Arts and Entertainment Books

Steve Pool does an outstanding job of breaking down the skill of public speaking into usable concepts. Even though I have some experience in presenting material to groups, Steve's advice was very useful, offered practical advice and helped to build my confidence. I would recommend this to beginners (as a great how to) and to more experienced speakers as a good review of the key concepts related to public speaking. I also found the real speeches contained on this audio book very useful.

I purchased this set at my local Sams Club for about $15 a few months back and feel as if I got more than my money's worth. Even if you are not a public speaker, this set is full of great advice that you can apply to many aspects of your professional and personal life. The tips and advice in this set of CDs can help you in various situations, varying from job interviews to convincing your boss that you need a week's vacation to dealing with reticent teens...

This set is in my "Automobile University" binder (along with a few other sets of motivational and technical CDs). I took Brian Tracy's advice and started listening to CDs that will help improve my personal and professional life while I'm in my car, and it is making a difference. So I get to hear Steve Pool's advice on a regular basis as I travel!

Steve Pool, seven-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, provides straight talk for high level communication and public speaking. Some of the topics include: Specific Ways to Overcome Fear, How to Avoid Common Speaking Traps, Tips & Tricks of the Pros, Persuasion as Art & Science, Tested Techniques for Research & Organization, Effective Audio/Visual Use, How to Speak to the Media and more.

I was surprised to find out that the writer had taken so long to share his contribution to the world. It was a very sloft and heartfelt reading. Very nice Mr Douglass

I have never read a book that has taken off like this one. Some people who had bought a copy came back and ordered more for friends and family. That is the kind of word of mouth the Feathers of Color has.

I thought the book was genuine and heartfelt. I could almost feel Mr. Douglass sitting next to me sharing his experiences first hand. He has a story telling style that is refreshing and engaging.

Follow the life of this little-known Welsh playwrite from his roots in the coalfields of the Rhonda Valley through a brilliant scholastic career at Oxford.

Also, make a special effort to see the excellent television program from the BBC based on this book. Anthony Hopkins is at his best as Thomas.

This book, and the television production noted above, is a must for lovers of literature and humor. These works should have a much wider audience.

The canon of novels, short stories, plays and television appearances left to the world by the late, great Gwyn Thomas are unique in that they perfectly define a country and its people. If you thought that the only literary genius to come out of Wales was Dylan Thomas, then you have an absolute treat in store for you.

Gwyn Thomas is the ultimate literary craftsman. Words came easily to him and with just a few well chosen sentences he can evoke a mood, a time and a location. His books are like roller coasters. He takes you to the places he writes about. His characters become real people and, through him, you share their passions. I have absolutely no hesitation at all in recommending this book to people who love books. It is an absolute classic and when you read it you will understand why Sir Anthony Hopkins was willing to take a massive pay cut to appear as Gwyn Thomas in the BBC film of the book.

The man was a genius. Buy this book. Read it and tell your friends about it.

Gwyn Thomas' autobiography "A Few Selected Exits" is unlike any other autobiography you have read. A bold statement, but one which is easy proved. A reader need only delve into the first few pages, and they will be hooked on the genius of a man unappreciated in his own time. Thomas' autobiography is the only one I have read which is not self serving. He recounts escapades from his life yes, but in such a non-linear way, one gets the impression of sharing a drink with him in a pub. I have never read a book before which will make the reader laugh out loud in a room alone. Thomas skewers pretension at his alma mater Oxford, and takes a honest but affectionate view of the youth he spent in poverty in Wales with equal enthusiasm. .

You may think that Bobby D is the man, and you'd be right. But do you really understand WHY he is the man? Douglas Brode does, and in this project, he lays out all of the reasons De Niro has become one of the most prolific actors of his time. Informative and entertaining, The Films of Robert De Niro is a must read for fans of the actor and his movies.

This series of books is always outstanding for the bunch of pictures it contents. But the text equals the image, there's a lot of research for each movie De Niro's done -critic-guru Pauline Kael's comments among others-, and a few insights on the flaws of some of his movies, that may give you the right impression that this author knows some things about craftsmanship.

Robert De Niro is without a doubt one of the best actors of all time. This wonderful in-depth book covers his film career, from his early student films of the 60's with Brian De Palma through 1998's "Ronin". It briefly mentions his roles after "Ronin" and ends with "Meet the Parents" and "Men of Honor". As this fourth edition was published in 2001, an updated fifth edition is badly needed. But, even the most hardcore De Niro fans like me must admit that he hasn't had many memorable roles since "Ronin", although "Analyze This" was very funny.

When looking through this book I'm surprised at how many De Niro films haven't been released yet on dvd. With each of his movies, the author lists the cast, gives a plot summary, and tells how the critics and public reacted to each movie upon its initial release. There are hundreds of great photos from his movies (including a nice color section in the middle of the book) that fans will appreciate. I was already a major Robert De Niro fan before I bought this awesome book, but reading it helped me discover many more of his great movies. This book is an absolute must for any De Niro fan!

I MUST SAY THAT THIS MARVELOUS BOOK WRAPS UP ALL OF ELIZABETH TAYLOR'S CAREER COVERING MOST OF HER BEAUTIFUL APPEARANCES ON FILM & THEN SOME.I ONLY WISH THEY WOULD MAKE A VERY LOVELY COLORIZED VERSION OF IT,TO SHOW THE LIZ IN ALL HER BEAUTY.CHILD STAR ON UP TO SUPERSTARDOM,FROM NATIONAL VELVET TO CLEOPATRA TO CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF,GIANT,RAINTREE COUNTY,ELEPHANT WALK,A PLACE IN THE SUN,CONPIRATOR,IVANHO,BUTTERFIELD 8,SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER,REFLECTIONS IN A GOLDEN EYE,THE VIP'S,ASH WEDNESDAY,THE MIRROR CRACKED.LONG LIVE THE LIZ!,AND TO MARK THE RARE OF ALL HER MOVIES THE BLUEBIRD WITH THE LEGENDARY LATE,GREAT AVA GARDNER!JOEY HOFFMAN DOVER PA.

I MUST SAY THAT THIS MARVELOUS BOOK WRAPS UP ALL OF ELIZABETH TAYLOR'S CAREER COVERING MOST OF HER BEAUTIFUL APPEARANCES ON FILM & THEN SOME.I ONLY WISH THEY WOULD MAKE A VERY LOVELY COLORIZED VERSION OF IT,TO SHOW THE LIZ IN ALL HER BEAUTY.CHILD STAR ON UP TO SUPERSTARDOM,FROM NATIONAL VELVET TO CLEOPATRA TO CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF,GIANT,RAINTREE COUNTY,ELEPHANT WALK,A PLACE IN THE SUN,CONPIRATOR,IVANHO,BUTTERFIELD 8,SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER,REFLECTIONS IN A GOLDEN EYE,THE VIP'S,ASH WEDNESDAY,THE MIRROR CRACKED.LONG LIVE THE LIZ!,AND TO MARK THE RARE OF ALL HER MOVIES THE BLUEBIRD WITH THE LEGENDARY LATE,GREAT AVA GARDNER!JOEY HOFFMAN DOVER PA.

I MUST SAY THAT THIS MARVELOUS BOOK WRAPS UP ALL OF ELIZABETH TAYLOR'S CAREER COVERING MOST OF HER BEAUTIFUL APPEARANCES ON FILM & THEN SOME.I ONLY WISH THEY WOULD MAKE A VERY LOVELY COLORIZED VERSION OF IT,TO SHOW THE LIZ IN ALL HER BEAUTY.CHILD STAR ON UP TO SUPERSTARDOM,FROM NATIONAL VELVET TO CLEOPATRA TO CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF,GIANT,RAINTREE COUNTY,ELEPHANT WALK,A PLACE IN THE SUN,CONPIRATOR,IVANHO,BUTTERFIELD 8,SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER,REFLECTIONS IN A GOLDEN EYE,THE VIP'S,ASH WEDNESDAY,THE MIRROR CRACKED.LONG LIVE THE LIZ!,AND TO MARK THE RARE OF ALL HER MOVIES THE BLUEBIRD WITH THE LEGENDARY LATE,GREAT AVA GARDNER!JOEY HOFFMAN DOVER PA.

This is a very fine study on Katharine Hepburn's films, loaded with photos plus cast (and role) credits, crew credits, synopsis, and quotes from contemporary reviews to Hepburn's films. An excellent opening biography chapter is included as is a credits and photo section detailing Hepburn's stage career. The book is capped with a complete list of Hepburn's Oscar nominations (and fellow nominees for those years) and an additional photo gallery. This book was first published in 1971 so many editions go only up to 1969's "The Madwoman of Challiot" with a photo of her latest project (1971's) "The Trojan Women" - this edition was not updated until the late 1980's. This is a wonderful book to have at your side when watching a vintage Hepburn film and wanting to know more about the film or who played what role. Homer Dickens was easily the best writer in the Citadel "Films of" series in my opinion.

What I most appreciate about this volume as a reference book on Katharine Hepburn is that it is richly illustrated with both professional and candid photographs, provides a complete list of the cast and crew for each of her films, and extensive excerpts from contemporary reviews. "The Films of Katharine Hepburn" is a wonderful companion volume to my almost complete tape collection of Katharine Hepburn films.

The introductory "Rebellious Lady: A Biographical Capsule" is only two-dozen pages long but it covers Hepburn's professional career in a complete but concise manner. The photographs included in the essay are the best collection of Hepburn shots you are likely to find, including: a rare shot of Hepburn with her husband, FDR and her gibbon monkey Amos. There is also a watercolor of Hepburn by Ginger Rogers, a bust by Robert McKnight, Alexander Brooks famous 1938 painting, and even Hepburn's first appearance with Spencer Tracy...in the 1938 Mickey Mouse cartoon "Mother Goose Goes Hollywood" (he is one of the three mem in a tub along with Charles Laughton and Freddie Bartholomew and she is Little Bo Peep, who has lost her sheep and doesn't know where to find them... "rheally I don't.")

The meat of the volume is just what the title says, Hepburn's films. For each film Dickens provides the cast, credits, a synopsis, commentary from the "Critic's Circle," and notes on the film, along with at least a half-dozen photographs. The synopsis tend to run towards the short side, but that just underscores that this is a supplementary text and is not intended to substitute for the films. The excerpts from the reviews, which focus specifically on Hepburn for the most part, are the most fascinating part of the volume. In keeping with this you find that even in his own notes Dickens tends to use the words of others--Hepburn, her co-stars, her director--to provide insights into the film and her performance.

Dickens' book ends with a stage chronicle of Hepburn's career, a gallery of Hepburn in each of her film roles, and a list of not only Hepburn's Oscar nominations but her competition for Best Actress each year as well. This format serves Dickens well, not only in this volume but in the other ones he has produced.

What I most appreciate about this particular volume as a reference book on the film career of Katharine Hepburn is that it is richly illustrated with both professional and candid photographs, provides a complete list of the cast and crew for each of her films, and extensive excerpts from contemporary reviews. "The Films of Katharine Hepburn" is a wonderful companion volume to my almost complete tape collection of Katharine Hepburn films (Hey! I even tracked down "The Iron Petticoat"!).

The introductory "Rebellious Lady: A Biographical Capsule" is only two-dozen pages long but it covers Hepburn's professional career in a complete but concise manner. The photographs included in the essay are the best collection of Hepburn shots you are likely to find, including: a rare shot of Hepburn with her husband, FDR and her gibbon monkey Amos. There is also a watercolor of Hepburn by Ginger Rogers, a bust by Robert McKnight, Alexander Brooks famous 1938 painting, and even Hepburn's first appearance with Spencer Tracy...in the 1938 Mickey Mouse cartoon "Mother Goose Goes Hollywood" (he is one of the three men in a tub along with Charles Laughton and Freddie Bartholomew and she is Little Bo Peep, who has lost her sheep and doesn't know where to find them... "rheally I don't.")

The main portion of the volume is just what the title says, Hepburn's films. For each film Dickens provides the cast, credits, a synopsis, commentary from the "Critic's Circle," and notes on the film, along with at least a half-dozen photographs. The synopsis tend to run towards the short side, but that just underscores that this is a supplementary text and is not intended to substitute for the films. The excerpts from the reviews, which focus specifically on Hepburn for the most part, are the most fascinating part of the volume. In keeping with this you find that even in his own notes Dickens tends to use the words of others--Hepburn, her co-stars, her director--to provide insights into the film and her performance.

Dickens' book ends with a stage chronicle of Hepburn's career, a gallery of Hepburn in each of her film roles, and a list of not only Hepburn's Oscar nominations but her competition for Best Actress each year as well. This format serves Dickens well, not only in this volume but in the other ones he has produced.

An excellent book by the only man who has really seen the series from the very beginning. He is the only actor to have worked with all the actors to have played the Doctor. Thanks to the Big Finish audios he has appeared with the 6th Doctor and will be appearing with the 8th when Paul McGann returns to the roll next year. He rarely does conventions any more and, when he does, refuses to tell some of the stories he's famous for.

This is the sort of autobiography you would expect from The Brigadier. Solid, dependable, traditional...but Nicholas Courtney isn't the Brigadier, and this also tells the story of his off-screen life, and life before Doctor Who stardom.

The first part of the book tells the story of the actor's early life, his parent's separation. Then follows the customary section on National Service, weekly rep, meeting Donald Wolfit and John Geilgud. It's good to hear Nick tell the familiar "actor's autobiography", because his style is friendly, humorous, and honest. This makes the book so enjoyable that the pages zoom by. We learn about the author's successes with the ladies, and, to his credit, his failures, and the breakdown of his marriage is dealt with in what seems to be a very honest manner.

The section on his Doctor Who work is well-written, and leaves out a lot of familiar material. This could be due to the work of Courtney's editor, John Nathan-Turner. For whatever reason, this remains fresh and exciting even thirty years after the fact.

The last part of the book details the post-Doctor Who work, and it is remarkable to see that since Courtney stopped being a Doctor Who regular in 1974 he has played the Brig no fewer than seven times. His work continues of course on the Doctor Who audio adventures, but this book was written before they had been established.

The large format suits his story well, allowing space for many rare and well-researched photographs. There are a few too many blank spaces for my liking, and some unnecessary tributes from those who have worked with him. He could also have cut down the number of references to Equity, the actors' union. Other than that, this is a first class read, and tells a more interesting story than the well-worn convention anecdotes, or sections in general Doctor Who books.

All of my life, I have been a no-nonsense man, who knows nothing but work. In 1986, I began to watch Dr. Who, just as a whim in a miltary barracks, on a TV set in the barrack day room that was chained to the floor so no one would steal it. At first it seemed rather cheesy, but then I found that I could not miss a single episode and if I had to miss it, I would record it. Once, I brought a VHS out to a live fire gunnery tank range, where we were to fire all day and all night for two nights.

In one of the tents where the crews were de-briefed and rested, I set up a small TV and the VHS and powered it up by using a military 15kw gas generator. We and the tank crews of my battalion watched Dr. Who.

My first experience with Dr. Who were the Pertwee years and the Brigadier played a large roll. I enjoyed these immensley and bought each one for my collection...and I am still watching them today..(In fact "Planet of Spiders" parts three and four are on tap this weekend).

In short, buy this book. By any book associated with any character who played in this marvelous series.

Thank you Brigadier for your part in allowing an ordinary man,for a few moments anyway,to escape the inescapable life of medocrity.

Paris truly has an affection for Garbo, which sprung from researching his subject matter. The most entertaining bio of Garbo, honest, but not trashy.

Paris has done a great job in shedding light on the reclusive Garbo. It probes into her life, but is not needlessly intrusive. Endlessly fascinating.

Barry Paris' life of Greta Garbo is an extraordinary biography in many ways. First, it tells the story of one of Hollywood's most enigmatic and legendary icons without resorting to hyperbole or the sort of highblown psychobabble so many other, lesser writers would have stooped to. Second, it is meticulously researched and tells Garbo's story honestly, responsibly and thoroughly, including her mysterious days as New York's Most Famous Recluse. Finally, it delves deep into the heart of what made, and continues to make, Garbo one of the enduring figures in 20th century popular culture. Paris reveals the woman behind the dark sunglasses--and she turns out to be much more interesting than one might think. Garbo, it seems, was a woman of vast contradictions, who ultimately became the victim of both her own compulsive need for privacy and her vast emotional ambivalence. This is the biographical art at its finest, and highly recommended.

By Tommy Garrett, He's an editor with Canyon News in Beverly Hills
It's impossible to write about George Raft anymore without mentioning his biographer Stone Wallace. Wallace has written over a dozen novels and nonfiction work over his distinguished career. But recently when Bear Manor, one of the nation's publishers, sent me a biography on the legendary George Raft, I found myself intrigued and excited. The foreword was by one of the best film noir authors of all time, Mr. Alan K. Rode. Stone Wallace lives in Winnipeg, Canada with his beautiful wife, and the writer is busy completing another book for Bear Manor Publishing, this one called "A Fuller Life: Hollywood, Ed Wood & Me," which he is coauthoring with the actress Dolores Fuller. It's sure to be a page turner.

Stone Wallace is a writer's writer. He has a brilliant power with words and every reader will be able to follow the incredible story he weaves of the life and career of a great actor, who should have become an even bigger star. The fact that he was such a huge fan of the multi-talented Hollywood heavy on the screen, George Raft, adds enormous depth to his writing. Raft's decision to let a role go to another actor, lesser known at the time, was the reason that we all know who Humphrey Bogart is today.

Best known as a WB heavy on screen, Raft did many movies with the great James Cagney. Raft's list of films includes, but is not limited to: "Scarface," "Each Dawn I Die," "Invisible Stripes," "Rogue Cop," and "Some Like It Hot." However, when not playing heavies and gangsters, which he preferred not to do, he also made a name for himself in some of our great classics such as "Night After Night," "Bolero," "Souls at Sea," "Spawn of the North," "They Drive by Night" and "Manpower."


Whenever I read a biography on a forgotten star, I want to feel like I didn't waste my time caring about the featured star. This book will not disappoint anyone. For those who are young and maybe have not even heard of Raft, you need to read this wonderful tome, as it will make you want to go out and rent all of his films. Oh, guess I've just dated myself; today the young people would go online to Netflix and rent the films. Do so! Raft was a very charismatic and strong presence on the big screen. But this author, Stone Wallace, is equally as strong and charismatic in his writing of this legend.

Raft had one of those faces that were tailor made for a leading man at Warner Bros. Bette Davis often said they worked very hard at the Warner's lot and she was right. No one wad more hard working than George Raft, working starting in the late 1920s and continuing through the `40s and `50s. The twice married New York native was raised in the tough streets but also became infamous for befriending real life heavies like "Bugsy" Siegel. Raft didn't seem to mind what was being said or written about him and had a few incidents where he got a bit heavy handed and tough with some who either disagreed with him or in his mind disrespected him.


But it's with great respect that one of the world's leading authorities writes about the man who made Humphrey Bogart a star. And it's with great respect that I suggest everyone read this wonderful new book, "George Raft: The Man Who Would Be Bogart." Stone, Georgie would be proud of you; I surely am. This book is a two thumbs up read, a Five Plus star biography and Bear Manor did an excellent job putting it all together, with some of the most incredible scene stills and candid shots of the great Raft with legendary actresses like Betty Grable, Carole Lombard, Gloria Swanson and even an incredible shot of one of my favorite actresses Ava Gardner with Raft. I read this book twice over a weekend, not because it was empty or filled with filler, but because it was interesting, enlightening and entertaining. Just what a great summer book should be!

As a big fan of this golden age of Hollywood classic films and the legends who starred in them, I had eagerly awaited the publication of Stone Wallace's biography of George Raft - and it certainly proved worth the wait. No disappointment with this take on one of the era's heroes, who is largely unknown to younger generations; hopefully Stone's goal of reintroducing Raft and bringing to light his contributions to filmdom will be achieved through this wonderful book. Though widely known for his bad-guy roles, in some of my favorite films - Scarface, Rogue Cop - it was interesting to learn more about other aspects facets of Raft's career. The Bugsy Siegel connection was very interesting as it touched on information related to my own research; and, I particularly enjoyed reading about the role that Humphrey Bogart played in George Raft's life.
I liked the format of the the book, i.e. using a lot of photographs and interspersing them through the text. In particular I enjoyed seeing images of two former Copa Girls (Lucille Casey and Edna Ryan) - a subject near and dear to me - included in this fine book. A wonderful, fun read - highly recommended.

In his stunning and beautifully packaged new book on the slam-bang and rugged life and career of movie tough guy George Raft, author Stone Wallace proves once and for all that he is at the absolute forefront of contemporary celebrity biographers. A veteran author of over a dozen fictional and non-fictional books, including his recent crime novel, The Shaft, Stone hits the ball out of the park completely with this latest project, bringing out all the many nuances, vulnerabilities and strengths, and most of all, HUMANITY, in Raft's character that the actor himself could have ever hoped to reveal.

A complex and deeply insecure man whose loyal and overly generous nature often backfired on him, George Raft was as memorable a film personality as they come and more than deserves his decades-long status as a true celluloid icon. And yet it is discovery of the man's heart, and who he was as a friend to the many colorful people in his orbit, that is most appealing to me, and the part of Stone's research that impresses me the most. Stone has captured both Raft's personal and professional lives with equal precision, and proves that he is, without a doubt, the world's foremost expert on the life of George Raft.

Here's hoping that TCM decides to run a full-out George Raft Film Festival in the very near future, to help promote Stone's fine work with this book. It would be a terrific collaboration and a fitting tribute to both George AND Stone.

Bravo to this brilliant author and to BearManor Media for the exquisite book cover it has designed for what I am certain will soon be deemed a modern day classic in celebrity biographies.

John O'Dowd

This Halloween book is full of beautiful pictures and has a lot of classy ideas for decorating. I enjoy Halloween very much and this book is so cool and the pictures are beautiful. A bargain at the price.

Every year I anxiously await new Halloween books. As a fan of the Leisure Arts books, I was thrilled to see their new release, simply titled "Halloween." I didn't know that Leisure Arts was a subsidiary of Better Homes and Gardens. This book is culled from the much larger "Big Book of Halloween" distributed by Better Homes and Gardens itself. I didn't count them, but it seems that there are less than 10 new ideas in this book. Both books are beautifully photographed, but if you own one, you pretty much own them both. One complaint is that they both stress jack-o-lantern carving. For a holiday that has been celebrated in this country since the late 1800s, it seems that they could suggest other decorations by now.

This one has it all and what I especially like:
1. The suggestions are not "tacky" but look like you spent a lot of time and effort to pull off ideas which will definitely get "oohs" and "aahs" from friends and neighbors as well as CHILDREN, who will find the ideas magical and just spooky enough to add excitment.

2. The carving tips are among the best I've ever read and will help you produce detailed looks without requiring professional artistic skills. EASY TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS.

3. A Costume section with very original ideas.

4. And, of course, what would Halloween be without the usual
party ideas? Follow the guidelines and ideas in this book and I guarantee your guests won't have a moment of boredom - They'll be delighted by the decorations, the Jack-o-lantern Pinata and the treats (which, again, are a bit on the eerie side, but not too terrifying)From invitations to such refreshments as Snake pizzas, easy Witch, cat and bat cookies and special hot chocolate with floating "ghosts', your party is sure to be a delight! And very, very EASY to pull together, a plus for those with limited time!
By the way, there is a special section for CHILDREN'S PARTIES and another section for ADULT PARTIES, with more grown-up fare but plenty of holiday atmosphere. Hey, who says Halloween is JUST for kids?

5. Life size (or nearly life size) patterns, making crafts extremely easy to follow.

I psrticularly liked the way the author of this book found ways to use household materials, from old bikes to rakes, tin cans, old greeting cards, etc. to come up with creative Halloween decor.