Entertainment Reviews

Life, Death, and Entertainment in the Roman Empire

Published in Paperback by University of Michigan Press (1999-03-15)

Author:

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No-Spin Zone

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-09-23

Nothing further to add, but wanted to point out that this work is not as slanted politically correct as Encolp in his review above make it seem. The book is much more objective, all the pseudo-intellectual babbling is purely the reviewer's preferred conlcusions using the data in the book as a springboard. I just can't help wonder why he is so disturbed by so-called "manly types" (or what he means by that).

Power, Wealth, Pleasure, and a "Duh" Mentality...

Helpful Votes: 10 out of 19 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-27

Sound familiar? Does what goes around -- come around
again? Are the malls the 21st century version of
the Roman baths? Are the Nascar racetracks the 21st
century version of the chariot races? Are our
football stadiums the 21st century version of the
Colosseum? This book does not present its themes
in these terms, but one cannot help but think about
these things as one reads it -- in tandem with reading
the Roman writers who satirized or caught in verse the
goings-on in their own times: Catullus, Martial,
Petronius, Juvenal.
Besides the "Introduction" by David S. Porter, there
are 3 large Parts to the division of the book. Part
I is titled: "Social Structures and Demography". Within
this section are informative and highly interesting essays
on "The Roman Family," "Elite Male Identity in the Roman
Empire," and "Roman Demography." Part II is titled:
"Religion." There is only one essay in this Part --
"Roman Religion: Ideas and Action." Part III is titled:
"Bread and Circuses" [the famous phrase used to describe
how the rulers and the "elite" kept the masses under their
control -- by giving them doles of food or by providing
them with mass entertainments to keep their minds off
the fact of their gruelling lives and that they did
not lead the "good life" that the "elites" were leading --
sound familiar?]. In this Part are the essays: "Feeding
the City: The Organization, Operation,and Scale of the
Supply System for Rome," "Amusing the Masses: Buildings
for Entertainment and Leisure in the Roman World," and
"Entertainers in the Roman World." Since our modern
era also seems to be so much into shallow entertainment
and pleasures, perhaps the titles of the subsections of
this last chapter will be intriguing: Actors and Athletes.
Chariot Racing.[the factions and their fans sound like
ancient Roman predecessors to the WWF and Nascar
fanatics...] Gladiators, Beast Hunts, and Executions.
[well, we haven't "progressed" in our tastes and
"sophistication" that far yet...but, who knows? ...]
All in all, this is a very interesting, insightful,
intriguing -- as well as provoking book. The
section that interested me the most was the one
on the Roman emphasis and hang-up on male identity -
what was considered manly, and what was not. It isn't,
as if that is one of the main obsessions in our own
times in the U.S. of A. , of course. And what are
all the "manly" types contributing to the betterment,
stability, and nobility of our present society and culture?
It gives one pause, for reflection.

Extremely entertaining and informative

Helpful Votes: 14 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-18

First off, this book is a collection of seven very long essays by different experts. The essays deal with the minutest details of Roman life, ranging from religious practice to construction to gladiatorial combat and criminal execution. Not all essays are created equal, and there are two in here that I found rather dry, but perhaps that is because I couldn't care less about the specifics of amphitheater construction. The others were phenomenal, and even the "boring" ones contain excellent and useful information.

I read L,D,&E (as I have begun to call it) for an undergraduate class in Roman History and had to write a critical review-type paper about it. I have to say I actually enjoyed the assignment. The book was, overall, excellent. It features real-life "snapshots" of different aspects of Roman life, and unlike many books about Ancient Rome, it doesn't focus solely on the upper classes. It also doesn't spend any time discussing politics or history or "great men" of the times, so if you're looking for that, go elsewhere. This book is NOT an introduction to imperial Rome -- you'll need to have one of those under your belt already -- but it IS the most wonderful, complete, and readable supplementary material available. It really fills in the gaps and answers questions you didn't know you had, giving you a vastly more complete picture of Rome under the Emperors.

Fantastic discussion of "real life" in Rome...

Helpful Votes: 41 out of 42 total.
Review Date: 1999-11-19

This book discusses aspects of Roman life that are frequently difficult to research... such as the kinds of toys Roman children enjoyed or the types of birth control that were popular. It covers such subjects as "feeding the city" and "entertaining the populace" as well as religion and other expected items. The work comprises a sweeping approach to "real life stuff" in a framework that is scholarly (with plenty of documentation) but highly entertaining. It's the kind of book I've been wanting to own for years.

Good resource book

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 2000-11-15

This is an interesting, well-written book that would be a good edition to the library of any student of Roman history as well as being a good resource for writers of historical fiction.

Little Lumpy's Book of Blessings

Published in Hardcover by Three Butterflies Entertainment & Press (2000-10-16)

Author: L. Carol Lewis

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A MUST have for a young child!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2001-10-17

This book is awesomely beautiful with brilliant colors and fine art! Ms. Lewis and her illustrator Mr. Clarke have created a masterpiece for children of color!

The Christian theme throughout the book demostrates values. It shows how thankful a young child is for the world around them. A lesson some adult could learn.

Little Lumpy is a priceless keepsake for generations to come. I look forward to the line of children's books Ms. Lewis has to share with our young readers. -LC

Great book for the children!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-10-17

If you want your children to experience the true value of family and spirituality, then this book will help you and must be a part of your kid's library. I commend the author for focusing on bringing our children back home to where they belong. This is a must read for your sons and daughters.

An On Time Book!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-18

Let Little Lumpy Lulu warm your heart with this wonderful story of appreciation and thanksgiving. This playful story with smiling faces and rich vibrant artwork will warm the hearts of children, teens, as well as adults of any age. This is the type of book that children should be reading to instill an appreciation of family and foster a giving spirit! A joy to read - a must have for everyone with a child!

Exceptional!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2001-01-27

Let Little Lumpy Lulu warm your heart with this wonderful story of appreciation and thanksgiving. This playful story with smiling faces and rich vibrant artwork will warm the hearts of children, teens, as well as adults of any age. This is the type of book that children should be reading to instill an appreciation of family and foster a giving spirit! A joy to read - a must have for everyone with a child!

Little Lumpy's Book of Blessings

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2000-10-16

Page by page, Little Lumpy's Book of Blessings unfolds "goodness" how to eat nutritiously, enjoy nature, doing things children love to do. I would say this is a book that shouts family values.

Families are the back bone of our society and today, books like Little Lumpy's Book of Blessings are needed more than ever, this book speak volumes of loving families, wonderful neighbors, grandparents, playmates, - even the babysitter is shown in a positive light. The writings and illustrations are superb; this book has my blessings.

Live from the Battlefield: From Vietnam to Baghdad, 35 Years in the World's War Zones

Published in Paperback by Touchstone (1995-01-01)

Author: Peter Arnett

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Very entertaining

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-18

I had no idea of the things Arnett had done before the 1st Iraq war. He has led quite an amazing journalistic life. Very enjoyable read.

Excellent and gripping

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-07

I have read several reporters auto-biographies but Peter's is the most interesting and gripping. It is full of insightful detail that really makes you feel the excitement and terror of being a war correspondent.

Peter Arnett: Best Wartime Reporter of Our Generation

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2001-12-12

For anyone with the least bit of interest in the Vietnam "police action" and the Gulf War, and honest wartime reporting from someone with an impenetrable sense of integrity, this autobiography is a "must read." Dr. Arnett's autobiography should also be required reading for all jounalism students as a measure of their worth and what it takes to persevere when the "real story," the story on the ground, may not necessarily match that of the "party line."

Great war coverage

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-12-05

Want to know what really happened on the battlefield in Vietnam and else where? Read this book. As with most good journalists who stood firm maintaining the freedom of the press, and gave the public a true picture of what was happening abroad, he was railed on by the Pentagon and Whitehouse officials throughout his career. I've just read the book and something especially haunting was the last chapter. He is covering Afghanistan, the year was about 1993 after the 'freedom fighters' got rid of the communists and the entire country is ridden with corruption, violence, and warring factions. While waiting for his plane to Kabul he has a conversation with an influential Pakistani who blamed the chaos on the "mercurial American foreign policy". Saying "all you Americans cared about was destroying communism, and you welcomed extremists to the struggle and trained them to kill. But many of those people don't like you either, and you're the next target". On the very last page, Arnett ends the book as he is leaving Afghanistan, he writes: "The collapse of the Soviet empire, the end of the Cold War, had not brought harmony to Afghanistan, merely conflict and criminality. And the United States would reap a bitter harvest from the seeds of the Islamic revolution it helped sow. I was glad to be leaving Afghanistan but I knew that the story was not over". I would probably have to go back". As usual,the Pentagon and their right-wing pundits who attack people like Arnett as sympathizers, and conspiracy theorists, have been proven wrong by history, and the current events today.

A thrilling account by a master journalist.

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1999-09-21

A thrilling account by a master journalist who pursued `the story' for four decades over four continents. Guided by a determination to write only what he himself saw, Arnett sent out a steady stream of reports about what was actually happening in Vietnam, shrugging off the official military handouts as the "Five O'Clock Follies." His doggedness, bravery and resourcefulness in getting to where the action was resulted in Pulitzer Prize winning reports. He later became famous, if controversial, as one of the few American reporters to cover the Gulf War from inside Baghdad. An exhilarating read.

Loitering With Intent: The Apprentice

Published in Paperback by Pan Books (1997-08)

Author: Peter O'Toole

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hit and miss

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1998-04-24

That O'Toole can write is no surprise to anyone who has seen him act, since--although he is saying others' lines on screen--a pulsing intelligence comes through in his performances. (Brando can't write in SONGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME, and neither could KATHERINE HEPBURN in her autobiography. As good as they are as actors, they don't suggest eloquence on the screen...despite the quality of the lines they say). But O'Toole is not one of the greatest writers alive. This volume shows that. His writing needs to be more linear. He IS one of the greatest actors alive, however. So I wish he would leave his desk and get in front of a movie camera or on stage instead. I don't believe there is such a thing as a genius actor. But if there is, O'Toole is it (and the only one). There has certainly never been an actor as charismatic (well, maybe Cary Grant. But could Grant have played serious drama as well as light comedy? He never played in a drama that I know of).

O'Toole Amazing life in His Own Delightful Words

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-25

I want Peter O'Toole to scrible my life story. One of our grandest actors turns out to be a remarkable writer. If he was writing about any other person than himself, this would be a great book; a most enjoyable reading experience; and a primer in how to tell the story of a larger than life person. As it happens, Peter O'Toole, the exceptional writer, is writing about Peter O'Toole, the peerless actor.

And this is Volume Two! Do grab the first book, "Loitering With Intent: The Child." It is not only a fascinating story of the very early years of O'Toole's boyhood in Ireland, it is also a personal account of the world plunging into the chaos of the 1930s that became World War II.

Read them both...preferasbly in order. And pray Mr O'Toole is with us long enough to craft volume three!

Brilliant 2nd. volume of O'Toole's biography.

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-06-08

Peter O'Toole continues recounting his early years in the second volume of his biography. It has a slightly different style than the first volume (The Child), but is still extremely enjoyable. Highly recommended.

The Peter (O'Toole) prescription for a life well lived!

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-08-26

Who says a great actor has to be a self-absorbed boor with no life or thoughts of his own offstage or off-camera? This second installment of noted actor O'Toole's autobiography brims over with vitality, quirky charm, and loving reminiscences of fellow drama school students, teachers, and a host of other fascinating souls. O'Toole is clearly one of those people who makes his own fun, and naturally finds kindred spirits wherever he goes in life. He doesn't choose his friends based on their status or what they can do for him, he just enjoys their company. And how! The myriad, unorthodox ways O'Toole and his pals devise to obtain lodgings, food, semi-clean laundry and other of life's necessities will have you laughing out loud. One of many highlights concerns the delightful, party given to celebrate the final hours of leaky old houseboat, where guests take turns pumping the sea back out even as it sloshes at their ankles. A rip-roaring good time was had by the artist as a young apprentice, and his mates!

Brilliantly written and very funny

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1998-11-22

O'Toole has a gift for the English language -- you just want to read whole chapters aloud, to enjoy the sound of the words. There are also scores of laugh-out-loud funny anecdotes sprinkled throughout, all told with wry joy. This isn't a typical actor's memoir -- this is way more fun.

Lon Chaney: The Man Behind the Thousand Faces

Published in Hardcover by Vestal Press (1996-10)

Author: Michael F. Blake

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Gold dust for a Lon Chaney fan.

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-06

One of the most in-depth biopics on Lon Chaney that I've read. Fantastic rare photos & so much insite about this man-family life-work etc. The best out of many books written about Lon. Well worth it!

Excellent treatment

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1998-09-21

Mr. Blake presented a thorough and convincing telling of Mr. Chaney's life and career. I found it to be quite readable, informative, and delightful in opening to me the life of one of my favorite screen personalities. Blake's book, as well as its subject, Lon Chaney, deserve a place in the highest levels of cinematic lore and recognition. I recommend this book to anyone wishing to know more about Lon Chaney and his times.

If you want to know who Lon Chaney was, this is THE book!

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 1998-09-15

The fans of Lon Chaney have never had a detailed biography of the "Man of a Thousand Faces", but no more! Michael F. Blake has written THE BOOK on Chaney, uncovering a tremendous amount of rare material on the actor's life and career. A film/TV makeup artist himself, Blake is able to finally tell us how Chaney really created his famous makeups. The 120 photos, many I've never seen before, are just amazing! This is the book Chaney fans have been waiting for.

The only thorough and ojective source on Lon Chaney

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-28

This was the most extensive biography I've ever read on Lon Chaney. Micheal F. Blake's account of Chaney was excellent becuase the author explains why the man was so sucsessful.
The book mainly concentrates on the impact he left on critics and movie goers. Also,his agenda and work relationships with film makers and various experts needed for subject matter that was essential for unusual plot elements in some of his greatest films. The author further demonstrates how these relationships enhanced his skill, and how that would inspire him to progress beyond what he already achieved in prior films for futer projects.
The auther accounts for his private life with integrity and honor. However, you'll learn of the private life he wanted people to think he had, regardless of how accurate it was, in comparrisson to the truth, and why.
I am a horror/sci-fi fanatic, with an extensive collection of films, novels and magazines spawned from those very genres-minus Lon Chaney!!! I can only account for two Fangoria magazines that have articles profiling him, and they are not very extensive. It's very hard to find information and literature about this man, which is a shame, considering how much he inspired present day movie makers. That's why this book is a must read, especially for those interested in a medium leading to any type of film carreer. If not, if you want to read something different, Lon Chaney is definately that in every which way, and Micheal F. Blake explains why!

The life of a fascinating personality revealed

Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2000-06-16

For the decades since his death, Lon Chaney, while one of the biggest stars of the silent era, had remained one of the least-known (about) talents of said era. The life of this amazing, multi-talented individual is finally revealed to us with Lon Chaney: The Man Behind The Thousand Faces. Chaney fans reap the benefits of author Michael F. Blake's 6 years of research. Of the many things we learn: the son, born to deaf parents and his early mastery of pantomime for the sake of communicating with (and entertaining) them. His rather extensive list of theater credits where he practiced and honed his skills at make-up. His entry into films and the amazing body of work that resulted. His rise from bit player to hugely popular character-actor, adored by the public and respected by his peers. His marriages. All this and much, much more (who knew that Chaney was an adept dancer!). A filmography (as complete as can be known), chronology of major events in Chaney's life, and even a glossary of make-up terminology is also provided.

Two highlights: numerous, never-before-seen (at least by me) photos and Blake (himself a make-up artist) reveals the secrets behind many of the actor's "thousand faces", at the same time dispelling many inaccurate "facts" that have been perpetuated over the years concerning said make-up creations.

Whether you're a fan of Chaney or of film history in general, you will find this book invaluable.

The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (Prima's Official Strategy Guide)

Published in Paperback by Prima Games (2002-10-29)

Author: Mark Cohen

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lord of the rings: fellowship of the ring

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-15

This is the first of the three books in the series The Lord of the Rings. In the beginning, a hobbit called Bilbo Baggins celebrates 111th birthday. He then disappears to go live with the Elves in a place called Rivendell, and leaves everything to his nephew, Frodo Baggins, including a mysterious and magical ring that he found long time ago. Frodo is advised by Gandalf to go to Rivendell, and to take the ring, and to never wear it. Gandalf fears that it might be the Ring of Power (the ring that belongs to the evil lord Sauron), so he goes to Rivendell where a council is met. Frodo agrees to take the ring to Mount Doom with the help of others this group form the Fellowship. As they go, they meet various encounters, and in the end of the book, Sauron's army fights the group and steals some of the Hobbits.
I chose to read this book because I heard it was very popular. Also, I heard that the book was a fantasy book tied in with magic, battles, and a great quest. I liked reading it and I knew what was happening because I read the book The Hobbit. Then I decided to read the prologue. I also liked to read the book because it was full of adventure and danger.
My favorite part was when Gandalf faced off the monster in the shadow of the mines of Moria. It started when the Fellowship began to make their way to Isengard. Gandalf decided to lead the group into a climb through the mountains. They noticed a large group of crows flying their way. Figuring that it was some of Sauron's spies, they tried to go through the ice caps of other mountains. Then Saruman the wizard tried to stop them. So they had no choice but to go through the mines of Moria where a monster lives. This is a fire-demon monster that lives. Gandalf tried to fight the monster but Gandalf and the monster fell and the Fellowship thought Gandalf died.

A must have if you ...

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-23

This is a must have if you purchase the game. Now this is NOT the best game in the world. It is not advised to even purchase this game, it is slow... You'd be safer to go with the two towers. But if you do buy this game (probably for the same reason I did..which was it is LOTR and I just have to own it) this is the ideal companion for you. The beginning of the game is very very hard. It takes awhile to get around the Ringwraith riders, and when you finally do you go into another part of town where unless y ou know what you are doing you wont be able to find your way out. So dont expect the game to be simple, it isn't much fun, in fact it is quite aggrivating. But if you do buy the game you have to buy this so you actually know what you are doing, and not wandering around like a fool in the woods...as I was until I read some of this ;)

Read Me!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-28

Lord of the Rings:
The Fellowship of the Ring
By J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring is an action packed magical thriller. It keeps you on edge with every flip of the page.
The book begins with the old Bilbo Baggins planning for his one hundredth and eleventh birthday. Half the Shire's been invited! It looks as though it'll be a night to remember. When Bilbo vanishes during his birthday speech, he leaves the crowd in awe. Seeing as how he is now leaving, for another adventure, and shan't be returning, he leaves his precious Bag End and all his possessions behind. His heir and second cousin one-removed, Frodo Baggins now has to carry the responsibility of taking the One Ring to Mordor to be destroyed.
To get to Mordor, Frodo must leave his beloved Shire and travel through Old forests, empty plains, and rocky mountains. He soon reaches Rivendale, with the help of a strange Rider, Aragorn, and an elf named Arwin. From there, Frodo and his three faithful companions, Merry, Pippin, and Sam become part of the Fellowship of the Ring.
To find out more, read the book!

I found this book to be delightful at all hours of the day for all ages! I highly recommend it if you're looking for a great adventure with out even leaving your couch!

The Lord of the Rings:The Fellowship of the Ring JRR Tolkien

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 26 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-07

Finally, a book I actually like, in and out! Tolkien amazes me with his ability to imagine the diverse characters and places in The Lord of the Rings. This book portrays leadership, and the long enduring of good in an evil world. I am very pleased with the detail that Tolkien puts into the novel so that the reader can understand completely each situation. Tolkien writes the book so that the readers feel as if it could be real. It's an outstanding novel that teaches us that we need to bear our burdens and stick together so that good can prevail in a world of such turmoil.
Tolkien has made me think a lot more about my characteristics and whether or not I would be able to bear the ring. Would I be able to withstandthe temptation of putting on the ring? Or using it's power for my own good? It's an outstanding concept. This book leaves you in anticipation for the next. The suspense of what is going to happen next is nerve-racking.
Overall, I just enjoyed the material, and I feel that Tolkein is a very experienced writer. He knows how to captivate readers, and enthral their minds into the book.

A must have for less than serious gamers!

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-10

I haven't played many games of this type, but I'm a huge Tolkien fan so I decided to try the game. I have to be honest-I couldn't even get out of the Shire ( the first level) until I bought this guide! I ended up using it religiously along the way, because there were many sections where I wouldn't have had any idea what I was supposed to do otherwise. For instance, there's a section in Moria where, without the guide, I would *never* have figured out where I was supposed to go, even though I religiously explore every nook and cranny when playing these types of games.

Once I bought the guide, it took me about a week to finish the game. Since then, I've decided to play it again, without referring to the guide, to see if I can make it all the way through by memory.

The book is very comprehensive, and avoids using terms that the casual gamer wouldn't understand-it doesn't talk over your head, and it's very straight forward and easy to understand. The screen shots are helpful, so that you can see what sections of the game they're referring to.

As a little added perk, this book, while showing you all of the ins and outs, still leaves a couple of tiny goodies out-not essential ones, just a couple little perks, so it still pays to explore as much as possible to see if you can find them. To me, that added to the fun, and I didn't feel like the book was doing *all* of the work for me. For instance, the book doesn't mention that, if you can find Gollum, you can get a little treat from him!

I highly recommend this game guide; in fact, I'm off to the bookstore today to pick up Prima's game guide to another LOTR game!

Louise Brooks

Published in Paperback by Anchor (1990-10-01)

Author: Barry Paris

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Highly overlooked actress starring in 'Excellent Bio'.

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-02-26

This Bio does not look upon Louise Brooks as sympathetically as other's Bio's do. Here we feel that we are being told the truth - as not everything in her life was perfect, or admirable, or even sympathetic. Louise Brooks was still a person who did things her way. And this books tells us what her was. A wonderful look at a wonderful Actress, Dancer and Writer.

A Great Biography

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1998-12-24

An all-emcompassing book for fans of Louise Brooks. It has interesting stories and beautiful photos.

A brilliant summation of an extraordinary life

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1998-12-23

This is a great biography of an obscure, but fascinating silent film star. Barry Paris has done a great job researching the life and times of Louise Brooks. A must-read for any Brooks fan.

One of the best biographies

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1997-09-15

This book was wonderful, before I read it I had no idea in the world who Louise Brooks was or what an impression she had on the motion picture industry. While this book is full of information and well written there are some slow points. A wonderful book for anyone interested in films.

Highly readable biography of Louise Brooks

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2000-08-02

I am one of those who became entranced by Louise Brooks after seeing her in "Pandora's Box". She appeared to be highly sexual, intelligent, and to be marching to the sound of a drummer that she alone heard within herself. It turns out that she was all of this. This is an excellent biography and a lesson about what happens to those who despise the opportunities that life presents to us and to those whose lives are driven by sex rather than common sense. Louise Brooks was a very modern woman despite having been a star of the silent screen. She made only a few films but her performances in those films stand up with the great performances of today and their naturalism makes the acting of most silent screen starlets seem idiotic. While other actresses were concerned with nothing but their looks, Brooks was reading Shaw and Proust. While others did all they could to ingratiate themselves with the movie studios, Brooks had nothing but indifference for them. She turned her back on fame, fortune, and power. She could have had a brilliant career but always sabotaged her chances. She had beauty and incredible sex appeal. She had Chaplin as a lover. She wrote. She lives on today as an image of a woman ahead of her time and also as a tragic waste. Her own difficult personality drove everyone away. Her lack of discipline was childish. She fascinates. This is the best biography we will ever get of her. Recommended.

Love is the Reason for it All: The Shirley Booth Story

Published in Paperback by BearManor Media (2008-04-05)

Author: Jim Manago

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I thought I knew about Shirley Booth

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-02

I thought I knew about this talented lady, Shirley Booth, from the awards for theater and movies and the wonderful television show. However, Jim Manago's book gives much more about her life and career. It's a very good read with so many beautiful pictures and I'm delighted I found it, and highly recommend this book. Wanda Clark

The Title Was Her Motivation

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-09

This is a very, very comprehensive accounting of Shirley Booth's work and includes everything you could want about the individual projects -- story line, co-stars, her feelings about it, co-stars' feelings about her, and critics' feelings about everything. Reading it, I learned that "Hazel" was just a small part of her very large career. She acted on radio, she acted on stage (Broadway, as well as stock), she acted in movies, and she acted on television, winning major, major awards along the way. I never knew before what high respect her peers had for her and that they were afraid that appearing as the title character in "Hazel" would cheapen her. Turns out it didn't. What it did was gave her a few million more fans. This book also tells us about her personal life, which didn't seem to be nearly as emotionally satisfying as her career was. Love was, indeed, the reason for it all. She loved her audiences and did her best to deliver a sterling performance every time.

Canyon News' Tommy Lightfoot Garrett Loved This Author's Book!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-24

Written By: Tommy Garrett, Editor in Chief For Canyon Newspaper in Beverly Hills California and for San Francisco News in San Francisco.

"Love Is The Reason For It All: The Shirley Booth Story" captured my attention this week while I was spending a few hours catching up on my reading. It was written by biographer and historian Jim Manago, who had previously written the very funny story on Gale Gordon. Manago manages to tell a story in the most honest but engaging manner. He is a fan of the people he writes about, and it shows.

Published by mega publisher Bear Manor, the book is well put together and the cover design is eye catching and showcases some of the scenes and stills from the career of the great star. This book is inspiring but most of all, it is honest. It tells of Shirley's dedication and burning desire to become a star, remain a star and compete in the toughest field second only to politics. Booth may have played an airhead in some roles, but it proves she was far from one in real life.

She's best described as a character actress, equally adept at playing smart-mouthed characters such as the cashier on radio in "Duffy's Tavern" or on TV as maid Hazel, or in films like "Come Back, Little Sheba," which she made in 1952. For those that only know her through her sitcom, it might be hard to believe she was a seasoned theatrical veteran, having appeared on Broadway from 1925-1970. She was highly regarded on stage and ranks as one of the premier talents of the 20th century theatre.

The three-time Tony winner is not demeaned or ridiculed in this very authentic and respectful biography. Recently some biographers seem to show disdain for their subject instead of admiration. But although Manago admires Booth, he's able to separate his affection and go in depth into her life story and does so with ease. The book is chronologically correct and he's an amazing fact checker.

The author describes how Booth was divorced from Ed Gardner in the 1940s; the marriage was a rocky one as Gardner was a drinker and habitual womanizer. She remarried in 1943 to William H. Baker, a kind investment banker. The union was a happy but relatively short one. She was in rehearsals for "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" when he died suddenly of a heart ailment. She had no children from either marriage.

The actress performed most famously in her debut with a young Humphrey Bogart in 1925. But the story doesn't start or end there. This book really covers the life and career of one of Hollywood's forgotten icons. Julie Harris is best quoted in this tome. "We were neighbors and best friends for a long time. She was funny, bright and a lovely person. I loved her very much." Miss Harris's theme is born out throughout this book. Despite the tough and aggressive nature of her business, you come across wanting to like and feeling like you know Shirley Booth in a way only Jim Manago could deliver.

This is a must read for historians and should be required reading for anyone interested in entering the field of acting via the Broadway stage.

Excellent job on this biography!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-21

I really enjoyed this book. I had never known much about Shirley Booth, other than her playing the role of Hazel. She was really quite an individual and Jim Manago did an excellent job on this biography. He gave the details of her accomplishments (theatrical experiences, awards, etc.), numerous quotes from her, and reviews and comments from others. I especially enjoyed the quotes from Shirley Booth because I was able to get a good feeling about her character through her own words. I applaud Jim for keeping it legit and not throwing in the trash and gossip that most biographies have. I can also appreciate the research and work that went into this endeavor - and he didn't have Shirley to consult with! Good book.

Well-done book on Shirley Booth

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-06

Jim Manago's biography of Shirley Booth is well-done. He uses many quotations from people who knew her (and quotes by Shirley herself) to support his assertions. The citations from reviews showed the author did his research. There is a nice selection of photographs showing Booth at various stages of her life. By giving us a complete picture of Shirley Booth's life, Jim Manago has done a valuable service by reminding readers that Shirley was a versatile performer, notable for her work on television, the stage, motion pictures, and radio.

LYNYRD SKYNYRD VOLUME 43 BK/CD (Guitar Play-Along)

Published in Paperback by HAL LEONARD CORPORATION (2007-03-07)

Author: Lynyrd Skynyrd

List price: $16.95

New price: $10.83
Used price: $11.93
Collectible price: $16.99

Average review score:

play like the greatest professionals i've personally ever listened to!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-01

Simple man would have been the greatest addition they could have made but as they allow us to try and emulate them - I'm not going to complain.
great book -bought easily for a good price.
thankyou.

best book for a begginner

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-28

I'm a begginner and this book helped me rock my way to the stage. The tab is perfect. Most correct tab i ever read. I started 2 monthes ago and now we started a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band. Our next show is on Jan, 1 at times square New York. See you there.

great tab, easy to read.

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 1998-09-22

This is a great tab book. This tablature flows right through the pages into your guitar. Keep up the good work guys!!

southern rock rules

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1999-02-23

This is a damn great guitar tab. Amazin' songs like Free bird and What's your name If you play rock you gotta have it!!

Very good for beginners.

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 1999-04-27

It is a very good book for the guitar beginners that love the Skynyrd music. If you're on the road for a long time, you always can learn something useful with these songs.

Mabel: Hollywood's First Don't-Care Girl, the Life of Mabel Normand

Published in Paperback by Limelight Editions (1992-04-01)

Author: Betty Harper Fussell

List price: $14.95

Used price: $9.00

Average review score:

A fascinating insight into the world of Mabel Normand

Helpful Votes: 14 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-22

This book gives an excellent insight into the life and times of Mabel Normand - one of the first women of cinema. Her life was complex and peppered with tragedy. This book fully explores all the hearsay about Mabel's downfall, and looks further into the roots of the controversy surounding the Taylor murder case, amongst other scandals of her time. I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone.

A "Silents Majority" review of "Mabel"

Helpful Votes: 19 out of 19 total.
Review Date: 1997-11-18

Mabel, by Betty Harper Fussell (Limelight Editions, 1982),is a very well-researched and cleverly written book. Ms. Fussell madea unique connection with Mabel Normand via her grandnephew, Stephen. He himself was deeply intrigued by his great-aunt Mabel and nursed an obsession to know as much about her as he could - he even looks hauntingly like Mabel. Beyond the blood ties, it was this remarkable resemblance that encouraged the confidence of Mabel's nurse/companion Julia, who had cared for her during her protracted struggle with tuberculosis. Julia was 94 and in fragil health when she met Stephen; however, she never forgot any details about her beloved Mabel.

Some well-guarded secrets were revealed to Stephen after he got to know Julia well. Ms. Fussell skillfully pulls together many elements of Mabel's life and relationships. She gives us a fully formed picture of the complex, but bittersweet, "Diving Girl." Mabel was a muse, and she was amusing. Charlie Chaplin worked a lot with Mabel while under contract at Sennett's Keystone Studio. He was even (begrudgingly) directed by her in several short films, yet said unequivocably that "everyone adored Mabel."

Betty Fussell tells us in riveting prose why Mabel Normand was so adored. We get to know more about Hollywood's first "I-don't-care" girl than we ever knew before. Equally impressive is the detailed filmography and the nice collection of photos. This book is an absolute must for silent screen lovers. Thanks to Fussell, Mabel comes back to life in these pages.
- Copyright, 1996-97, Diane MacIntyre, "The Silents Majority"

Fantasic Bio!

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1999-12-08

All I can say is read this book. It is one of the best Bio's written about a silent Movie star.

Fascinating study of an underrated actress

Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 1999-06-25

Betty Fussell's book is one of the best biographies I've read. I've read it several times since it was published in 1992. Why, you ask? It doesn't begin with the usual chronological story, but jumps back and forth from the present to the past. Fussell interweaves Mabel's family, her nurse, her friends with the tragic outcome of Mabel's life. It reads like a detective story, as Fussell tries to capture the clues to Mabel's life . Get this one, you won't regret it.

One of the finest biographies available on Hollywood.

Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 1997-07-15

Fussell's biography of Mabel Normand, the famous comedienne, is one of the finest ever written about Hollywood, certainly about the Silent Era. Not only is the research extensive and the story enthralling, but Fussell's obsession with Normand hypnotizes and pulls the reader not merely into Normand's madcap life, but into the entire desperate world of Hollywood in the Twenties.

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