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Biographies M
David Mamet: A Life in the Theatre
Ira Nadel
Breaking through David Mamet's notoriously private persona, Ira Nadel delivers a revealing and insightful biography of the celebrated playwright, director, and essayist. With verve and precision, Nadel delves deep into Mamet's complicated family life, his life before the theatre, and his early career. By using Mamet's plays and other writing as a guide, Nadel is able to find clarity in Mamet's extraordinary life. Hardcover, $29.95.
Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life
Steve Martin
Steve Martin is and always has been a writer. In this subtly intimate memoir,
Martin illuminates the sacrifice, discipline and originality that made him an
icon and informs his work to this day. While telling his story he also paints
a vivid portrait of his times from “free love “ to the Vietnam war
and student protests. Whether as a performer, actor or writer, Martin’s
memoir reveals the unique qualities that have inspired his creativity. Illustrated
with over forty photos from his personal collection. Softcover, $17.50.
The Groucho Letters
Groucho Marx
Donated to the Library of Congress in the mid-1960s, Groucho Marx's correspondence was first crafted into this celebration of wit and wisdom in 1967. Reissued today with his original letters and humor intact, The Groucho Letters exposes one of the twentieth century's most beloved comedian's private insights into show biz, politics, business, and, of course, his illustrious personal life. Included are Marx's conversations with such noted personalities as E.B. White, Fred Allen, Goodman Ace, Nunally Johnson, James Thurber, Booth Tarkington, Alistair Cooke, Harry Truman, Irving Berlin, and S.J. Perelman. Softcover, 319 pp. $19.99.
Ian McKellen: A Biography
Mark Barratt
Treading the boards in legendary performances of Amadeus, Macbeth and Richard
II, Sir Ian McKellen achieved international acclaim, and went on to
ground-breaking work running the Actors' Company and the McKellen/Petherbridge
Company at the National Theatre in London.
Knighted in 1991, he then conquered Hollywood with his award-winning performance
as Gandalf in the phenomenally successful Lord of the Rings triology, as well
as three turns as Magento in the X-Men franchise. Mark Barratt's
intimate biography gives a rare and informed insight into the life and work of
one of the world's best-loved actors. Softcover, 312 pp. $19.95.
My Passage from India
Ishmail Merchant
In this wonderful book, Ishmail Merchant tells the inspiring story of his life
and career, from his modest childhood in India to his eventual triumph at the
Acadamy Awards. Internationally celebrated for his cinematic collaborations with
James Ivory -- A Room With A View, Howards End, and Remains
of the Day to name a few -- Merchant here proves himself a very worthy writer
as he recollects a sumptuous feast of stories, sights, sounds, and larger-than-life
characters that have been part of his remarkable life. Hardcover, 149 pp. $51.00.
Brass Diva: The Life and Legends of Ethel Merman
Caryl Flinn
This marvelously detailed biography of La Merm is the first to tell the full
story of how the stenographer from Queens became the queen of the Broadway musical
in its golden age. Mining official and unofficial sources, Caryl Flinn unearths
new details of Merman's life and finds that behind the high-octane personality
was a remarkable pragmatic woman, who never lost sight of her roots. Softcover,
538 pp. $23.95.
Ethel Merman: A Life
Brian Kellow
No one who ever heard her voice ever forgot it. And more than twenty years after her death, Ethel Merman continues to set the standard for American musical theatre. The stories about the supremely talented, famously strong-willed, fearsomely blunt, and terrifyingly exacting woman are the stuff of legend. But who was Ethel Agnes Zimmerman, really? Using dozens of interviews with her colleagues, friends, and family members, Brian Kellow has written the definitive biography of the Broadway icon. Softcover, 326 pp. $17.50.
Ethel Merman: The Biggest Star on Broadway
Geoffrey Mark
Ethel Merman is the one name most associated with the Broadway musical. Lusty,
lively, and lavish, she starred in fifteen legendary Broadway musicals, more
than a dozen motion pictures, as well as making hundred of radio and television
appearances. This book tells the story of a fabulous performer, a remarkable
woman, and one of the biggest stars ever to grace the Broadway stage. Hardcover,
312 pp. $31.95.
Bette Midler: Still Divine
Mark Bego
With a career that includes Oscar nominations, Grammy wins, gold albums, sold-out
shows, and number-one hits, Bette Midler has few peers. In this comprehensive
biography, the life and career of one of this generation's most vivacious female
performers is thoroughly explored. Hardcover, 393 pp. $39.95.
Spike: An Intimate Memoir
Norma Farnes
In this frank, affectionate account, Spike Milligan's
personal assistant (and eventual agent and manager)
of nearly 36 years combines
a mass of wonderful anecdotes with an insider's knowledge
of Spike and his circle. The result is a moving portrait
of her dearest
friend: an honest, understanding and detailed account of
one of the most complicated comedians of our time.
Softcover, 366 pp.
$19.95.
Spectator at the Theatre
Sheridan Morley
In this collection of Spectator reviews written in London and New York, Sheridan
Morley looks back at the hits and misses, highlights and fiascos of the 1990s
in the theatre. The book also contains a brief chronicle of his directorial debut
with Corin and Vanessa Redgrave. Softcover, 232 pp. $61.95.
In the Frame: My Life in Words and Pictures
Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren has been working in stage, film and television for over forty years
and is one of the world’s most admired actors. Her early beginnings were
not always glamorous, as she reveals in this delightful memoir. Beginning with
the story of her Russian antecedents stranded in England by the Bolshevik revolution,
Mirren takes us through a life story that is richly documented with photographs
and memorabilia collected from her earliest days to the present. A memoir and
a life to savour from one of the great personalities of our age. Softcover. $18.95.
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