Arts and Entertainment Books

This is a wonderful book. The author has done her homework and her picks from the famous to the forgotten were excellent choices. If she couldn't confirm a rumor, rather than speculate, or worse yet, sensationalize, she plainly stated the answer would probably never be found.

I recommend this book for all lovers of the silent era. I only wish that Ms.Golden could do full length bios on these people.

Before I read Eve's books, I couldn't tell Buster Keaton from Michael Keaton. I kept confusing Anita Page and Doris Hill with Anita Hill. This woman knows more about Virgina Bradford than Bradford herself. Her book has opened my eyes to the wonderful genre that is The Silent Movie. Eve has taught me not to laugh at the name Richard Dix. She's explained that Charlie Chaplin doesn't wear that moustache and glasses because he's in the Witness Protection Program.

I could go on forever about this book, but I think I'll leave you all with a quote from my favorite silent movie: " ".

Eve Golden as always does her homework on her subjects, and then brings them to life wth insight and warmth. A great collection of Hollywood's known and lesser-known characters-- briskly written, it's a good read.

This book provides 4-5 page biographies of many silent film stars. Some are very familiar to film buffs such as Rudolph Valentino, the Talmadge Sisters, etc. but others are not as familiar such as Martha Mansfield, Milton Sills, etc. Golden's writing style is so easy to read and she has done a great deal of research. Many of the biographies left you wanting to read a great deal more about many of these people. I would recommend this for all silent film buffs!

This wonderful book contains 41 short (5-6 pages each) biographies of silent film actors and actresses. Some like Clara Bow, William Haines, and Rudolph Valentino have been covered more in-depth by other biographers. However, there is no other book that covers the life and careers of Marie Prevost, Milton Sills, Arthur Johnson, Clarine Seymour, Harrison Ford (not Indiana Jones), Pearl White, and Wallace Reid. Even famous personalities who just made a few film appearances like May Irwin and Ormer Locklear are covered. Many of these performers died before the silent era was even over, which is why they are virtually unknown today. These essays were originally written for CLASSIC IMAGES magazine, but have been updated for the book. Ms. Golden's bios are well researched and very easy to read. If you are interested in silent film performers, you will want this book!

Laugh, cry, and rage with this writer...I dare you to resist turning another page once you have started reading this book. What a gift to be able to write about one's personal tragedy with wit and sarcasm...an amazing inspiring memoir.

I've had the pleasure of knowing and performing with Randy and his talented family for many years, and will testify to the fact that Randy has more SPUNK than Jack has Beanstalks.

Congratulations, Randy!

Dale Colgrove in Ft. Worth, Texas

When I purchased this book I did it in support and interest for my friend who is the author. When I began to read the pages I learned more about my friend and more about a new perspective on life than I had imagined. I found the book to be educational concerning two aspects of AIDS. First I learned about the disease and secondly I learned the effects that is has on the life of someone infected and those close to that person.

Randy & Joe's story really moved me and I am not the type of person who wears my emotions on my sleeve. The love, devotion and support that they have for one another makes me proud to be their friend.

I guess on the exterior you could say that I lead a different life from these two friends but what I found in this book has led me to feel a new connection with them as I feel we share the same values. I was able to identify with their unwavering love for spouse, family and support system of friends.

Due to these similarities in values I was able to forget about sexual preference and I was really able to identify with the story. It showed me that although being infected with AIDS or being sick could break someones spirit, that with the right support it really can make people stronger.

In conclusion I wanted to thank Randy for writing this book so I could have the priveledge of reading it. I would recommend it to anyone who needs some inspiration and guidance in what it means to be in a supportive relationship and to share unconditional love.

Thanks Randy,

The Wolfgang

Here I am: a straight guy, happily married to my wife for 25 years with a wonderful 20 year old son. Why would I love reading this book? Because it is a well written, wryly funny, poignant love story with a very happy ending. At times achingly painful while describing the devastation that HIV/AIDS inflicts on its victims, it is also full of hope and inspiration. This book is a "must read" for anyone who provides health care to the HIV positive community or who has in any way been affected by the AIDS epidemic.

In autobiographical style, the author starts with his childhood, growing up in a conservative Quaker family in a small Southern California town. He knew he was "different" than most of his peers early on, although he really didn't have a word for it (homosexual) until his early teens. Involvement in singing and acting in high school plays, followed by five years of touring with The Young Americans singing group, were just diversions that helped him not to deal with his sexual orientation, until he left the group at 21 and moved to Hollywood to explore a career in television production.

Randy knew that Joe was "the one" for him, the moment they met at a gay bar, when Randy was pushing 30. They moved in together immediately, had a commitment ceremony on their fifth anniversary, and were very happy ... until a routine insurance physical revealed that Randy had HIV, contracted before he met Joe. Thankfully, Joe remained negative.

The book takes you through the years following the 1988 diagnosis of being positive, to the first of many opportunistic infections Randy suffered, which marked its progress to full blown AIDS about five years later. The author deals with the realities of such a diagnosis that aren't often covered in such stories, including the financial uncertainties, the emotional and mental toll on the caregiving partner, all the while dealing with toxic medications that kept one alive, but at a great decrease in the quality of that life. The late 1990's saw the advent of protease inhibitors, new drugs that - while not a cure - gave patients such as Randy a new reason to hope. They work on rebuilding the lives that had been put on "hold" for the past decade, trying to establish a more enjoyable and successful career path for Joe than the one he left behind, and also to negotiate Randy's gradual return to the work force.

An emotional yet realistic journey from despair to a new hope, excellently written by a talented author. Much recommended. Five stars out of five.

What more can you say about a book that so lovingly & painstakingly paints a portrait of an underappreciated '50-'60s icon ? This book provides an enormously entertainingly look into Zacherley as a persona & a man. In amazing detail, it traces Zacherley through his TV start to Shock Theatre to Disco-Teen to FM radio DJ. I admit that I couldn't put this book down & finished reading it in 2 days. I even read this enjoyable book over again twice ( something which I have never done before ) ---Anyone who remembers or just wants to discover Zacherley & '60s music will love this book.---- This book was an obvious labor of love from a great author.-- I would love to see more books by Mr. Scrivani although it will be tough to beat this one...

For anyone who is a John Zacherle fan and has lived through any of his incarnations, this book is a "must-have", a real blast from the past! The book covers the full scope of John Zacherle's broadcasting career, from how he initially got into broadcasting, his time as "Roland" in Philadelphia, his re-emergence as "Zacherley" in New York, the Disco-teen years, his years in radio, right up to recent years with his appearances at the Chiller Theater conventions. However, this is not a standard bio, as the author brings to it the unique perspective of someone who has personally known the subject and lived through many of Zach's experiences with him. A fascinating tome about a fascinating man. A good read, which should make for you a "Goodnight, whatever you are!"[Zacherle's Monster Mash PartyThe Zacherley ArchivesDr. Horror's Erotic House of Idiots[ASIN:B0007EKXMO Zacherley's vulture stew (Ballantine Books ; 417K)]]Zacherley's Midnight Snacks

GOODNIGHT, WHATEVER YOU ARE? is an intelligent, thoughtful and passionate account of growing up in the 60s, and could very well be the milestone of "Monster Kid" books, expertly capturing the spirit of a more innocent and hopeful era.

Wonderful and heart warming to finally have a real book about about the
golden era of east coast TV and one of the brightest stars....Zacherley.

I would recommend this book for any "child" of the late 50's or 60's who considers him or herself to be a fan of Zacherley. It was a very fast and interesting read for those interested in Zach and the path his career took on TV and radio. The book also provides some valuable personal insights into John Zacherley the man as seen through the eyes of one devoted fan. It paints John as a kind man who was very greatful for the love and attention of his fans. The book also features three factual appendices for people who loved the old Universal horror movies and the successful run they had on New York television when hosted by Zach.

This is a truly remarkable book and a delight to read. You feel as though you are right there as Terence Knapp reminisces about his life. In conversational detail Knapp tells of his intimate relationships with Britain's theater geniuses--Sirs Laurence Olivier, Derek Jacobi, Michael Redgrave, the irrepressible Judi Dench, and Lynn Redgrave and so many others.

But it is more than a book about stars. It is about a man's odyssey. He takes the reader from the hard times and poverty of wartime London, through the trials and triumphs of becoming an Actor; he shifts to the exotic orient in a quest to broaden his knowledge by learning about and contributing to theater in Japan. Finally, he realizes his second calling--teaching aspiring actors and bringing his love of Shakespeare and the theater to Hawaii.

In the Hawaiian Islands he has become a beloved and revered figure not only for his stunning Peabody award-winning portrayal of the leper priest, Father Damien, but for the countless other performances he has given for more than 30 years.

Knapp candidly reveals that although the dream of great stardom and great financial reward may have eluded him, he has found peace and satisfaction in touching the lives of so many in his beloved three islands--Britain, Japan and Hawaii. It is a story that helps us all in understanding and appreciating our own personal quest of peace and achievement.

This is a great tale of a life in the British Theatre during its mid-20th century Golden Era. Terry Knapp starts his story with his audition for the legendary actor-director,Sir Laurence Oliver when he created the inaugural company of the Chichester Festival Theatre and continues with a rare insider's view of the founding of the Royal National Theatre when its home was the historic Old Vic Theatre in London's Waterloo Road. Like a born story-teller Terry tells, in a well paced and charmingly informal way, the saga of the birth of what is now the theatrical pride of Great Britain. Terry traces its development during the first three years of artistic feuds and back-stage infighting and its Everestian peak of Olivier's magnificent OTHELLO in Moscow in the very heart of the Kremlin. Terry goes on to tell of being on tour in South East Asia, and his remarkable first visit to Japan which coincided with the visit of the Beatles to Tokyo. Awarded the first ever Churchill Fellowship to an actor Terry later returned to Japan to study its tradional performance arts encountering some remarkable theatre artists.His account makes informative reading about some of the world's most exotic Acting traditions which date back several centuries. He shares his experiences of working with Sir Yehudi Menuhin in Mozart's THE IMPRESSARIO and Dame Cleo Laine in a musical about the amours of George Bernard Shaw. These memoires have been praised for their style and content by the distinguished theatre biographer and critic, Sheridan Morley and by Gavan Daws, author oF HOLY MAN, the outstanding biography of Father Damien of Molokai. Terry was acclaimed internationally for his TV portrait of DAMIEN in a one man play by Aldyth Morris, (the title bestowed on him by the Hawaii State Legislature also being the title of his book.) This is first class, highly informative and very entertaining reading.

This is a truly remarkable book and a delight to read. You feel as though you are right there as Terence Knapp reminisces about his life. In conversational detail Knapp tells of his intimate relationships with Britain's theater geniuses--from Sirs Laurence Olivier, Derek Jacobi, Michael Redgrave, the irrepressible Judi Dench, and Lynn Redgrave and so many others.

But it is more than a book about stars. It is about a man's odyssey. He takes the reader from the hard times and poverty of wartime London, through the trials and triumphs of becoming an Actor; he shifts to the exotic orient in a quest to broaden his knowledge by learning about and contributing to theater in Japan. Finally, he realizes his second calling--teaching aspiring actors and bringing his love of Shakespeare and the theater to Hawaii.

In the Hawaiian Islands he has become a beloved and revered figure not only for his stunning Peabody award-winning portrayal of the leper priest, Father Damien, but for the countless other performances he has given for more than 30 years.

Knapp candidly reveals that although the dream of great stardom and great financial reward may have eluded him, he has found peace and satisfaction in touching the lives of so many in his beloved three islands--Britain, Japan and Hawaii. It is a story that helps us all in understanding and appreciating our own personal quest for peace and achievement.

Terence Knapp has lead a fascinating and truly inspiring life...and writes all about it with panache and style. The Farmer review gives you the details on the books contents, so just let me add that this breezy, lively read is a must for any theatre-lover, aspiring actor, Anglophile, or anyone who just wants to sit down and read something entertaining.

This is a jewel, an insider's view of the golden era of British theatre following World War II and the still-emerging synthesis of East and West aesthetic traditions. Terence Knapp has worked as an actor, director and sensei (master teacher) in Britain (as an inaugural player with Sir Laurence Olivier's fabled National Theatre), West Africa (on tour with Dame Judi Dench and others), the United States (especially Hawaii) and Japan. He has won accolades for his many memorable roles on stage and public television, most notably for his incarnation of Father Damien, the leper priest of Molokai.

Knapp tells of his day-to-day intimacy and friendships with some of the most celebrated productions and stellar performances of the 20th century: Olivier, Dench, Sir Michael Redgrave, Lynn Redgrave, Dame Maggie Smith, Peter O'Toole and Sir Derek Jacobi, among many others.

Knapp's great love of theatre, of the art of acting, and of the joy of mentoring illuminates this book with delicious candor and honesty. A must for any serious student of not only theatre, but also the arts and the spiritual life of the 20th Century.

At first I thought this book wouldnt be that great because there are a lot of names that I didnt recognize when looking at the index of people interviewed. However, that is because a lot of the names are the behind the scenes people who may not be 'names' unless you study the credits at the end of movies. There are some very interesting stories here. There is one good interview where a guy indicates how he screwed people all the way to the top of his field and later himself was screwed by someone he trusted. Payback. Karma. I hated that guy, but Im glad he told the truth. Each interviwed person is shown in a photograph. This is a well crafted book, done in a simple way and it works.

Major Hollywood stars had to work hard to break into the industry and make it big, but few places chart their stories under one cover. HOW I BROKE INTO HOLLYWOOD: SUCCESS STORIES FROM THE TRENCHES gathers dozens of Hollywood's greatest successes under one cover, including not just actors but writers, directors, designers and more to provide profiles of the best and how they worked to achieve their goals. Inspirational chapters profile nearly fifty such Hollywood success stories and will appeal to any interested in learning from experience.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I loved this book, and highly recommend it to anyone interested in working in Hollywood, or to any creative type struggling to find career success. There are 67 first-person stories (from a variety of producers, actors, editors, lawyers, writers, etc.), and the interviewees have been incredibly generous in sharing not only their successes, but also their humble beginnings, self-doubts and failings. That willingness to show the true journey, warts and all, is what makes this book so inspiring, and such a gift. Many thanks to those who participated, and to the authors for making it happen.

A word to the publisher: this book has all the hallmarks of a classic, but the cover art and title don't match the contents. I almost passed it over on the shelf because the graphic design looked low rent, and it seemed to just be the personal story of the two authors, whose names I didn't recognize (sorry, guys). When it comes out in paperback (which it should--promote this baby!), how about listing some of the well-known participants on the cover, and changing the title to How I Broke Into Hollywood, 67 Success Stories from the Trenches? This book is a winner!

I thoroughly emjoyed this book, very readable, lively and interesting. The interviews flow like fascinating stories. The advice from those who made it will apply to almost any endeavor so the book should appeal to a wide audience.

If you are looking for some gossip-rag style tales of how Hollywood's biggest names got to where they are, then this isn't the book for you. There are a few big names in this book, Bernie Mac among them, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

This book, rather, is a thoughtfully introspective look at how many of the behind-the-scenes people working in Hollywood accepted crushing rejection time and time again, dealt with monetary difficulties while pursuing their dream, the tips and tricks they used to become known and well-employed in Hollywood.

Screenwriters, producers, actors, music supervisors, agents, and costume designers are featured, among other jobs, and their tales are inspiring and really helpful. Each person interviewed in this book really seemed to set aside their ego and talk truthfully about the times they doubted themselves and what could have made things go more smoothly in their journey to Hollywood elite. The advice given is really solid, and could benefit anyone in any career, but especially in the brutal film/ TV industry.

I'd definitely buy this book for any friend considering trying to make it in Hollywood. The advice and stories are entertainingly given and would be valuable and interesting even if they didn't end up pursuing that particular dream.

If you're one of those people that think only of Kaye Ballard as one of the "Mothers-In-Law" from TV, or that funny album with the balloons on it, treat yourself to her wonderful autobiography, "How I Lost 10 Pounds in 53 Years.!" Not only a fascinating story of the lady herself, but a warm-hearted look at practically the history of show business (Vaudeville, Broadway, Night Clubs, movies, radio & television). She's done it all, and you'll meet your favorites (and a few not-so) as only someone who's been there and done it can tell. Best of all, Kaye is her honest and humble self (What? A star with humility?) Yup, throughout her illustrious career, she's still the star-struck kid in Cleveland's RKO Palace worshiping the idols on the silver screen, and dreaming of Hollywood. Haven't we all been there? Starting as a teenager, performing in a Chinese restaurant (it's funny already!), through to today's still very active cancer-surviving octogenarian, here's Kaye at her funny, loveable best, sharing her successes and disappointments in one of the best autobiographies in a long, long time! Read it, you'' love it!

Loved it. Wish she had written more, could read her stories forever!!!! She is too funny...

I recently read Ms. Ballard's memoir in 10 days while I was staying with my parents as my mother recovered from knee replacement surgery. It was the perfect book to read during this time--very funny and light--but also an honest, heartfelt tale. If you don't know who Kaye Ballard is, well, you should. She's a wonderful comic actress who's starred in films (The Ritz), on TV (Cinderella, The Doris Day Show, The Mothers-in-Law) and on stage (The Golden Apple, Carnival, The Pirates of Penzance, Follies). I saw her perform back in the '90s in a small cabaret called Toulouse in Chicago (now sadly closed). It was a horrible snowy night--and my friends and I were the only ones who braved the elements to see her show. And so Ms. Ballard--being the classy, talented dame that she is--performed for us. We all LOVED her--and you will LOVE her book. The lady knows how to write an honest, entertaining account of her fascinating life. So sit back, relax and let Kaye tell you all about her legendary 60-year career. You'll have a wonderful time--I know I did.

I enjoyed reading this book very much - it gave real insight into the life of a single woman in show business. Kaye is a fantastic personality and very honest in this book about her career and friendshiips. She is a real lady with a great sense of humor. Nice photos too of some old favorites when they were younger. I would definitely buy this book again. A+

Kaye Ballard's name is well known in show business: she's performed in burlesque, nightclubs, big bands, and stage and here provides a memoir packed with anecdotes from her career. Her upbeat memoir comes packed with anecdotes from her 50-year career and will prove a real treat for any familiar with either Kaye Ballard's career or the world of stage and TV.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

If you are a fan [like many of us] or just have a passing interest in one of the truly great actors of the past 60 years, then this book is a must. Although there have been plenty of recent books devoted to the life and times of Peter Cushing, this volume stands out due to the meticulous research by the author along with it's easy flowing style. A joy to read and a future source book for fans of the great man I'm sure - packed from cover to cover with fascinating details of the great man and his career. Well done Chris - step out!! 5 Stars!

Author Christopher Gullo chronicles the career of Mr. Cushing, from his earliest work to his last days, and in general it is an entertaining read; it does, though, have some shortcomings.

To begin with, Mr. Gullo is not a particularly engaging writer, even taking into consideration that this is basically a movie bio. He's stiff, and his grammar is not the best. He also likes to add his personal critique of each film, which is generally fawning, and eventually annoying.

Then there's his accuracy. I'm a big fan of the early Hammer works, especially The Curse of Frankenstein, and Horror of Dracula (in fact, I don't think that they receive the credit deserved for the high level of fright delivered to their unsuspecting audiences, with taut screenplays, vivid effects, dynamic scores, and believable acting). So I was dismayed when Mr. Gullo recounted storylines from both of these little classics incorrectly. It made me wonder if he had ever seen the very films that launched the horror career of the subject of his own book. He then refers to a trademark Cushing habit of holding up his forefinger to emphasize a point as having originated in The Hound of the Baskervilles, which is inaccurate---Cushing does this in both "Frankenstein" and "Dracula", and both predate "Baskervilles"---irritating to the devotee.

So, is this book worth buying? Yeah, if you're a Cushing fan. He was the greatest. The best Baron Frankenstein and Van Helsing that I've ever seen. There are interviews, some nice pictures, and interesting tidbits (such as Cushing and Lee loving to watch Warner Brother cartoons together). It's a little pricey at $24.99, but with the extra cash maybe Mr. Gullo can now buy The Curse of Frankenstein and Horror of Dracula on DVD and see what he's been missing.

First things first: It's a pity that the author may lose a few sales seeing that Amazon - probably *the* major online venue for books - has listed this book under an incorrect title. The correct title is IN ALL SINCERITY... PETER CUSHING, not "In all sincerely" which doesn't even make any sense grammatically.

This is the first time I observed such a faux pas from Amazon and I hope this can be rectified as the book deserves to be easily found via a regular title search.

The title refers to the way Cushing always signed his letters or autographs. It's become such a trademark for him that if you ever come across a signed item from him that does not carry this sentence, it more than likely is not authentic.

Cushing was one of the most popular actors of the Horror Screen. Both admired by public and fellow colleagues as the "gentle man" of horrors, he was one of the last of a breed of courteous and ever polite people who seem to belong to a long forgotten era. There doesn't appear to be *anyone* who has even the slightest disparaging thing to say about him.

There are already a number of excellent books on Cushing on the market, but the angle of this one is that the author had approached as many of Cushing's fellow-actors and directors that he could get in contact with.

As such the book is told from the perspective of celebrities who knew him and freely shared their insights into this man's personality. His love for his wife Helen is well documented and runs like a thread through the whole book.

When I initially heard about the project I expected a thin booklet with a couple of quotations by the people interviewed. I couldn't believe it when I noticed that the final product covers more than 400 pages and as such is one of the most in depth books about the actor on the market. It is very well researched and the only thing annoying is the lack of an index, something that would have come in handy to find all the relevant quotations again. The actual interview passages are also a little bit too much in the simple form of "What was it like working with....?", but these are only minor niggles and shouldn't deter anyone from reading this book.

At the beginning of every chapter you will also find illustrations from comic artist Neil ("Black Forest"/"Wicked West") Vokes.

As the editor of "In All Sincerity. . . Peter Cushing," I am somewhat biased, but as a reader of fine biography, Christopher Gullo has done an amazing job with this book. His research is meticulous, as is his ability to tell a great story through the use of facts and data. His insight is deep yet constrained and reveals many ephemeral details that Cushing himself often glossed over or ignored due to his modesty and lack of self-aggrandizement. As his first book effort, Gullo has done himself and Peter Cushing a great service. Compared to other works on this subject, "In All Sincerity" epitomizes the nature of a true devotee and leaves the proverbial door wide open for more research and exploration on a fabulous actor and a true "Gentle Man" of the human race.

If you are a Peter Cushing fan, then you MUST buy this book. It will give you a detailed history of Peter's life and take you on a journey you won't forget. Knowing Peter as I did, I know he would be proud that "In All Sincerity" was written about him.

A wonderful book, a wonderful title and a wonderful writer! Christpher Gullo has left us ALL Peter's legacy to be enjoyed for years to come, and for ALL new Peter Cushing fans.

Peter Cushing was my hero.

I just finished reading this biography from beginning to end and I could not put it down. First and foremost, the cast list and biography section found at the beginning of the book is critical reading. It explains all of the characters who contributed to the story and how they came to know John Holmes. A brilliant stroke. William Margold's Foreward beautifully sets the table for what is to follow. What follows is an amazing ride through Holmes' 43 years of life experience.

As a fringe boomer, it is easy to identify with the era in which the book takes place, from the 1940s to the late 1980s. Before learning about this book, I hadn't thought about John Holmes in years, yet, I found this biography to be an engaging and ripping story of a country boy turned adult film star. Without giving too much away, A Life Measured in Inches is a potpourri of sex, relationships, deception, addiction, murder and "Atonement", as the title of chapter 9 suggests.

The book contains amazing detail and is told by many people who knew John Holmes personally as the authors take you on an incredible sojourn through his wild and scandalous life. Putting it mildly, Holmes did everything in extremes. With a highly addictive personality, how could you not?

Holmes was nicknamed THE KING relatively early in his career. It must have been difficult living up to those expectations, but he did so with a vengeance. One bit that struck me as quite funny was when John was asked by a friend if he was bisexual and he replied, "Yeah, I'm bisexual. You buy me, I'm sexual."

I found the film and loop reviews to be entertaining, colorful and articulate. It is apparent that the authors logged in a lot of hours in order to produce such an incredible collection. The book also includes an impressive filmography and three dynamic picture sections with more film photos scattered throughout the reviews. The nude pictures of Holmes are a welcome surprise and show consistency with the honesty of the text. One thing is certain... John Holmes A Life Measured in Inches is no fluff piece. Recommended.

Well, I finished reading "Inches" yesterday and want to say that this is a VERY good, in depth,well researched biography of John Holmes that takes the reader from Holmes's child hood in Pataskala Ohio to his death from AIDS in California 43 years later .

The amount of detail in the stories told by various people who knew him over the course of his life was very extensive with a lot more additional information on Holmes in front of the camera and also his private life, than any of the video documentaries on his life that I have seen over the past few years.

My own main thrust of interest about Holmes since I was a young 18 year old in Southern California when the WONDERLAND killings happened in 1981, has been this crime and also the double life that Holmes had led in the years previous to this. I have read just about everything pertaining to the WONDERLAND murders, and seen every documentary made, but there were many things in "Inches" that have never been included in previous projects on his life....MANY things.

One of the things that really does stand out in the book in my own opinion are the stories that Sean Amerson told. This guy really loved John a lot growing up and I think that while everyone missed him when he passed,Sean may have been the one who missed him most of all.

Great book Jennifer and Jill! If this could have been any better, I don't know how.

After having watched Boogie Nights and Wonderland I really wanted to read a biography about John Holmes and was disappointed that there wasn't one available. Then low and behold one appears on Amazon.com! I immediately picked it up and was extremely impressed.

It is written as an oral history so the authors weaved John's life story around long quotes from the people who actually knew John. I prefer that over those biographers who just make up all kinds of stuff about their subject and never say where they got the information from.

This book gives you John's complete story starting with his childhood and ending with his death of AIDS. It presents John in a fair light never descending into tabloid territory with its coverage of his many negative deeds but also not shying away from talking about them. After reading this bio I got the impression that John was a deeply flawed man but also had a very big heart. It gave me a much better idea of who John was than either movie.

The book also includes lots of rare photos of John along with some of the essential classics. It also has a very in-depth movie review section in case you feel like checking out some of his work after you read the book.

This book is perfect for any Holmes fan as it includes lots of new stories and is also the perfect (and only) place to start if you are just getting into the Holmes scene and want to find out the true story of The King.

First its a good read and i do recommend you buy it.The lessons are many including what drugs and bad friends can do to you.There were many likable qualities to him as a person but you also learn the details of how his involvement in wonderland led to the beating deaths of two women.One other one managed to survive.The guys killed lived by the sword and had it coming-sure,but him leaving the door open both at the gangster Nash place and at the wonderland place showed a careless and ruthless side to Holmes that all the "He was a great guy" does not change.He got his underage girlfriend into prostitution and stole from his friends to feed his drug habit.All of his money went down the drain and perhaps that can get through to some peaple and help them choose a better course.one of the guys killed at wonderland ave was suspected of many murders by the LAPD so his death was no loss to society but to understand that one was completely innocent shows the real tragic consequences of holmes choices.The chapters on holmes films were a bit too long-some are not even available and lets face it the short film loops could have been explained in one page but overall i must say they have put togeather the definitive work on the tradgedy that is the person of John Holmes

John Holmes, the face of 1970s hardcore movies, is the subject of this incredible in depth biography which examines not only the man's career but his personal life before, during, and after his life was tragically cut short due to HIV.
Compiling new and old interviews with his family, friends, co-stars, and directors, John Holmes - A Life Measured in Inches is the crucial work for anyone interested in either Holmes or the American sex industry in the 1970s.
Authors Jill Nelson and Jennifer Sugar never over-editorialize their subject and instead allow all of their interviewees to speak freely. What's more is that the book neither serves as a complimentary piece or a condemnation of Holmes, his career, or his personal life but rather tries to make all sides of every issue heard allowing the reader to interpret Holmes life on their own.
Written almost as a back and forth dialogue between the various interview subjects and the authors own comments, the book is a compelling read which draws its audience in.
What's more is the authors have included a full filmography and partial looporgaphy as well as over 50 detailed reviews of features Holmes appeared in. Additionally, there are two photo sets.
Anyone with even the slightest interest in 70s hardcore or Holmes, the man must check this out.

sry for anyone who thinks otherwise...but i am joshua jacksons bigest fan...and obsessor...i honestly cannot speak for everyone but almost everyone i know finds out how much i love joshua jackson in the forst 5 minutes of knowing me...so for all those heartbroken girls who dotn quite grasp it..i am joshuas biggest and most adoring fan
xoxo

This book was way cool. I don't just give it five stars, i give it 10,000! Scince I am Joshua Jackson's BIGGEST fan (sorry all those other girls out there, but i know I beat you!) I want to know as much about Joshua Jackson as I can. I thought this book did a lot of that. I could have done with more pictures though. (but of course I already don't think there are enough Joshua Jackson pictures in the world as it is) This book is great, but even if it wasn't i would buy it anyways because it's about Joshua Jackson! What more do you need in a book!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think this book was great because it brought out a lot in his home life as well as his personal life. I kno we all love gossip gals! ! I also think Josh Is the HOTTEST guy on the planet and that also makes this book great ! ! !

I think Joshua Jackson Is Brilliant. He has done a lot for himself. He always looks great and all the films hes been in are exellent! I have seen all of them so far. This book tells you what hes really like. Not pacey in Dawsons creek, not damon in Urban Ledgend but Joshua Jackon,the greatest star in the world. I love him! Email me if you think so too

I really liked this book. It told me a lot about Josh. He's a really great guy, and funny as well as cute. I always loved Pacey, but now I think I prefer Josh.

I carried this book everywhere, for years. It went into my pocket, coming out, when I needed it.
The pages became worn, and dirty, but it didn't mater.
I've accidentally dropped it in water. The inks didn't bleed, and the pages weren't crinkly. Nearly ten years later, and it has held up, now sitting pretty in an album.
The info inside is off, being unofficial.
This is a must for all Justin's Fan Base!

It's so handy! It's got all this Justin info in it and it's in a small and adorable book with cute pics!

Great pictures of Justin and the rest of the group. Great collectible item for any Justin fans. Whenever I need an uplift, I just pull out this book, read and look at pictures of Justin. He is very inspirational and is so mature for his age. I wasn't mature enough at 19 and that was 21 years ago! LOL

This little book about Justin was really short but it had, at least, a picture on every page and there was little-known stuff about Justin. All of the pix were very cute and some of them I haven't seen anywhere else. I think it was worth the money, especially since you can put it in your pocket!

You can't get any hotter then JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE!!!!!! this book have sooo many pic of justin that you will go crazy. it is worth it!!