Arts and Entertainment Books

Books-Under-Review-->Society-->Ethnicity-->Asian Caucasian-->Armenian-->Armenian-British-->Arts and Entertainment-->45
Related Subjects:
More Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250

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

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: $14.12

Average review score:

A fascinating insight into the world of Mabel Normand

Helpful Votes: 13 out of 13 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: 18 out of 18 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: 4 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: 7 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: 7 out of 7 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.

Make-Believe Media: The Politics of Entertainment

Published in Hardcover by St Martins Pr (1991-08)

Author: Michael Parenti

List price: $21.95

Used price: $0.25
Collectible price: $21.99

Average review score:

Excellent!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2000-03-27

A wonderful eye-opener for any blind patriot who believes everything on TV and movies, and takes it all at face value. This book points out the hidden agenda of mass, corporate-owned media...

Alternative Entertainment

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-04-07

Parenti's critical review of the Rambo movies really made an impression on me. I used to like the Rambo movies, but now watch them mainly for laughs. Each subsequent Rambo release is, as Parenti describes it, worse than its predecessor. There was talk of reviving the Rambo character now that the U.S. is at war against terrorism. Let's hope it doesn't happen.

I'm not sure if working people are portrayed as negatively as Parenti has described it. If we only take Archie Bunker as an example, then yes, but filmmakers love to advance the theme of the powerless versus the powerful, because the opposite doesn't go well with audiences. Perhaps Parenti knows something I don't on this issue.

Parenti's favorable ratings of two films - JFK and Salvador - made me want to see them - over ten years after they had been released. I managed to see JFK, and it was great. I am still looking to see Salvador.

What I would like to see is an updated version of this book, since there has been more Hollywood propaganda released since the original version came out.

Why Archie Bunker and not Eugene Debs

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-10-17

To hear newscasters avoid talk about class in America, you'd think the concept is as obsolete as the Soviet Union.Yet Michael Parenti continues to insist that class bias not only spreads out from the heart of society, but shapes it. Here he looks at TV's entertainment role in preserving social privilege. From popular stereotypes such as the Lone Ranger and his third-world flunky Tonto, to the invisible world of labor, to the well-meaning but misunderstood plutocrat, Parenti exposes capitalism's self-serving myths as portrayed on the little screen. Sure it's fun to kick around TV and a lot of people do it, but Parenti does it in a highly informative way that confronts our last remaining taboo - the role of wealth and power in American life.

Maybe the best chapter concerns profits and censorship. It's no news to point out that the networks and advertisers are in it for the money. But it is news to point out those instances when producers actually forego profits for the sake of respectability. Parenti details instances when industry has eaten losses rather than jeopardise the system of wealth and power it serves. For example, Procter & Gamble, TV's biggest advertiser, makes this allegiance clear by banning all content critical of Wall Street and the Pentagon from scripts it sponsors. In fact, most scripts - as Parenti shows - go through not 1, but 4 levels of censorship. No wonder, the public walks around in an ideological haze wondering why the world hates us -- and so much for the dollar sign's being more important than the system of which it is a part.

Another telling chapter concerns one of entertainment's most popular myths: "We only give 'em (the audience) what they want." Sounds good. But, as Parenti documents, despite this appeal to democratic ideals, the entertainment marketplace is anything but democratic. He sketches out control points or nerve centers that reduce real choice to pseudo choice, sort of like a multiple choice question whose options are narrowed to a desired range of outcome. All this is made sorrier by indications that American audiences respond to forbidden topics on those rare occasions when they seep through.

No book that debunks the FBI's screen role in the civil rights movement, or points out the class conditioning behind TV's version of Treasure Island, can afford to be overlooked. Whatever the book lacks in depth is more than made up for in focus. Despite his unperson status, Parenti remains a key figure among dissident academics banished to the book-selling fringes. Recommended to all those who understand TV viewing as anything but a passive pastime.

a good analysis of admixture of propaganda and entertainment

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2000-06-06

Propaganda is basically found in every modern society, so it should come as no surprise to find it in a movie like "Red Dawn," which Parenti refers to. He brings up such interesting facts as that all the TV networks have a department devoted to censorship, such as CBS's euphemistically named "Standards and Practices Department"; that companies like Procter & Gamble often have inordinate veto power over broadcast content considered subversive; and that PBS, which is actually anything but a "public" organization, has been dubbed the "Petroleum Broadcast Service" due to the large influence of the oil companies that help fund it. He who pays the piper..., you might say. I highly recommend this book.

A great look at the entertainment industry

Helpful Votes: 8 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 1999-02-11

Parenti does an excellent job in exposing how lopsided the entertaiment industry is, and how Right it is centered. He looks at aspects as diverse as Oscar winning movies to WWF wrestling, and how politically oriented they are, more often then not the Right. The Cold War did a number on American movies and it tainted the industry to this day in producing mediocre films that did not threaten or offend anyone high in power. I feel that today the situation is improved just a little bit, with more accurate portrayels of minorities and women and so forth, but we still have a long way to go in the entertainment industry. An excellent book for anyone at all interested in the entertainment industry and an eye opener as well.

Maria Callas: The Woman behind the Legend

Published in Paperback by Cooper Square Press (2002-12-25)

Author: Arianna Huffington

List price: $17.95

New price: $9.99
Used price: $9.00

Average review score:

To Err is Human...to Forgive, La Divina...

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-29

Don't you think it'd be GREAT, if Amazon listed the book's true author as Arianna Stassinopoulos instead of Arianna Huffington? I mean, really. Oy.

The Best Biography I've Ever Read

Helpful Votes: 18 out of 18 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-28

I can't believe no one has reviewed this book...so although I have never written one before here goes....
Critics say that this is the best book on the intensely private yet captivating Maria Callas. I'll go farther than that and say that it is the best biography I have personally EVER read and I am a huge fan of biographies. Yet, I can't quite put my finger on why its so good. Maybe its because Arianna Stassinopoulos shows a profound empathy for the diva or perhaps it's because she interviewed practically every living person who knew her. Maria Callas, the love interest of Aristotle Onassis who later dropped her for Jacqueline Kennedy, and of course the greatest dramatic opera singer who ever lived, is brought to life right in front of you in this fantastic, well ..... just read this book. You'll love it as much as I do.

Good beginning and ending - boring in the middle

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-28

The book is very good, but in some parts can be quite dull if you are not an Opera fan or musician. The beginning up to when she becomes famous is exciting, and the end as she is no longer quite so famous, is interesting. But the middle is redundant. Arianna goes through detail after detail of each and every performance. That to me is not exciting to read. But because I was curious about the whole Onassis/Kennedy/Callas triangle, I waited. It is important though to read everything to understand her personality. This woman was a wonderful person and a great legend, but she definitely suffered I would suspect from Histrionic Personality Disorder. Onassis is definitely a complete dick, not that this is a surprise, he reminded me a lot of Diego Rivera when it came to women as his possessions. They might have been friends had they known each other - although I suspect thier politics were different. I also purchased a CD to hear Maria sing and often played it while reading, quite a beautiful experience. I was not an Opera fan prior to buying this book. I only bought it after seeing the movie from Netflix - Callas Forever - a Historical Fiction. Curiosity got the best of me and now I am a fan - of Maria.

Excellent biography. Read it when it first "came out!"

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-10

The number one recall I have about this book still haunts me to this day... her abortion. Onasis giving her the choice, him or the child.
Haunting. Horrible.
Above all, this book was a major "undertaking" for the author which she executed superbly! What a story! What a book!

a page-turner

Helpful Votes: 8 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-05

(To the reviewer before me: Now we're two.)

I have not read any other biography on Callas, but I listen to her avidly (her La Wally aria is particularly addictive) and have her Tosca performance on DVD as well as the documentary Maria Callas: Life and Art. But Callas's music alone has always made me wonder about her. Such deeply mined emotions in her singing, such ferocity, such purity, such power. How does she get all these in her performances? Where does she mine them? Zefirelli has compared her to Michelangelo, Bernstein has called her the greatest artist in the world. This book answers these questions and explains why. I have to say that it is a compulsive page-turner, even now in the twenty-first century where opera is no longer mainstream. There's always something interesting in each page. At the same time the biographer doesn't belabor a particular episode or detail in Maria's life as to make it boring or overly dramatized. And Arianna Stassinopoulos is no Kitty Kelly: everything seems very well-researched and reliable.

Marilyn

Published in Hardcover by Taschen (2002-09-15)

Authors: Andre de Dienes and Steve Crist

List price: $200.00

New price: $79.39
Used price: $79.45

Average review score:

Marilyn boxed.

Helpful Votes: 15 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-06

I've got copy 4066 of this sumptuous (and reassuringly?) expensive package and I thought this review should really detail what you'll get for your money.

ONE: An oversize Kodak color film box, nineteen inches high by sixteen wide and three deep, this is a big facsimile of the box that De Dienes kept some of his Marilyn prints in. The package weighs twelve pounds and will hardly fit any bookcase. The inside has recesses for the two books and one booklet. Black silk tape allows for easy access of the contents.

TWO: A large, beautifully designed and printed, 240 page book of Marilyn photos printed on thick paper. Although the printing screen is not the highest (150 dpi) the photos leap off the page, especially the full-page color ones. Many of these photos seem to be very private shots of Marilyn that De Dienes took during her career (a few show her with other people, a hairdresser and bookseller). Several at the back of the book show Marilyn's face montaged into clouds or surrounded by celestial bodies. Between the photos, printed in silver ink and in a large typewriter font, there are excepts from De Dienes memoirs. Also printed in silver are smaller photos with his hand-written captions.

THREE: A booklet with twenty-four, one to a page, magazine covers featuring De Dienes photos of Marilyn. Seventeen of them are European titles. Predictably, great photos are weakened by logos, cover lines and generally poor cropping. I thought this booklet was rather disappointing in its production.

FOUR: The 608 page facsimile of De Dienes manuscript and composite book. I think this is the most fascinating item in the box because of the production problems. The original pages were typed on one side of a sheet of ordinary paper and this facsimile is on similar weight stock so that the back of each page has some text showing through, as the original (There is a production problem here though, the paper rightly has text show-through but the photos do as well, on the original paper only the white back of the photo would have been visible). Although the manuscript was in black and white it has been printed in four colors to create the aged paper look and the few handwritten numbers in green and red that De Dienes wrote on the photos. You can see all of his corrections and deletions to the manuscript and read the comments he wrote about the various contact prints of Marilyn and other printed ephemera he stuck on back of each page.

The original composite section has a hundred pages (it becomes two-hundred pages in this facsimile) of cut-out contact prints which De Dienes stuck on the typewriter paper, again they are reproduced in four-color black because of the occasional handwritten colored numbers, even the image of the punched file holes on each page is reproduced. Hundreds of these contacts show how he photographed Marilyn and you can see how dozens of shots were taken of which only one or two were probably published. Most of these images have never been seen before and certainly never in the form that they are presented here.

Overall I think the Marilyn Box is an amazing production package. A world famous visual icon is presented in a unique way.

*** FOR A LOOK INSIDE click customer images under the contents photo.

Marilyn Masterpiece

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-14

A truly wonderful pictorial memory of Marilyns early modelling years.The photos capture the emotion that exsisted between Marilyn and Andres and are uniquely presented in the large book.The box containing the books is truly one of a kind making the entire publication very special and authentic.

beautiful, sumptuous package

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2003-07-15

When I opened this box on Christmas morning, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. A recent convert to Marilyn-ism, this was one of the first books about her I owned, and I'm so glad, because I think it's important to know Norma Jeane before you know Marilyn. These huge, glorious photographs taken by Andre de Dienes capture her innocence and natural beauty at a time when she was an unknown model. De Dienes' memoirs are touching and reveal Norma Jeane as she was to him, a man who fell in love with her, as so many would in the future. After paging through these books, you are left to feel as though Norma Jeane Dougherty would never look quite as beautiful again (and of course she would, but not in the same way). Revealing Marilyn Monroe at her earliest beginnings, this limited edition package is definitely worth the money.

A book for a sturdy coffee table

Helpful Votes: 9 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-22

For the Marilyn fan, this is a great book. The photographs reproduced in the large book are magnificent. The large book is difficult to read with silver ink on white paper, but it is cleaned up excerpts from the smaller facsimile typed recollections of De Dienes. It is heavy, thus a sturdy coffee table is required.

WHAT AN AMAZING BOOK!

Helpful Votes: 9 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-08

This book by Andre de Dienes is the most amazing title ever assembled on Marilyn Monore. ANY fan of Marilyn's will find this book worth every dollar. The design and reproductions are amazing! The diaries are a wonderful read! ...

Marilyn Memorabilia: Putting a Price on the Priceless Performer

Published in Paperback by Krause Publications (2002-01)

Author: Clark Kidder

List price: $24.95

New price: $6.50
Used price: $6.40

Average review score:

A Must Have For The MM Collector, Fan or Movie Buff!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-02-22

This book is the ultimate must have for any fan, collector or movie buff. Clark Kidder has done an amazing job gathering together new & old, rare & popular and foreign & American Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. The book is full of luscious photos. Many of the photos are in color. Each item is detailed and is given an approximate value. The book includes values on: magazines, books, dolls, plates, posters, statues and countless other items. The book is well made with thick paper and easy to read text. If you shop on Ebay or antique shows or just want to know the value of your Marilyn collectibles you will need this book. Thank you Clark! CHERYL

AWESOME!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-01

Awesome guide! The best as finally been put out for a reference price guide on the best ever movie star MARILYN MONROE! Even she would be amazed I bet! Terrific job! Thanks for all the hard effort in making it! All worth it!

A Marilyn collectors dream come true!

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-10

This book is a must have if you are a Marilyn collector or even just a fan. Not only are there thousands of listings but, there are thousands of pictures too! This book is the perfect tool to start you on your way to collecting Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. There are tips given by the author such as using the internet to find items, how to spot an original & much, much more!
You will refer to it again and again. I highly recommend this book. It's a purchase you'll be glad you made!

M. Memorabilia: Putting a Price on the Priceless Performer.

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-02

Beautifully illustrated and indexed a true "must have" for all Marilyn Monroe "afficionadoes" and serious collectors as well.
I truly enjoyed perusing through this book and appreciated how Mr. Kidder gave a thorough "overview" of Miss Monroe's career, "photo modeling" thru her "starlet" years thru her very brief "super stardom". The author also presents a biographical overview of the Stars'life. All in all, really loved this book. Of notable mention,Mr. Kidder's first book, (Marilyn Monroe Collectibles: A Comprehensive Guide to the Memorabilia of an American Legend), co-authored by George Zeno, was their first as well as successful effort on this subject.

A Beautiful Book Marilyn Fans Will Treasure !

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-04-03

This brand new, year 2002 224 page, softbound book is sure to delight any Marilyn Monroe fan. There are more than 3,500 items shown, and plenty of useful information on collector clubs, buying on the Internet, and insuring your items. You'll find a wealth of informative text included, along with a complete index to make item location easy. Over 500 large full color photos are shown. Fan clubs and collector sources are listed. It is the most up-to-date, comprehensive price and I.D. guide available. Every type of Marilyn collectible is shown in this book. Add it to your library.

The Marx Brothers Scrapbook

Published in Paperback by Harpercollins (1989-10)

Authors: Groucho Marx and Richard J. Anobile

List price: $14.95

New price: $35.00
Used price: $3.40
Collectible price: $88.88

Average review score:

Read what Groucho sued to stop publication of

Helpful Votes: 10 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2001-09-14

In his second book on the Marx Brothers (the first being 1971's "Why A Duck?") Richard J. Anobile conducted lengthy interviews with Groucho, Gummo, Zeppo, Harpo's widow Susan, and Jack Benny, among others. Most of the book is Groucho speaking, and his recollections are fascinating and brutally honest. Frequently the eighty-two-year old comedy giant lashes out at the twenty-six-year old Anobile: "Fifty years ago! How the hell am I supposed to remember what I did fifty years ago?" Gummo is pleasant and cooperative, more so than Zeppo, who was no doubt squirming about that card game that was getting away. Susan Marx is blunt about Groucho's caustic tongue and Chico's gambling. Groucho's four-letter words, which are in abundance, found their way into the final print and Groucho sued for $15,000,000.00 to stop publication. This was settled in Anobile's favor as Groucho signed all the releases. Steve Stoliar, a college student who worked for Groucho and helped get "Animal Crackers" re-released, says he doesn't doubt Groucho used that language, but never thought that Anobile would include it. Son Arthur Marx attributed it to his father's advanced age. This can't be recommended enough for Marx Brothers fans; it's a treasure trove of information, tidbits, and gossip.

Great Reference Book, But...

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-16

First, the praise.

This book presents one of the best portraits of Vaudeville that I've ever encountered. While Groucho disavowed the book, I will be forever grateful to Anobile for transcribing Groucho's words as he said them instead of editing them. I think the portrait that emerges is human, amusing and elucidating. The early sections about the Marx family's life in Vaudeville are especially illuminating.

Now, the bad news.

According to several sources, transcription errors abound. I would point you to Kanfer's biography on Groucho for a description of the particular errors. At least one or two of the photos are misidentified. Of course, this might be of interest only to obsessive fans like myself, but it is does throw some of the information into question - hence the four star rating.

That all being said, for a fan of the Marx Brothers, this work is indispensible - a must buy!

I loved it

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 1998-03-21

A book that displays Groucho as he was. If a true fan reads this, they should understand his unfortunate display of vulgarities related to the incedible childhood and subsequent amazing career paths of the brothers. In order to appreciate this book, you must read Harpo's account in "Harpo Speaks", as well as any thing by Adamson that you can.

The Marx Bros. Scrapbook

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2001-11-18

A great Marx Brothers book. The extensive interviews make this book great. It is loaded with interviews, not only with Groucho but Zeppo, Morrie Ryskind, Robert Florey, Harry Ruby and others. Richard Anobile spent quite a bit of time with Groucho in the mid-1970's. Many great pictures are also included. The only negative is Groucho's use of four-letter words. For accuracies sake I suppose they should have been included. However, I could have lived with a few "****" s instead of......well I can't type that here.

Marx Maddness!

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-31

The Marx Brothers were arguably the greatest comic act of the century and 'The Marx Brothers Scrapbook' brings the heart and soul of the great performers to life. With engaging interviews, hirlarous anecdotes, and moving glimpses into the brother's lives, this book is a must for any die-hard Marx fan. Especially remarkable is the look author Anibole gives us of Groucho in his latter years. Fantastic!

Masters of Movement: Portraits of America's Great Choreographers

Published in Hardcover by Smithsonian (2004-11-17)

Authors: Rose Eichenbaum and Clive Barnes

List price: $39.95

New price: $12.44
Used price: $7.99

Average review score:

Beautiful Art

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-06

As an artist and art educator, I am enthralled with the photos in this book. The design elements and knowledge of art and dance all combine to create a beautiful presentation of each dance artist. The wonderful part is that the dancers are shown in their own environment. The love, absolute love of what they are doing shows in every face. The text is something you want to sit down and absorb over and over. This book is not only for one familiar with dance, but lovers of photography and the arts also. Can't wait for more!

American Choregraphy Revealed!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-03

I love this book. It is esthetically gorgeous. The text reveals the depth and complexity of these amazingly talented choreographers elicited by compelling and often humorous questions. I think Rose Eichenbaum's images and accompanying interviews show tremendous respect for her subjects. And they respond in turn by revealing so much both in front of the camera and as they speak to her of their art. If you are curious about who has been or is responsible for American dance today, you will want to read this book. Bravo!

Stellar Book on Dance!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-10-31

Never before have I encountered a book with such rich content dealing with the dance field and---photos no less, that truly capture these interesting and provocative dance artists. Not only did the book peak my interest about the field, it inspired me to consider going to the theater for a evening of dance--something I haven't done in years.
I recommend this book to dancers, educators and average people who simply want to be inspired.

Jack Caffrey

WOW!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-10

I expected to be wowed by the photos in Ms. Eichenbaum's book, as I have attended some of her photography exhibits. What I did not expect was that I would be so entertained by the interviews! I am not very familiar with the world of dance but with her interviews, she has portrayed the spirit, the style and the passions of each individual -- they are all very inspirational. And with the photos and the prose combined she has really captured the essence of these dancers. You do not need to be a dancer to appreciate this book!

Outstanding work of art!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-09

Lavish treatment of the American Dance scene. Warm in tone, intriguing and evocative in purpose. Photos are emotional and revealing. A 'must have' for anyone passionate about the art of dance and the dancer.

Me, Myself, and Bob: A True Story About Dreams, God, and Talking Vegetables

Published in Paperback by Thomas Nelson (2008-02-05)

Author: Phil Vischer

List price: $14.99

New price: $8.98
Used price: $9.53

Average review score:

Fascinating

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-21

As a Veggie fan since the inception of VeggieTales, I found this book riveting. The story of the spectacular rise of the Veggie kingdom and the lessons Phil V. learned along the way was interesting because I knew only parts of the whole story. The leadership lessons at the end were something I can apply to my specific situation. When some authors attempt to pass on wisdom they have gleaned, the book gets dry and boring. That didn't happen with this book, it was well-written all the way to the end. I can't wait to see what Phil Vischer comes up with next!

Best Business Book I've Ever Read

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-10

I just got finished reading this and was totally blown away. I really appreciated his honesty and openness about what happened to Big Idea and this reaffirmed my feelings about the other so-called business books out there: it's easy to look like a genius when you study successful companies and draw contrasts, but the same methods don't work for every company.

Phil is a great storyteller, and I'm pleased to have been let into his world for a few hours.

Great insight into using creativity for God

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-29

As a Christian business person and long-time fan of Phil Vischer, I had high hopes for this book. It did not disappoint. Part business book, part autobiography, and part spiritual reflection, this book has helped me to better articulate a philosophy of a God-driven business. Some of Vischer's thoughts have influenced the direction of our company, by pointing us toward the Henry Blackaby approach of waiting for God and joining Him in the work He's already doing.

This was a quick read, and very inspiring. I highly recommend it.

Thought provoking

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-25

This was a fascinating read. The story of the building and collapse of a Christian business giant was intriguing, but I think what was more important was what Mr. Vischer learned about his own walk with God, and what he's attempting to share with others.

Fun and Easy Read but Powerful Story.

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-13

I was handed this book to read as I have made many people aware of my long train ride and constant need for new things to read. I love veggie tales but had no understanding of the company or its history, other than my sister taking a tour after winning a contest years ago. So I didn't know what to expect or why it would be worth publishing.

What a pleasant surprise!!! This has become one of my favorite books and I have since purchased many copies for gifts and lent my own copy out multiple times. Phil's writing style is easy to read and he is fantastically funny no matter how good/bad/normal/technical the content is.

There are many lessons to be learned through the roller coaster ride that the author and his company, Big Idea, went on. This is a must-read for anyone considering joining or starting a full time ministry, or for anyone about to embark in a leadership role of any kind. For the rest of us who grew up mesmerized by CGI, its a great and funny book.

MisInformation: The Female-Perpetuated Myths about Men Volume 1

Published in Paperback by Aventine Press (2006-07-05)

Author: Darrell L. Joyce

List price: $17.95

New price: $11.64
Used price: $12.48

Average review score:

Awesome Book

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-12

This book is a must for both men and women. (It might be for gay people too if you are into that sort of thing because they want to be "married" these days.)Darrell examines both sides of the realtionship from experiences and observations. I read this book cover to cover and will read it again because its funnnier than hell, just like his stage act! I can't wait for the second book!

Steve H. Ohio

Some Truth

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-13

MisInformation hits home in many ways. In reading the chapters (which are cleverly titled), I found myself wincing at some of the remarks, not because they are hard hitting and direct, but rather they are true in some regards. I think the key point made in this book is that it is not directed to all...let me stress all women, but those times I found the dialog assaulting were when I seen myself doing or saying those exact things mentioned. I think it is a good tool for men in respect to finding out why women think there are no "good" men left, but it turned out to be an eye opener for me as a woman. I can't wait to read volume 2.

Girls read the book

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-28

This book is for men and women Darrell did not leave anyone that is dating ,married , or thinking about having any kind of relationship out. Ladys you may have to read a little bit at a time but when you calm down you will want to read more. Darrell is hard on us woman but if nothing else read the parts that relate to you or someone you know and i promise that you will read the whole book.

An Enlightening Read - Funny and Poignant

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

Darrell tackles the issues I wish others would be brave enough to address. As one of those "hard to find" males, I appreciated his honesty, directness and thoughts. We create our own reality and then blame others for the way things turn out, particularly in our relationships and how we are viewed by others in society. I laughed as much as I cried when reading this book. Darrell is a real truth-teller. After I finished reading it I gave my copy to my wife's single friends to read. Cheer up ladies and have faith. . . there are still a lot of great men out there. You just need to know how to find them with the right bait. Darrell's book is your tackle box for finding one of us! Can't wait for Volume II!

Insightful and Informative

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-17

I thoroughly enjoyed Misinformation. I've had the pleasure of seeing Joyce perform live many times, and his skill as a comedian promised this to be an entertaining read. What struck me, however, was the level of insight and information underneath the issues he exposed. This is not some guy running his mouth off -- this is a study. This is a work that has come from years of astute observations, intense research, and personal experience.

That being said, Joyce's style is blunt and aggressive. This book is real. He doesn't sugarcoat things, and he doesn't shy away from his points for fear of offending. He tells it like he sees it, and for that I respect his honesty and courage. This book is a breath of fresh air in an age that is so hyper-sensitive to political correctness. If you put this book down because a word or phrase offends you, in the long run you're really denying yourself-- he just has too many excellent points.

Although Misinformation looks a bit intimidating, the effort is well worth it. You will see it's underlying themes every day of your life. Instead of chuckling at the overweight woman wearing the T-shirt that says, "Too pretty to work," you will shake your head at the much larger societal problem she represents.

Thanks, Darrell-- can't wait to read volume two!

Mr. Bernds Goes to Hollywood

Published in Hardcover by The Scarecrow Press, Inc. (1999-04-29)

Author: Edward Bernds

List price: $37.95

New price: $30.90
Used price: $29.95

Average review score:

Interesting portrait of Hollywood in the early-talkie years

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-04-02

The late writer-director Edward Bernds has become a familiar name to movie comedy fans, through his association with The Three Stooges, The Bowery Boys, the Blondie series, and a host of other comedy stars. But Mr. Bernds made his reputation as a recording engineer during the early-talkie years, and was the number-one sound man at Columbia Pictures until he took on more creative duties.

This book chronicles Bernds's early years, from his first radio jobs through his successful association with director Frank Capra. Bernds was a stickler for accuracy, and drew upon his old diaries to confirm his excellent memory for facts and faces. He was just as careful to spell things out for the reader, explaining a technical process or a business practice to amplify the point he was making. Bernds's attention to detail makes for good, solid reading.

This writer was disappointed that the book stops when the author stopped working as a soundman. But it's understandable because Bernds, in his thoroughness, would have written a mammoth volume if his entire career were to be discussed. Joseph McBride recognizes the "missing" material by appending a more general interview with Bernds, conducted by McBride and Leonard Maltin.

Film buffs and historians will enjoy "Mr. Bernds." For those who want Bernds's observations and recollections of his Three Stooges years, read "The Columbia Comedy Shorts" by Ted Okuda and Edward Watz.

Behind-the-scenes Hollywood talent SHINES!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-09-04

Edward Bernd's autobiography is a wonderful insight into the life and career of a Hollywood talent whose career lay behind the camera.

The book only covers the first half of his life, from his childhood in Chicago to his career as a top sound engineer at Columbia Studios. Bernds' engineering career encompassed the films of Frank Capra (Capra always requested Ed for his team), the many classics of Moe, Larry and Curly, and many major Columbia feature productions through 1945.

The reader is left wanting more, particularly the details of Bernds' new post-1945 career of writer and director for the Three Stooges, the Blondie series, the Bowery Boys and Elvis Presley. But, that's another book. Right, Ed?

A Wonderful Story of Early Hollywood

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-05-15

Have you ever dreamed you could make it big in Hollywood? Countless dreams have been shattered in this town, but one young man made it, and this is his story. Rarely will one encounter a more modest telling of a life's story. Yet Ed's tale rings so true and so right that you can't help but be drawn in. From making a crystal radio set as a teen, to snaring the top sound position with Frank Capra, Mr. Bernds entertains, informs, and delights us in the telling.

One of the reasons why this book is so fresh is that its author works not just from memory, but from detailed diaries. The tale of his trip west to Hollywood in a broken down jalopy fairly crackles. Genuinely good story telling accents this lively account of the early talkie era. Recommended to anyone who would enjoy a stroll through the inside of Hollywood, spoken by a real movie sound pioneer.

A Wonderful Story of Early Hollywood

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1999-05-15

The Golden Age of Hollywood from an Insider

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1999-12-13

When Hollywood first started to shine golden, Ed Bernds was there. He knew and worked with the stars, the directors and the writers, and contributed no little himself to Hollywood's Golden Age. In "Mr. Bernds Goes To Hollywood," Ed tells -- with near total recall -- of his journey to the movie capital in the earliest days of sound (which was his speciality) and of his career at Columbia Studios, the King of "Poverty Row," with the likes of Frank Capra, Clark Gable and the feared studio head Harry Cohn. In telling his story, Bernds invokes a bygone era of Hollywood glamor with an inside knowledge that few today possess. Necessary books on Hollywood are few and far between, but "Mr. Bernds Goes To Hollywood" fills the bill.