Arts and Entertainment Books


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

Arts and Entertainment
A Positively Final Appearance
Published in Paperback by Penguin (Non-Classics) (2001-11-01)
Author: Alec Guinness
List price: $14.00
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Average review score:

The swansong of a quiet giant
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2001-10-17
As previously said, this is a very well and beautifully writen errr... memoir. The cover tells you the whole story of what to expect inside. At first glance Alec dancing appears as a comical figure almost, but as you look closer you can see he is in some sort of agony. And as the book moves on, it is hard for him to not show his melancholy.
Despite being a bit of a emotional downer, this is still a very worthwhile read for any of his fans.

A great man
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2000-02-26
The journal of an extraordinary gentleman, one of the greatest actors ever to grace stage or screen. His reflections on his career are moving and perceptive, totally lacking in self-aggrandisement. His thoughts on the whole "Star Wars" phenomenon are particularly witty but smack of the desperation of being hounded by that film's fans. It's tragic that this great man may only be remembered by modern generations for his appearance in that opus instead of for his work in the Ealing comedies, "The Bridge on the River Kwai", his lengthy stage career and his magnificent turn on TV as George Smiley.

A Positively Marvelous Book
Helpful Votes: 16 out of 16 total.
Review Date: 2000-06-19
Alec Guinness is undeniably one of the most gifted actors of our times, and now, with his offering of "A Positively Final Appearance," we get to know something of the man behind the mask. This journal, kept between the summer of `96, and 1998, is chock full of insightful musings, reminiscences and anecdotes that are a delight. He shares his love of the theater, discussing many of the plays he attended during this period, and gives comments on recent movies, as well. An avid reader, he talks enthusiastically of favorite authors and books; his love of literature is unmistakable. The stage is his first love, however, and he speaks fondly, and frankly, of many of the plays he's done, and of his experiences with many of the actors and directors with whom he has had the privilege of working. He invites you into his private life, discussing the love of his life, Merula, and discoursing on their life at home, as well as their many travels. You learn what the greatest regret of his life is, who some of the people are he admires most, and a few of whom he could do without. He explains his negative attitude toward the "Star Wars" phenomenon, and addresses many of the events, large and small, that have in some way affected his life, and helped mold his perspectives. His concern over world events and the human condition is poignantly evident. Guinness writes so fluently, you can almost hear that distinct, familiar voice; you seem to be listening, rather than reading. There is a dignity and charm to his words that reveal, to some degree, the man behind them. That he values his privacy is apparent, and it becomes very clear that he is not the most accessible person, yet without any rancor; he holds his fans in high esteem, but there is a sincere humility to the man, who simply doesn't feel worthy of all the fuss. In a world seemingly rife with crass sensationalism and indifference, "A Positively Final Appearance" is like a tonic to the soul; it is so refreshing to discover that somewhere elegance and refinement still exist. My positively, final word on this book is that it is a joy, and should not be missed.

A wonderful book
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-10-20
I picked up this book because I like Alec Guinness' work in "Lawrence of Arabia" and his other David Lean films (not because of "Star Wars" which I can take or leave). To be honest, I was worried it might be kind of boring.

Well, it was not boring -- it was delightful. The man was full of many profound observations about life that he communicated by writing about everyday things such as the birds in his yard or the weather. His vivid memories of his stage career and the people he knew were vastly entertaining. I was surprised to find him to be a humble, not-too-well-off everyday kind of man, not some fabulously rich egomaniac as I had supposed him to be.

Even though I could not be more different from him politically, I still enjoyed reading his views on politics. It was like talking to a dapper, well-bred older gentleman you bumped into on the street. His writing was assertive, yet polite and genteel.

If you miss reading this book, you've missed a simple pleasure that will make you smile. It's worth buying!

More than a journal
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2001-06-23
The late Sir Alec Guinness was a lovely writer, and with this, his final memoir, he improved vastly over his previous gift to us, MY NAME ESCAPES ME. Whereas the latter was strictly a selection from his diary, with this Guinness moves beautifully from journalistic descriptions of day-to-day events (from eye surgery to walks with his wife, Merula, to the indignities of moving slowly in an ever fast-paced and impolite world) and wry reflections on current events to anecdotes spanning his entire career in theatre and film. Each chapter is arranged by a theme, mostly seasonal, but they meander charmingly.

Those interested in his encounter with the church and his beginnings as an artist should find his autobiography, BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE. Those who might want reflections on STAR WARS will be disappointed. When one gentleman asked Guinness for an autograph from Ben Kenobi immediately after mass, Guinness admonished him, "Not in front of the parishioners!" and disappeared as nimbly as a young Jedi.

Arts and Entertainment
Pretty Things: The Last Generation of American Burlesque Queens
Published in Hardcover by Collins Design (2006-11-01)
Author: Liz Goldwyn
List price: $44.95
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Average review score:

Stunning
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-16
I just received this book in the mail, and i have only one word for it - Stunning.

This book is full of beautiful photos and sketches of original costumes, and there's a wealth of written information to go with the pretty pictures!
Even the presentation is lovely, i'm really impressed with the matte pink binding - it'll look great in my book case ;)

Go ahead and order this book, you won't be disappointed.

ture love
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-15
the book is very dazzling ,and it would be my ture love for the passed Age.

A 'must' for any holding strong in American arts history
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-03
If the book title sounds familiar, it's because Liz Goldwyn's HBO documentary of the same name aired in July 2005 to much acclaim, covering the history of American burlesque. If you think you've seen it all in the show, think again: the book holds much more! Here are personal stories, career overviews, and biographies of some of the most talented genre stars. Burlesque history comes alive here as in no other collection, making PRETTY THINGS a 'must' for any holding strong in American arts history, from general-interest to college-level libraries.

Highly recommended!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-11
An enlightening look at a largely misunderstood/misinterpreted art form, this book combines rigorous scholarship, engaging narrative, rare photos, and well-executed design. Liz Goldwyn's love of the subject matter is clear and infectious. Highly recommended, as is the author's HBO special of the same name.

A Fine Tribute
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-28
An artistic design layout provides the reader with lots of photos and scrapbook pages of original costume sketches, fabric swatches, letters, postcards, and lots more. This visual collage is a wonderful piece of film toward understanding the life these women lived. Their attitude and sex appeal as we know it only disguised the reality of their life, tough working conditions and a career contingent of youth and beauty eventually leading these women to fall on hard times and in the end forgotten.

Arts and Entertainment
Roger Corman: An Unauthorized Biography of the Godfather of Indie Filmmaking
Published in Hardcover by Renaissance Books (2000-05)
Author: Beverly Gray
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Average review score:

I GIVE AN A TO KING OF THE B'S
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-31
THIS BOOK IS ABOUT LEGENDARY FILM MAKER ROGER CORMAN. HE IS KNOWN FOR MAKING FILMS AS QUICK AND CHEAP AS HE COULD. MANY OF THESE ARE CULT FAVORITES SUCH AS LITTLE SHOP, GIANT LEECHES AND MANY MORE. I HAVE SPENT MANY A FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY AFTERNOON WATCHING THESE "CLASSICS". ROGER CORMAN IS KNOWN FOR MAKING CHEAP BUT INTERESTING AND SOMETIMES HILARIOUS B MOVIES. THE BOOK GOES BEHIND THE SCENES AS THE AUTHOR INTERVIEWS MANY FORMER EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE WORKED FOR CORMAN AND HAVE INTERJECTED THEIR VIEWS AND OPINIONS ON CORMAN. ROGER IS ALSO KNOWN FOR GIVING MANY STARS THEIR START. CORMAN IS ALSO A COMPLEX GUY WHO CAN BE VERY GENEROUS AND CAN ALSO BE AS CHEAP AS THEY COME. SOMETIMES MOOD BUT ALWAYS LOOKING TO MAKE ANOTHER MOVIE. I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK AND I RECOMMEND IT FOR ALL FANS OF KING OF THE B'S AND WHO APPRECIATE BRILLIANCE ON A BUDGET.

Corman Exposed
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-24
Wow! Talk about switching personalities! This amazing biographer can emit the style of the person she is writing about to really give you a flavor of the personality. And of course, she spent time working for him, so you are privy to more of a view. Written somewhat bruskly like Roger's personality, you really gain insight into his life and what made him the person he is. Contrast this book with Beverly's biography of Ron Howard and you see some of the exceptional talent of this lady. A great read!

Driller Killers and Roger Corman, Of Course
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-08
(...)

Gray's biography--fun as it is-- is more than a story about a man who is arguably one of Hollywood's most idiosyncratic moguls. It is a chronicle that parallels that of The Great Depression, World War II, the growth of the film industry and Los Angeles itself. We meet again celebrities we haven't thought about in years like the adorable dimpled Jon Davison, the memorable Vincent Price and even run across pop culture icons like Frank Gorshin.

Occasionally this book is burdened with glitz-town detail that only a dedicated film buff might adore but these moments are rare. Like a super hero, Corman--now 75 and still going--is resilient because he is multi-faceted. The same can be said for screenwriter cum UCLA instructor and journalist Beverly Gray. The two seem admirably paired in that way. Gray uses her many experiences and talents to tell the story of a man of many parts.
(...)

Kudos from Creating Characters author Marisa D'Vari
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-03
This fascinating "biography" is really a savvy "how to" book that belongs on the shelf of every screenwriter, aspiring producer, director, and development executive -- and everyone else who loves films and craves to know the secrets of Hollywood's most colorful mogul.

I found it fun to read as a realistic "behind the scenes" glimpse of what it takes to be a profitable mogul, such as the way Corman hired young cheap "promising" talent instead of going for experience. Directors fresh out of film school reading this book, for example, can get a good feel for the mindset and financial situation of producers they interview with. Screenwriters will learn how Corman and team (Gray had been his development executive) managed to write and produce so many successful films quickly.

Few books reveal the inner machinations of a successful producer so intimately. Gray, a screenwriting teacher at UCLA, has done a spectacular job of showcasing the life story of an intruiging man through more than eighty interviews and via her own experience.

Roger Corman:
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-20
I have to agree with the other five-star reviews. "Roger Corman: Blood-Sucking Vampires, Flesh-Eating Cockroaches, and Driller Killers" is the best book on the subject, the subject being the most unique American studio head in film history.

Beverly Gray really paints a nuanced picture of Corman and never panders to the fans, the haters, or her old boss Corman himself. Though it's impossible to pull back the curtains entirely and see into a man's soul, Gray seems to have at least pulled back one side, giving us as much a glimpse as is possible without telepathy.

Storywise, Corman is, as always, fascinating, and Gray's perfectly detailed retelling of his story is the best yet written.

Arts and Entertainment
Screen Savers: 40 Remarkable Movies Awaiting Rediscovery
Published in Paperback by Hansen Publishing Group (2007-11-12)
Author: John Dileo
List price: $24.95
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Average review score:

Make Old Movies New Again
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-16
I saw Seven Brides for Seven Brothers for the first time after reading about it in John DiLeo's Screen Savers. I would not have bothered to see it had I not first read DiLeo's analysis and insights regarding this underappreciated film. His essay led me to a much fuller understanding of its beauty, craft and surprising depth, making me want to see what I had previously considered an old-fashioned and uninteresting musical. Upon completing each chapter, I find myself scanning the upcoming programming for Turner Classic Movies, hoping they will soon be showing one of DiLeo's selections, so that I can use my new "behind the scenes" information while watching the film. It is clear that the movies the author selects for rediscovery are on a personal list of favorites, they moved or inspired him. But while he clearly loves movies, the tone never sinks to that of a fawning fan. He backs up his choices with detailed analyses and thorough research, convincing the reader of their rightful rank among films that should be reexamined. The joy of this book is that he educates the reader while imparting some of his obvious infatuation and love for his subject. And like any satisfyingly juicy critical discussion, the author allows a dialogue to develop with his reader. You may even find yourself disagreeing with him about a favorite star or director (c'mon, Lana Turner wasn't that untalented) and that is part of the fun. This book has rekindled in this reader a new enthusiasm for older and "gently used" movies. I can't wait for my first viewings of The Man Who Laughs and The Iron Giant.

wonderful book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-04
This book is a joy to read. Aside from John Dileo's amazing scope of knowledge about film, he is a terrific writer. Dileo has an uncanny ability to fully and clearly describe story lines, performances and a variety of other details about each movie. I guarantee that anyone who reads this book will come away wanting to see most, if not all, of the movies discussed here so eloquently.

DiLeo Does It Again!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-03
Having purchased Mr. DiLeo's previous books, I was delighted to discover he had a new one on the shelves. After planning some time off for the holidays, I overnighted this book -- eager to reacquaint myself with this author's clever and keen insight into classic motion pictures. By the time Christmas came, I had gobbled it up -- cover to cover. And... what a surprise to see my co-worker bought the very same book for me at this year's Secret Santa. I didn't let on that I had already purchased it but loved that fact that he was so eager to tell me that "SCREEN SAVERS is the type of book that all the TCM watchers should love!" Do yourself a favor and buy John DiLeo's new book.

Celluloid Magic
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-20
I was thoroughly delighted to read John DiLeo's third book, Screen Savers.

His quirky takes on actors and directors are refreshing and novel. He opens new insights when viewing and reviewing films that have been forgotten or have never received the accolades they deserved.

Mr. DiLeo has a wonderful way with words, a lovely sense of humor and a pleasant and breezy style.

Screen Savers makes for terrific reading whether sitting in front of a fireplace on a cold evening or while enjoying an iced tea on a summery afternoon.

I highly recommend Screen Savers to any movie buff or would-be movie buff. It opens new paths to understanding the magic of film and the skills of the actors and directors involved.

Netflix should send a thank you note to Mr. DiLeo for his artful awakening of our appreciation for some half-remembered and some totally forgotten films.

Delivers more than you expect...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-17
I bought this book because I've enjoyed John DiLeo's other books for their informed, but casual, approach to movie love. At a time when so many movie books are either earnestly academic (you know, political readings of gender performance in Nikkatsu gangster movies of the 60s,) or infinitely culty-geeky (do I really need the whole history of Philippine horror movies?), DiLeo assumes the existence of a readership that is, like him, informed and serious, but not obsessive-compulsive, and in it for the entertainment.
The book is divided into eight chapters, each devoted to a separate genre. (For the record, the eight genres are "Musicals Written Directly For The Screen," "Film Noir and Variations," "Love Stories," "Westerns," "Fantasy and Horror," "War," "Vintage Comedy," and the vague catch-all "Life and Times in America," which basically means "drama." The focus is exclusively American, but the time frame is from the silent era to the present. The presumption is that you've already seen the rote classics, and he therefore offers five movies in each genre that he feels have received insufficient attention, and that you therefore might have reasonably overlooked.
You can agree or disagree with the choices, but none are eccentric, deliberately provocative, or contrived to display mere cleverness. The real joy of this book, though, is in the wealth of background information. DiLeo will, for example, in describing "Comanche Station," give an overview of Randolph Scott's career, the placement of his "amiability and lean beauty" in two decades worth of decent but unnoteworthy roles in diverse genres, as a way of positioning the surprise of his late-career flowering in the films of Budd Boetticher, and their collaboration on seven morally complex westerns. Being a movie fan, DiLeo doesn't fail to mention the final triumph of the comic hommage to Scott in "Blazing Saddles." This precise positioning and career review is done not only for stars and directors, but screenwriters, cinematographers, character actors, even the evolution of genre conventions themselves. And it's presented in a chatty, highly readable style. The net effect is that "Screen Savers" is like an encyclopedia in friendly conversation.
I expect that I'll be using this book as a reference work for a long time to come. It is, I think, DiLeo's best book yet.

Arts and Entertainment
Shock Value: A Tasteful Book About Bad Taste
Published in Paperback by Thunder's Mouth Press (1995-12)
Author: John Waters
List price: $16.95
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Average review score:

very very funny
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-29
Out of maybe a few hundred, this is probably the funniest book I have ever read. I remember reading it late at night in my parents house, trying to stifle my laughter so I wouldn't get in trouble for waking people up. "...a cry went up from the sleaze-mavens"

With this book, you could argue that John Waters is a better writer than he is a film maker.

Delightful, distasteful, nauseating and fun!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-06-05
This book is impossible to describe in one word. It's no surprise that Water's life is funnier, and more bizare then any of his films can ever hope to be. We learn about Baltimore life, his childhood, Divine, Edith Masey, Pink Flamingos,Desperate Living,and more. THIS needs to be his next film project! The only thing sad about this book is that it feels dated at certain parts (especially when it refers to Divine in the present tense, since this was written before he died...and before Cookie Muller died...and Edith Masey). But it remains a fascinating read that really encourages people to feel grateful for living in Baltimore(or makes you wish you lived there).

Intriquing look at Waters' life and career
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1999-09-18
Shock Value is like Waters' autobiography, mainly focused on his film career. There are only two chapters about his childhood. The book will be very interesting to every Waters fan as it provides in depth looks at the making of several of his earlier films. The book's material is dated, however, since it was written before he completed "Polyester". Waters' updates you in the new introduction though. It is very clean and has few curse words, unlike Waters' films, but is still good. I recommend it.

I Couldn't Stop Laughing
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-06-19
This book was without a doubt the funniest book I've ever read. Naturally, readers familiar with his movies will get the most out of this book, but there's a lot in there even for those who can't sit through one of his movies. I especially like Waters's tales of his mischief as a lad attending Catholic school. Considering the time, his educational background, and the Baltimore environment, I can really understand how Waters turned out the way he did.

inspiration
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2000-03-16
I finished Shock Value only moments ago, and i feel like i should go to baltimore and fall on my knees worshipping Waters and the crew. i thought i was weird...This book focuses on the early years and has truly inspired me to raise myself above the boring muck of semiconformist existence. READ IT

Arts and Entertainment
Sorry... Your Name's Not On The List
Published in Paperback by Xlibris Corporation (2004-06-29)
Author: Vickie Rubinson
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Average review score:

Infamous encounters
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-05
I just read Vickie Rubinson's book "Sorry...Your Name's not on the List," and I got a really good laugh. Ms. Rubinson displays a keen wit and eagle eye when it comes to reporting on her many humerous encounters with everyone from former Nazis in Vienna Austria, to the rich and famous in Beverly Hills California. I finished the book in two days. What's interesting is her interview with former Austrian President Kurt Waldheim on her last trip to Vienna. It's a fascinating story and ends with the disgraced President of the country, giving her a bunch of autographed books. This book is a must read.

Hollywood memoir
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-19
I loved this book. It's well written, faced paced and humorous. The author talks about her experiences in a comical Catholic school in the San Fernando Valley, (where priests dance the can-can and nuns wax poetic about the mysteries of life), to the strange world of tabloid reporting.
There are numerous encounters with Hollywood celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom Arnold, Anna Nicole Smith and Harvey Keitel to name a few, plus some run ins with famous and infamous politicians and lecherous diplomats.
If you ever wondered what it's like working the tabloid world, this book is for you.

Funny childhood memoir
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-10-11
I loved this memoir! It was well-written, insightful and touching. The author takes us on a wild tour from her early childhood days as the only Jewish girl in a Catholic school, to her 20's as a Hollywood reporter.
St. Christopher's prep school is the setting to this book. The teachers are whacky and the priests and nuns all seem like they came right out of central casting. This is a must read!!!!

The Life and Times of a Hollywood Reporter
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-27
This book has it all...encounters with aging ex-Nazis in Vienna Austria, to minor run-ins with mysterious Saudi princes. I couldn't put the book down. It's the story of Hollywood reporter Vickie Rubinson's comical life, from her upbringing at a strict Catholic School in Los Angeles, (where she was thrown in the trash can by her beloved English teacher), to the crazy world of Hollywood reporting...where she was chased down the tree lined streets of Bel Air by Priscilla Presley's Doberman's. It's a real page turner!

Catholic School Capers
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-24
Sorry Your Name's not on the List is a past paced breezy memoir that takes readers on a wild and crazy ride through the halls of a Valley prep school where stern priests suddenly break into musical numbers in the middle of class, and smoking nuns wax poetic about the mysteries of life-to the offices of Private Eye Magazine in Hollywood, where the main character is sent on some pretty harrowing tabloid assignments.
The stories are short and comical and yet very believable. It was a real page turner and gave me a few good chuckles.

Arts and Entertainment
Through a Screen Darkly
Published in Paperback by Regal Books (2007-02-05)
Author: Jeffrey Overstreet
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Average review score:

Chalk full of examples
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-07
This book has a huge amount of films that Overstreet basically reviews and ties into each chapter. It is amazing how he connects so many seemingly secular films to Christian values. I'd recommend this book to anyone who thinks that every film not coming from Christian makers is garbage, because Overstreet has definitely found deeply religious themes in some very offensive films.

[...]

decent book - inspirational
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-12
keen insight and well written. going to go back to movies thinking a little differently going forward.

An Excellent Bridging of Faith and Culture
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-10
Jeffrey Overstreet expertly guides readers on a cinematic journey, thoughtfully raising questions and broaching issues to help Christians and non-Christians alike challenge their traditional views on art, faith, culture and cinema.

Overstreet demonstrates remarkable skill in providing a comprehensive and thoughtful reflection on a wide variety of films. He discusses them in fresh ways, displaying cultural relevance in his interpretation while also dramatically illustrating the spiritual principles and biblical truths that surface in the themes of each film.

Overstreet's masterful work will offer you a fresh look at beauty, truth, evil and redemption in the movies. A must-have for any film lover!

Movies, not Books
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-16
What books were to previous generations, movies are to the present one; their ability to teach and shape our view of reality is unparalled by any other medium. Christians can't afford to be ignorant of the content and power here, and "Through a Screen Darkly" provides an excellent guide.

An Articulate Voice
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-24
As a filmmaker and a Christian I am always striving to find an articulate voice able to handle the spiritual as well as the cinematic. With Jeffery Overstreet's Through a Screen Darkly I have found a strong one. The book traces Overstreet's own experience with cinema as an artist, a Christian and a human being. The book serves to open readers' eyes not only to their own experiences, but to the larger questions of artistic as well as moral excellence. Highly recommended.

Arts and Entertainment
Tom: The Unknown Tennessee Williams
Published in Paperback by Three Rivers Press (1996-10-23)
Author: Lyle Leverich
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Average review score:

An intricate, sensitive and compelling portrait
Helpful Votes: 12 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2001-05-15
Lyle Leverich, a theatre artist himself, paints (with the participation of the late "Tom" himself) an intricate, sensitive and compelling portrait of the closest The United States has come to producing her own Shakespeare.

Tennessee Williams' ability to place passionate and visual poetry into the mouths of the commoner and gentry alike makes his work, in my opinion the finest ever produced by an American playwright. The towering and beautiful fragile characters of his plays combined with his devotion to the utter magic the physical theatre provides, allowed America through Tennessee Williams to finally place itself rightly next to Ibsen, Strinberg, Chekov and The Bard himself.

Of course "Tom" did not develop in a vacume and what Leverich provides here in this excellent biography wrapped in the guise of a psychological thriller worthy of so great an object, is a portrait of a man often crippled by acute sensitivity who saw the writing muse as a means for survival. Leverich manages to paint the man behind the myth, bring him down into a real space and time while also managing to lift him to the angels.

This is one of the greatest biographies ever written about a theatre artist- of which Williams was a supreme being. I, and many others, eagerly await volume two.

I Love This Book
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-10
This is a wonderfully done book. I feel I've lived in "Tom's" shoes and appreciate who he was and the struggles he faced. It's a loving portrait that doesn't shy away from the honest details of the life of the young Tennessee. I hope the sequel that's to take us from the Glass Menangerie to the end of Tennessee's life comes out soon----I'll be waiting!!!

If you want to know Williams, this book is essential.
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2001-09-09
Meticulously researched and sensitively written, this book is the definitive biography of Tennessee Williams, even though it only covers the period up to the beginning of his success. I haven't found any others that can rival its quality. The depth and detail are unsurpassed in Leverich's finely crafted portrait, revealing the many facets of one of America's greatest playwrights. As a "theater person," Leverich brings a special authority to his work, infusing it with expert analysis and theatrical history. A really great read!

Well Written and Superbly Researched
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-29
This was the most interesting biography I have ever read. I found that I was even reading the footnotes and bibliography!

The book begins with a delve into Tennessee Williams' genealogy (including a chart, which I referred to frequently while reading the book). The author goes on to describe Tennesee's formative years, home life, and young-adulthood. The book takes the reader up through Tennessee's overwhelming success with "The Glass Menagerie."

I found the book (and, therefore, Tennessee Williams) so interesting that I began researching Williams' works and also his favorite writers (Hart Crane, DH Lawrence). I call a biography a complete success that could have such an effect as it has on me.

I look forward to the next edition, though I wonder if it will ever be in print.

Interesting information
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2005-04-02
This is a very thorough, fact-filled biography - up to THE GLASS MENAGERIE of 1945. Leverich approaches his subject in a business-like manner, generally sacrificing artistic concerns for factual ones. Some of these interesting facts include:

Williams spent his childhood with his grandparents in Clarksdale, MS
Went to the U. of Missouri to study journalism
Hated his father till the end of his life when he learned his mother was actually "the villain"
Often broke
His sister was schizo, like Blanche in STREETCAR
Loved to swim
His homosexual lifestyle was pretty sordid
Met D.H. Lawrence in Taos
Laurette Taylor, star of GLASS MENAGERIE on Broadway, was ill on opening night and would be throwing up while off stage during the performance

Anyone interested in Tennessee Williams will find much to think about and be fascinated with in this biography. Recommended.

Arts and Entertainment
B Witched: The Official Book
Published in Paperback by Billboard Books (1999-05)
Author: Jeremy Mark
List price: $12.95
New price: $0.15
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

A must have for B*Witched fans
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2001-05-19
If you love B*Witched and to know everything about them this is the book for you. It tells you about there History OF there life and there hopes and dreams for the future. There are plenty of pitures which are great.There are facts on B*Witched and even a quiz to test your knowledge. If you wanna know more about B*Witched this is most certaintly the book for you. Adam

Wonderful, a MUST for any true B-Witched fan!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-07-04
I love this book SO much. B*Witched is my favourite band, and this book gave me SO much info on the girls and wicked pics...I REALLY suggest getting this book if you like B,

This is one good book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1999-06-13
This book is must for big B*Witched fans like me. It has great pics, fab facts, and interesting stories on B*Witched. Definatly 5 stars!

Fresh and fun, just like their music.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-07-05
The official book is a must for the true B*Witched fan ,such as myself. The book provides a delightfully fun yet informative insight about the girls, by the girls. The book doesn't take on the form of a stuffy autobiography, but rather takes on a fun narration of the story of the best group around. Simply said, a great book.

A Must for the BWitched fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-06-02
I loved this book and I am a huge fan of B*witched. There are tons of great pictures and loads of info on the group.

Arts and Entertainment
Bruce Springsteen on Tour: 1968-2005
Published in Hardcover by Bloomsbury USA (2006-10-03)
Author: Dave Marsh
List price: $39.95
New price: $20.51
Used price: $20.51
Collectible price: $49.95

Average review score:

Nice Finisher
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-16
"On Tour" is the perfect complement/finisher to Marsh's "Two Hearts". It fills in the gaps through the Devils & Dust Tour. The verbage is light & the pictures vivid. Fan or not, it's worth the read. Nothing compares to seeing him live, but it follows the energy as well as it can.

Great book for the Springsteen fan
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-07
Bought book as a christmas present for my boss who is a Springsteen Fan. He is going to put it on his coffee table with his other favorite rock star books. Great pics....

Great Book With Great Photos
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-12
I actually got the book for a gift for somebody else, but when it arrived, I kinda scanned through it and it looked great. My friend is a huge Bruce fan and said that it looked incredible. She loved the pictures!!!

Great for your Springsteen super fan
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-21
Purchased as a gift for an all time super fan of Springsteen. He loved the book. A must have for any Springsteen fan.

As a huge Springsteen fan, I devoured this book and begged for more.
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-23
Dave Marsh is not what you'd call an unbiased journalist. Nor should he be. He is basically the official Springsteen biographer, and his previous books have documented his rise (the first book), then his popular explosion (his second book), which have been collated in the terrific "Two Hearts".
Here, he provides a tour-by-tour analysis/memoir/scrapbook of the career of Bruce Springsteen.

I am a huge Springsteen fan. Just huge. I devoured this book and begged for more.

There are literally hundreds of killer little details that will delight anyone who has seen a Springsteen show. If this book is given to a Springsteen fan who by chance has not yet seen him live, it will make them want to donate a kidney to do so.

The most frequent comments I internally made while reading this tome were "I wish I was there", or " I wish that would come out on CD or DVD", or "That must have been amazing" and usually ending with " I must find a way to get tickets to his next concert!"

No other musician could have a book like this. Many of his beloved onstage stories are reproduced here. Accounts of particularly historic shows (The Bottom Line, The Roxy, Nassau, the Coliseum), guest performers (Ronnie Spector, his mom requesting an encore)...the way he went from band tours to solo shows...

Bottom line (no pun intended) is that this is a mandatory purchase for any Bruce fan!


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