently produced book provides more background on this all but forgotten star who, in her day, was a supreme flapper icon. Looking at the marvelous photographs, mostly film stills, but with some candids and modeling shots I've never seen before, you get a sense of why Brooks was such a sensation in her day.

Brooks' influence lived on long after her name and identity in the public mind had faded. Her hair, referred to as that "helmet bob" and her fashion sense, set the tone for generations of confident, independent, sexy young women. This book makes clear that she was more than just a projection of a strong image - she was a very special actress. The text is, at times, a bit too personal and adulatory, but it contains a lot of good, perceptive material on her appeal, and it fills in many details about her not very happy life.

In her two most famous roles, the prostitute-mistress-showgirl in Pandora's Box, and the abused middle-class waif in Lost Girl, Brooks was superb. Pandora is one of the sexiest films ever made, and this without nudity or sex! In Lost Girl, she is the archetype of oppressed femininity, but she rebounds! with a tough, no-nonsense core. Looking through this book takes you back to an earlier era in entertainment when sensibilities and expectations were different. For fans of silent films, it is a great find; for others - see if it doesn't make you a fan!

an incredible collection of fantastic photos supported by great writing
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-01
I loved this book!
The photos alone are priceless and vary in environmental background and photographer personalities. Really fun to look at as a short coffee table book to feast your eyes on. What a beautiful actress Louise was!

The bonus is the well-written and entertaining biographical info that is in the book. Easy to read....it does tend to jump back and forth chronologically but it most enjoyable.

A must have for any Louise Brooks fan or any silent film buff!
This book is something I have wanted to have in my possession for the last fifteen years and finally we have it in our hands!!!

Bravo!!!


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