Book Description

Nelson Mandela is well known for his 27-year imprisonment, subsequent rise to the presidency of South Africa, and 1993 Nobel Prize for his stance against apartheid. Less well known is the story of his formative years, which is the subject of this book. Born in 1918, Mandela had exposure to the rural and tribal life of South Africa as well as the privileged life that was out of reach for many of his compatriots. He became active in politics as a young man, fighting for civil liberties and against the injustices of apartheid. This book explores the development, education, and character of a young man who would become a worldwide symbol of struggle, integrity, and strength of conviction. Covering the first 24 years of Mandela's life, this book is an examination of the events that led Nelson Mandela to become South Africa’s most famous and beloved citizen. Black-and-white photographs add to this fascinating biography. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

THIS is the Marilyn I love
Having recently read the axe-grinding Marilyn Monroe "biography" by Ted Jordan, finding this gem by Gloria Steinem (with beautiful photograhps by George Barris) was such a relief. Whether kind or unkind, most Marilyn biographers are men; it makes sense that a woman (and a feminist) would have a much different understanding of her. Steinem pays much attention to the remaining Norma Jeane personality in the grown Marilyn, a little girl who was abandoned, abused, shuffled between the orphanage and foster homes, and married off at 16. This, Steinem writes, explains much of Marilyn's troublesome behavior: she still had the insecurities of Norma Jeane, but tried to get the love she needed by being the sex symbol Marilyn.

This larger sized paperback is split into chapters, for example: "Norma Jeane," about her childhood and background, and "Work and Money, Sex and Politics" about Marilyn's battles with the Studio, her marriages, and her affairs with powerful men. Each chapter is a complete essay unto itself. And the accompanying photographs, most taken by George Barris the month before her death, show a natural, cavorting, and thoughtful Marilyn at 36 years old.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone curious about the REAL Marilyn Monroe. In truth, she had many realities, but I think that Gloria Steinem captures the most important one.

i loved the pictures of marilyn
i loved this book "marilyn " because of the most beautiful pictures of marilyn, these pictures were the last pictures ever taken of marilyn and they show the real true beautiful person and that is norma jeane and the glamor beautiful star marilyn monroe. these pictures show two people one the shy , beautiful, loveable, true, norma jeane and the funny , glamor, beautiful, free, loving marilyn monroe, but it really shows the true norma jeane in these pictures. this book is for the marilyn fans like me, but i am more than a fan of marilyn's , marilyn is my idol my icon and she is real . i reccomened this book to whoever loves marilyn. this is a collectible. what i did not like about this book is the author gloria she says marilyn had killed herself, which i DO NOT BELIEVE , which i beleive is not true, but i ignored that , but the pictures are amazing.

Marilyn - (Abridged)
This is a beautiful photo expose' of Marilyn just six short weeks of her tragic and untimely death. As the first reader/reviewer has stated, this book was written with references to the stars' sexual abuse and family history, which lead to her emotional problems dating from adolescence. Gloria Steinem wrote this work without any 'bias' to this movie legend. I found her writing to be sensitive and understanding throughout. George Barris' photographs are as beautiful and will forever be timeless images of this very remarkable screen star of the 20th century throughout the next millenium. This book should be considered a "must have" for the Monroe fan and collector.

Insightful & reverent
Gloria Steinem explores Marilyn's life through an empathic and feminist perspective in one of my favorite Monroe biographies. Ms. Steinem respectfully addresses the Marilyn's life within the context of her era and retrospectively. She also addresses the impact of Marilyn's childhood sexual abuse and family history on her functioning. Marilyn would likely be proud of this intelligent, compassionate, historical and cultural treatment. I place this book in league with biographies by Carl Rollyson, Graham McCann and Fred Lawrence Guiles. Of course, the timeless photographic images by George Barris accompanying the brilliant text are refreshing, delightful and touching. Steinem truly strives to understand Marilyn, celebrate her strengths and re-evaluate her for our times. Marilyn seems "to speak" through Steinem's insights and in Barris' photographs.

Last photos of Marilyn
Inside is a jewel of pictures by George Barris who was the last photographer to take the last pictures of Marilyn and they capture her innocence. The climax is definitely the colored pictures of Marilyn. We see the last faze of Marilyn's life in the book but evidently she looked very happy. Obviously, something had to give and it was Marilyn. The book is like a last tribute to Marilyn showing her pictures and describing her childhood and life. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A wise book by a truly productive and wonderful human being.
Get a copy of this book. It can change your life. A must read before you leave the face of this earth. An insightful and wise view of life, other people and the world you live in. Fromm is the best. Thank God he lived and wrote everything down for us, and all we have to do is learn from it. After Fromm, you have no excuses for not "getting it".

A wise book by a truly productive and wonderful human being.
Get a copy of this book. It will change your life. A must read before you leave the face of this earth. A refreshing look at yourself, other people and the world you live in. Fromm is the best! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent
After reading all the books about Mozart, finally a book about Constanze Mozart and her life after Moz's death. The affair with the Requiem is frustrating and strange, but the author tries as much as he can with historical accuracy to solve the mystery. Of course, there is no solution. Mozart's Requiem and who really wrote it and why still remains unknown. Gartner persuades that perhaps Constanze had a secret reason for keeping a cover on the real reason behind the Requiem's origin and purpose. Her odd behavior after Mozart's death, and dealings with Sussmayer and others involved at the end, as well as the story behind the "Gray Messenger" are revealed in fascinating detail in this book. The story is rich in detail, at times a little confusing because of all the people involved, such as Moz's publisher,and Count Stuppach (who commissioned the Requiem in secret) and other interesting personalities with whom Constanze Mozart interacted in a secret mission involving the Requiem. If you think that you've read all the books about Mozart that are available, read this one. It adds a new dimension to the fact that Mozart's death may have been untimely and unnatural. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Most Inspiring Book I've Read in a Long Time
A captivating truly exhilirating book.Full of all kinds of fascinating details about Marshall's upbringing, his years as a litigator, and his judicial career.Truly captures the essence of a man who was irreverent, down to earth, compassionate, and fully committed to his cause.Demonstrates the numerous ways in which Marshall's achievements have made life better for all American's.More entertaining than a work of fiction.Made me want to read Rowan's other books.

Read This!
As it says on the cover, this is as close as one will get to an autobiography of Thurgood Marshall.The author gives a fascinating insight into Marshall's life and career.Very well worth reading. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Marilyn Encyclopedia is, according to its jacket notes, "the most comprehensive book about [Marilyn Monroe's] extraordinary life and legacy ever published." This may easily be true--it is incredibly, insanely detailed. Author Adam Victor has taken every conceivable source of Marilyn information--admittedly including Internet rumors and Hollywood gossip among the more well-documented tidbits--distilled them down to alphabetical entries, and cross-referenced them to within an inch of their lives. While the casual fan can check out Marilyn's Look covers or a list of the screenwriters she worked with, hardcore devotees can look up such vital information as the name of the first restaurant she and Joe DiMaggio ate at on their honeymoon (a controversy--was it the restaurant at the Hot Springs Hotel or at the Clifton Inn?) or the name of Marilyn's poodle (Maf Honey). The meticulous cross-referencing makes The Marilyn Encyclopedia an extremely enjoyable browser's read, allowing the reader to hop from Marilyn's disdain for underwear to her working relationship with John Huston to the fact that she never had much trouble with gambling--all with the flip of a page. This encyclopedia of course contains a rich assortment of photos: posed studio portraits, pinups, and candid shots vie for space throughout the tome. Despite his obvious devotion as a fan, Victor is remarkably evenhanded in his choice of the quotes and anecdotes sprinkled throughout the book. The reader cannot help but be left with the impression that, for all her magical appeal, Monroe may well have been a trying person to deal with on a day-to-day basis. This is the perfect book for the dedicated fan who wants to know everything--no, really, everything--about Marilyn Monroe. --Ali Davis ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Comprehensive, Unweidly, unproofed
This huge, bulky book has categories of of information about things I'd never even think of asking about Marilyn but was glad to read. The photos are gorgeous and many are hard to find elsewhere. I had to deduct a star because, for all the effort that went into this book, it obviously was never proofread and is spattered with typos. I can live with the bulk of the book (which makes it hard to read) because it allows for the big, clear photos, but not with all the mistakes. It pulls the work down a notch.

Comprehensive and current
Collates existing information and mythology into an alphabetical format. Balances accepted facts with rumor and speculation. Includes a wide variety of photos, both posed glamour shots of the "Marilyn" persona and more natural, subdued glimpses of the woman behind the image. Refers to the Christie's auction, the Leaming bio, and several other late '90s happenings. (Negatives: Many typos, misspellings, and pointers to Web sites which are likely to vanish tomorrow.) Recommended overall, though dedicated fans will find few surprises. A great book to flip open to a random page and begin reading.

AMAZING!
As a rather new Marilyn fan/collector, this book is invaluable to me as a resource. It is a huge book, alphabetized and cross-referenced, covering everything from movies, music, books, and biographies to gowns, hotels, cars, cities, and family. There are also, of course, hundreds of gorgeous pictures! What I'm enjoying the most is that as I read other Marilyn books, I can fact-check and look up obscurely mentioned items to learn more, or gain perspective. An objective, fact-filled, exhaustive collection of Marilyn trivia.

Updated Marilyn reference work recommended for MM students
The basis I'm using as comparison is with an earlier book, The Unabridged Marilyn-Her Life From A to Z. The Marilyn Encyclopedia's assets is that there is more information, there are splendid colour photographs not present in the earlier book. In fact, it boasts 170 full-clour photos and 205 b&w ones. Some of the colour ones take two pages. As for the entries, they compare favourably with the other book. And each letter, A,B,C,D... et cetera is heralded by a colour photo.

One key difference is that the entry for each movie lists the cast and credits, as well as any Academy Award nominations and wins. She herself wasn't nominated for any. It is also more up to date, 1999 compared to 1987. Much has happened re people. Inbetween those 12 years, Bette Davis, Dean Martin, Joe DiMaggio, and Frank Sinatra among others have died, and this book updates those facts. Yes, the domestic postage stamp that was released in 1995 is included. However, I was surprised Marilyn Manson wasn't included, as his stage name is an amalgam of Marilyn [Monroe], [Charles] Manson.

Yet the one factor that differentiates the two books is this entry: "Internet." As the first paragraph states, "The world's most popular woman has spawned thousands of tribute sites on the World Wide Web. Type in the world "Marilyn Monroe" on any of the major search engines and you get back a bewildering number of matches." And I was also amazed to see how many actresses have portrayed Marilyn-based characters or how many fictional novels have been written on her, so "most popular woman" does have some merit to it.

The Marilyn Encyclopedia easily supplants its earlier predecessor.

THE SILVER SCREEN'S SEXY SIREN FROM A TO Z
Everything you always wanted to know about the silver screen's sexiest star --- from A to Z --- in one expensive, heavy book that belongs (only) on the shelves of die-hard devotees.
Topics include 'babysitting,' 'hair,' 'Arthur Miller' and more quotes about and by Marilyn than you can shake a Demerol at. One of our faves is this bon mot featuring Marilyn on (what else?) sex: 'No sex is wrong if there's love in it. But too often people act like it's gymnasium work, mechanical.' Proof that Marilyn supported the Olympics? ... Read more

Reviews (166)

Kudos to Judith Fitzgerald for telling it like it is!!!
So much has been said and written about Judith Fitzgerald's expose, Building a Mystery: The Story of Sarah McLachlan and Lilith Fair (and the obvious puns intended in the fair title) that it almost seems redundant to add another two cents. In this story which does not once refer to itself as a biography, btw, Fitzgerald -- perhaps the most astute critic of her generation -- brings her wise, astringent, wry, and witty style -- combined with a ruthlessly intelligent perspective -- to bear upon the details of the suspicious "apparent suicide" of one of McLachlan's socalled stalkers. Fitzgerald, an award-winning poet, respected music critic, and influential literary journalist, is perhaps the only person with a clicking combo in the world who could have written this book (which includes elements of poetry, music, and investigative journalism in its scope). McLachlan has never provided any hard evidence she ever had one stalker, let alone a number of them: No evidence of a restraining order, never an official statement from her management company, and, most tellingly, never a peep from the police themselves. Fitzgerald's writing has captivated and excited millions of readers who find both her no-nonsense, take-no-prisoners attitude refreshing and her writing style startlingly accessible and invigorating. In Building A Mystery: The Story of Sarah McLachlan and Lilith Fair, she once again proves it isn't easy telling difficult truths but, for the betterment of human-un-kind, as McLachlan herself says, You do what you have to do. Bravo and kudos to Fitzgerald for her courage and tenacity in sticking up for one of the millions of little people trampled in the crush and greed for more, more, more (regardless of the price -- in this case death -- the little people always pay).

Poorly Written
This book borders on unreadable. Rather than write a biography about McLachlan, Fitzgerald writes an account of her own 'road trip' to discover the truth about McLachlan. I'm certainly not opposed to that format for a pop biography -- if the author and the supporting characters are dynamic and interesting and the text itself clearly written. Alas, Building a Mystery provides neither. A disappointment.

Not that bad
The first chapter of this book is absolutely boring, thanks to Judith rambling on about travelling to Halifax. Anyway, I found that Judith didn't write enough about Sarah's life before she released "Touch" in 1988, but you can't get everything you want, right? I also found that Judith wrote far too much Sarah's supposed stalker and not enough about the process Sarah went through to write her beautiful songs. I did enjoy Judith's comments about Terry McBride (Sarah's manager) because I have found him to be a bit of a money grubber and a control freak when it comes to Sarah. When I originally reviewed this book I gave it 1 star, but I've re-read the book and it's quite obvious Judith loves Sarah as a musician, but that she didn't want to give a biased view of the life and career of Sarah McLachlan.

Utter Crap
This book is the biggest piece of crap I've ever read - and I read a lot! How it ever got published is the real mystery! Don't waste your time on it.

Manifesto of bias
As a owner of one of the internet's most well respected Sarah McLachlan websites as well as an expert in Sarah McLachlan Biography, I find this book insulting. Building a Mystery reads like a schizophrenic patient's transcript strife with vague references, endless garble, and little substance. Having read the book front to back, I found little about 'Sarah McLachlan' and mostly what seemed to be an ongoing, unguided defamation. Not only does the author refuse to latch onto a journalistic perspective with direction and commentry from the people who matter most to the heart of the person and concept of 'Sarah McLachlan', she becomes attached to the alleged stalker which took his like soon after a legal battle with Mclachlan. I could not identify with her perspective or logic and found the book uncomfortable to read. It is no wonder Sarah McLachlan's family and record company wanted nothing to do with the author or this book. I strongly recommend against wasting your money. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Born in 1918, Nelson Mandela's initial response to the institutionalized racism of South Africa was a militant belief in African control and distrust of collaboration with whites. This comprehensive biography by British journalist Martin Meredith draws on interviews with Mandela and colleagues to trace his evolution from political prisoner to leader of a multiracial democracy. Meredith also cogently depicts the complex personality of an autocratic, often remote man "more at ease with strangers than ... friends," who sacrificed much of his private life to the collective struggle. Nelson Mandela is essential reading for understanding modern South Africa. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

pleased
So intersting to read.he is confident in his words.I recommand this book to any people that are idealizied

A current day hero
The writer does an excellent job filling in the background of apartheid and the actions of the South African government in the early 1900's and the 1950's when the most reprehensible government policies were created.Thedescriptions of the country's jails and Mandela's stay at Robbin Islandmakes you ill but increase your respect for Mandela and all other politicalprisoners.Meredith also does a good job describing the sulkiness of DeKlerk and his disappointment at not being recognized equally as Mandela forending apartheid...maybe if he had been in prison for 29 years... ... Read more

Reviews (1)

You shall know him by his words... a wonderful compilation
This short compilation of Nelson Mandela's words provides wonderful insights into the man, the politician, the philosopher - from his youth to today. They show him as a a warm and simple human being, a tough and principled leader, as an elder among his people and as a man of wisdom. He has much to teach us. The book doubles as a quick read and a reference, as the quotes are sorted by topic. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

It's Fantastic
If you love Dean Martin this is definetly the book for you!! I actually put the book down and stopped reading it to make it last longer. It was wonderful! Ricci takes you to their home and places you right there to watch their life unfold. I laughed at the good times and cried with the sad times. Makes me want to turn back the clock of time. This book is well written. The love of a son for his father & family is apparent. Now that I have read it, I will definetly read it again. This is a must read!!!!

Very entertaining read, like spending time with the family
Ever since I can remember, I have been a fan of Dean Martin, and after reading this book I no longer wonder why. Ricci tells us what I always suspected, that Dean was real, he was a loving person, a good Dad and his son reports he didn't put himself above anyone else. I like that in a person. I remember seeing the lovely Olympic Ice Skater Dorothy Hamill interviewed on TV, shortly after Dean's death several years ago and she said he was one of the kindest people she ever met. Dorothy had been married at one time to Dean's son, Dino, of the 1960's Rock'N Roll Band, Dino, Desi & Billy. There are some wonderful photos in the book, heart-warming memories from his son and an insight to life must have felt like having a super star for a father, although I got the impression Dean was very much a regular guy once he arrived home after work. The book has some great (funny!)stories about Ricci and his brother, Dean Paul (Dino). How I wish I could have seen Dean in Vegas with his buddies on stage. This book could have been a few hundred pages longer! Good job, Ricci, thanks for sharing memories of your father and your family with us. Funny I could write this review without mentioning Dean's wonderful singing voice, and who in the world didn't love to listen to Dean!

Meeting Ricci Martin
I am a huge Dean Martin fan and when I went to Vegas and discovered that Ricci Martin was going to be at the Riveria, I jumped at the chance to meet him. I expected him to be a stuck up man, who would just tell about him father and try to promote his book. Boy was I wrong.

He started the concert off by talking about his father and what he really was like. The stories touched me so much that I almost cried. I was surprised to see that Dino was, infact, a family man and how much love his son had for him. He talked about him with such admiration that it showed just how great of a man his father really was. Ricci sang many of his father's songs with such passion.

I discovered that Ricci was a down to earth person. After the show, I came up to him and we talked for about 10 min. He was surprised that a 17 year old enjoys his father's music. He gave me a hug, a kerchief, and autographed my ticket for my boyfriend.

I have not yet read the book, but because of this expiernce, I definately will. Seeing Ricci Martin connected me with someone who I have never had the pleasure of seeing in my time, which is a shame.

Wonderful tribute to Dean Martin
This book is a wonderful tribute to a wonderful Dad. Dean Martin is remembered by his son Ricci. Forget all the negative stuff you have ever read about Dean Martin. This is the true Dean. Dean was a man who loved to golf and loved his family. It is refreshing for a son to write a tribute to his Father. Enjoy it.

Chris added...continuity---
In final pages...'afterword'..Ricci visits his dads tomb,& a woman visiting- from Pittsburgh recognizes him...Meta Bishop helps present annual 'DeaN Martin Festiva' in Steubeville,OH each June since '95. We hope he'll visit--002, for book signing here,too. Ricci is busy (online) in entertainment/media---i.e....Show Biz, see: riccimartin.com ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fascinating look at "advice sharing" between famous friends
Even the famous need a sounding board..a friend who will listen and sometimes advise. Rowan, the popular straight-man of the 60's hit TV show "Rowan & Martin's Laugh In"finds his attentive "ear" via correspondence with novelist John D. Macdonald. Their letters, gathered by MacDonald, aptly describe Rowan's fight with fame, his partner, and success. True Travis McGee followers will want this volume in their collection simply because, on occassion, MacDonald quotes Meyer--McGee's intellectual friend--when offering advice and wisdom to Rowan. A hard to find book, but one worth looking for. ... Read more

Book Description

with a new foreword by Neil Postman

"The best--I might say the only good--précis of McLuhan's thought I have ever read." -- Los Angeles Times Book Review

"Beautifully written. . . . brings instant recognition of that weird, exhilarating vortex of ideas that McLuhan meant to us. . ." -- Globe and Mail

When communications thinker Marshall McLuhan gave us the phrases "the medium is the message" and "global village," he was ahead of his time. Now, in the age of the digital revolution McLuhan and his work cannot be ignored by any student of culture and technology. Interest in McLuhan has increased dramatically since this biography was first published in 1989 to stunning reviews. The author has extensively revised this new edition to include additional information provided by McLuhan's family and friends, and to present an even clearer and more absorbing personal picture of McLuhan. The book explains the relevance to today's society of a man who reached the height of his fame in the 1960s. The foreword by Neil Postman is original to this edition. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Must-read while studying McLuhan
Marchand and Postman do an excellent job with this biography on an unusual media prophet/quack. Reading about McLuhan's childhood, education, and work helped explain a lot about the man and his ideas. The book reads very well, and puts a lot of his ideas in a context that makes them easier to understand. If you're just starting to study McLuhan, this book is a great starting point. Also check out "McLuhan for Beginners" for a very quick and fun overview. ... Read more