4 comments about Last Bonanza Kings: The Bourns Of San Francisco.

1. This was a poorly written historical novel. It wandered all over the place and left out critical material. I would suggest removing it from your inventory!



2. I have to say that i am absolutely fascinated by the Bourns. This book which i have not completely finished offers wonderful insight into one of the most influential families of the 19th and 20th centuries. The only thing that the book lacked was photographs. The book should have included photos of the Bourn Mansion in Pacific Heights (San Francisco), and Filoli out in Woodside. Other than those minor details this book was inspiring.



3. I thought I had left a review but in looking back I haven't, so I will. I was REAL disappointed with this book. I spent a lot of money on it because I was excited to learn about the Bourn's, but the book left me with very little knowledge. Possibly there was no reason to write a book about them, but there just wasn't anything to sink my literary teeth into.



4. In his biography of William Bourn I and William Bourn II the author consistantly drifts from the topic.

   A prime example is even though William Bourn is in Monte Carlo during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Egan adds to his description of the events in San Francisco the following sentence: "Even after the devestation of an earthquake that would have measured somewhere about 8.25 on the Richter Scale-to be developed in later years by Charles F. Richter of the Claifornia Institute of Technology..."

   Unfortunately this quote is not exceptional. If the author stayed with his topic the information Eagan unearthed on this important California family would require half the pages.

   Ferol Egan's "Last Bonanza Kings" is a book sorely in need of an editor.

5 comments about The Rise And Fall Of The Dillinger Gang.

1. A bland but well documented chronicle of John Dillinger's criminal associates. The author provides everything you might possibly care to know about the supporting players in the Dillinger saga. Mr. King spent twenty-five years as a reference librarian for the U.S. Census Bureau, and perhaps that's part of my problem with this narrative. Although I am sure many might disagree, there were times I felt I were reading a tersely worded, formal report as opposed to a well-written compilation of the events which took place during the gang's "reign of terror." The research in and of itself had to be an exhaustive undertaking, and for that Mr. King should be commended for a job well done. Similar in some respects to Myron J Quimby's "The Devil's Emissaries," published some years ago.



2. If you just want the facts about the Dillinger Gang then this is the book for you. The books flows smoothly and is easy to read, individual chapters are allocated to each gang member which details their family life, upbringing and their drift into a life of crime. Many of them lost one or both parents very early in life, maybe this pushed them over the edge to crime l do not know, but low paying, mundane jobs were not an option for the Dillinger gang.
   
   Van Meter, Nelson and Pierpont were vicious, nasty creatures who seemed born for the prison yard, although evidence is presented that Pierpont was never the same after he was beaned on the head by a baseball bat, it is claimed he suffered from periods of insanity. Makely seems to have been a enough nice fellow he just enjoyed robberies along with the money and lifestyle it bought. Makely reflecting in the book said that a life dedicated to honesty would lead to the poverty he saw in his father's lifestyle which to him was a waste of a life!
   
   Many bizarre moments of the criminals lives are in the book, a milk bottle is thrown at the Dillinger gang while exiting from one of their robberies and Van Meter escaping from the police by jumping on an untended wagon pulled by horses and whipping the horses into a gallop as he and the wagon tore down the street to a successful escape! Nelson, sitting in a hotel room enjoying the rantings and ravings of Van Meter (no love lost between these two) who was distraught at the look of his face after plastic surgery.
   
   Overall a good introduction to the Dillinger gang with a lot of details on the type of tension filled lives they lead.



3. Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (8/06)
   
   "The Rise and Fall of the Dillinger Gang" is really interesting. Author, Jeffrey S. King, extensively researched the background of the Dillinger gang. He offers pictures, references, quotes from people and letters and the personal history of each person in the gang.
   
   Dillinger himself was either seen as "Public Enemy Number One" or he was viewed as a modern day Robin Hood. The later comparison was actually really sad because while he wasn't robbing from the poor, he was responsible for the beatings and or deaths of several people, including many law enforcement officers. This gang robbed stores, theaters, banks, and raided police stations to help some of the members escape including Dillinger himself.
   
   Dillinger's criminal career started early. He was locked up from 1924 to 1933. He got out and continued his crime sprees. Some of his family members felt that he continued his life of crime because his first prison sentence was unfairly too long. His numerous attempts at escaping prison continued to add to his sentence. His family should have looked at why he was locked up in the first place. He was truly a career criminal and did not seem to want any other life.
   
   From his prison release in May of 1933 to when he was gunned down on July 22, 1934, Dillinger's gang was responsible for killing about 16 people and robbing 20 banks. Eleven of these people were law enforcement officers.
   
   Other members in the gang's lives are also reviewed in this book. This includes: George "Baby Face" Nelson (Lester Gillis), Harry Eugene "Eddie" Green, Homer Van Meter, Harry Pierpont, Charley Makley, Russell Lee Clark, John Hamilton, and Thomas Carroll. You will learn everything about their upbringings, their relationships, and their demises.
   
   Included in some of the photos are pictures of several of gang members after they were killed. This includes Dillinger's photo. It is unsettling to see these pictures, but what I feel was more unsettling are the smiling faces of several of the people posing in the background photos around the bodies. Because of his notoriety, Dillinger had 15,000 people view his body at the morgue.
   
   I highly recommend this book to history or biography buffs. In addition to learning about the career criminal lives of these men, you get a really good feel for what society was like at the time. You also learn about how the FBI got start and J. Edgar Hoover's role at the time.



4. This is not a book of rehashed material, as one recent reviewer complained. Little of the biographical material on John Dillinger is new--after all, millions of words were written in his own time, and the biographies continue to flow in--but there is a goldmine of new information on all the major members of the two Dillinger Gangs. As Bill Helmer comments on the back cover, "Dillinger didn't do it alone," and King's goal in this book was to cover the criminal backgrounds of John's accomplices, something no one has done before. And he succeeds remarkably well. The previously undocumented criminal careers of Harry Pierpont, Charles Makley, John Hamilton, Russell Clark, Tommy Carroll, Homer Van Meter, and Eddie Green are covered in great detail, and it makes for fascinating reading. Most of these men committed far more crimes, and over a wider geographic area, than the celebrated gang members, Dillinger and "Baby Face" Nelson. Pierpont, Carroll, or Makley alone would each be deserving case studies themselves for book length biographies. This book is destined to become a true crime classic at least for its in-depth study of the gang members. That much said, there are flaws, which cause me to dock a star: [1] Some obsolete legends from previous Dillinger biographers--notably Toland and Nash--are accepted uncritically; [2] Nelson's three-fingered getaway driver on the Grand Haven bank robbery is not likely to have been William "Three-Fingered Jack" White, whom King definitely identifies him to be. FBI files on the Grand Haven job mention White as a possible suspect but tend to rule him out and no certain identification was ever made; [3] King obviously missed the recent expanded paperback edition of the Girardin-Helmer work "Dillinger: The Untold Story". Otherwise he would know that the fake guns used in the Pierpont-Makley death house break were carved from soapstone, not soap as previously reported. But these are minor quibbles and no historical work of any kind has ever been without errors. This book is a good read and there are plenty of leads here for future researchers to pursue.



5. Several books have been written about John Dillinger and his cohorts along with the recently published book entitled The Vendetta by Alston Purvis. Each of the books cover the same cast of characters and incidents such as the shootout at the Little Bohemia lodge in northern Wisconsin. Jeffery King's book does provide a great deal of information on the gang's members, but not anything different than what can already be found in numerous other books on this subject. King states that the Purvis family was "deeply upset" that Hoover ignored Melvin's death. However, in Alston Purvis's book "The Vendetta", in a telegram to Hoover after Melvin's death, his wife stated, "We are honored that you ignored Melvin's death. Your jealously hurt him very much..." I did find numerous spelling errors, the same word repeated in a sentence, word omissions, and incorrect words placed in sentences especially, but certainly not limited to, the chapter on Little Bohemia. In summary, while I found the book to be interesting, it doesn't have any information to speak of that can't be found in numerous other similar volumes. It also is in serious need of a proofreader.

5 comments about Naked: The Life and Pornography of Michael Lucas.

1. I rated this book a one, not because of the writing....but because of the self centered obnoxious person it was written about. Talk about a lothsome individual! I got tired of reading about his idiocyncracies and the fact that he his handsome and has a good body and likes sex, lots of sex. Chi Chi LaRue had apparently tried to convince Lucas not to co-operate with the author who was doing the book....and I assume it's because she knew how he would come off. Basically, there is nothing redeeming about Lucas. He is a self centered, idiot. He believes in himself, yes, but basically thinks everyone should act and be like him. He thinks he has all the answers to everything. Yet there is nothing, even remotely, interesting about him at all. I think people just put up with him because he is moderatly successful in the porn world. I would suggest he seek psychiatic help, however he would only poo-poo the doctor saying he knew more than he did...so how could he help him. One has to be aware of his problems before he is able to conquer them, however Lucas doesn't feel there is room for improvement in his life. It is perfect, as he feels he is. Well, he thinks he has all the answers. This book proves he has none! Basically, he's a jerk that thinks too highly of himself. JERK!



2. Michael Lucas doesn't seem to care what people think of him, so whatever I write here won't matter much. But I didn't think the book was that great. It seemed to be written in a very awkward style. Very repetitious. I got tired of hearing how wonderful Michael Lucas is, and how successful is he, and how pleased he is with his life, etc., etc., etc. The chapter with his talk to Yale should have been ommited as that had all been covered previously. Michael makes a big deal on several occasions on how he doesn't do drugs, yet it said he was on anti depressants, so I guess his life isn't ALL that together, huh?? He thinks he is this wonderful, fabulous philanthropist and should be taken around on a sedan chair like the Popes of old. He absolutely hates religion he says yet when he talks about his good fortune he'll say "Thank God....". If you don't believe, don't invoke His name Michael. I do agree with his thoughts about Islam but I don't agree with his other politics. He is a perfect example of a hedonistic, capitalist. He moans and groans about his mother's illness which of course is unfortunate, and I read where she died in April--but that is an example of real life and Michael likes glitz, glamour and glory because he has his nose up in the air. He's going to get old and unattractive someday too, just like everyone else. Someday hopefully he'll realize that he puts his pants on the same way as everyone else. I read his story, but I'm not all that impressed. Despite what he thinks, being a porn star--and a mega porn star at that, is not all that impressive.



3. I picked up a copy of this book, hoping to get some insight into the character Michael Lucas; pornographer, prostitute, and New York City nightlife commentator of some note. What I got instead was a poorly written, 270-page treacly valentine by an overly smitten fan.
   
   They say that the cardinal sin of any biographer is that they get too close to their subject; this book is a prime example of that danger. Corey Taylor makes no bones about his intense admiration for Mr. Lucas (going so far as to profess his love for Mr. Lucas's work and character in the book in the first person), and therefore loses any objectivity when covering the subject. The book is intellectually dishonest, biased, and in the end, not that revealing. We learn much more about Mr. Lucas's wardrobe (Armani seems to be a favorite), and the fact that he enjoys selling his used clothes, than anything substantive about Mr. Lucas's start in the porn business, which is touched on only in a slight way. The author focuses time and time again on Mr. Lucas's business acumen, "street smarts", and his persistence (the phrase used over and over is "he always gets what he wants"). However, even the events set forth in the book raise questions. When in Russia, Mr. Lucas was the head of an allegedly successful travel company; somehow, the company collapsed, yet the entire incident is glossed over in three lines. However, the author treats us to page after page (approvingly) of Mr. Lucas's attempt over a seven-year period to collect on a bounced check from one of his former clients (an obsession that seems to border on pathological). Throughout the book, incidents are always recounted from Mr. Lucas's perception, and events are always cast in his favor. The author makes no effort to independently investigate any historical facts, even when inconsistencies jump off the page; he merely opts time and time again to repeat Mr. Lucas's take on things. It almost seems that the author feared losing Mr. Lucas's favor; indeed, I found it telling that in the end, the author had to admit that Mr. Lucas himself cut off all access. I would think an act like that probably would have spurred a better author to start digging; Mr. Taylor, on the other hand, wilts like a jilted lover who still carries a torch for his man.
   
   The manuscript reads like a freshman English Comp. essay, full of awkward sentences and grammatical mistakes, and not a whit of tone or tempo - one has to wonder whether Mr. Taylor's editor at Kensington Press was out of the office on vacation when the proofs came in. Which is a shame; Mr. Lucas's story does seem to have the makings of an interesting tale (Russian immigrant, law school graduate, former Falcon model now behind the camera, with approving parents). However, the author lets us down time and time again. If you're looking for anything resembling a "backstage pass" into the porn business, skip this book (I think you will find "Making It Big", featuring Chi Chi LaRue, a more fulfilling read). If you're already a fan of Mr. Lucas's, skip this book as well; it will not tell you anything you don't already know. If you're not a fan, skip this book as well; there's nothing in here worth reading.



4. Taylor, Corey. "Naked: The Life and Pornography of Michael Lucas", Kensington Books, 2007.
   
   
   
   Lucas Superman
   
   
   
   Amos Lassen and Literary Pride
   
   
   
   Now that pornography has become part of modern American life, more and more people are aware of it but how many people besides gay men have any idea of who Michael Lucas is. After reading Corey Taylor's biography of Lucas, I can tell you that he is quite a man--cultured, educated and a brilliant businessman who has made a fortune as a porn producer, director and actor. He also exudes charisma.
   
   Born to humble Russian beginnings in 1972 as Andrei Treyvas, he immigrated to the United States in the mid 90's. He is a former male prostitute and an outspoken advocate for safe sex and social justice. His first porn movie was heterosexual "trash" but he quickly moved to gay fare and made a lot of money and won a lot of awards. His DVD sales are among the highest in the porn industry. He maintains a relatively anonymous lifestyle.
   
   We see a completely different Michael Lucas in this book that we see on video. Taylor has written a biography that is full of life and interesting tidbits. Lucas completely reshaped the gay porn industry and the fact that Lucas is a man with a big heart (among other things) makes this book all the more readable and endearing. He chased a dream and caught it and he personifies those who come to America to live a good life.
   
   The biography looks at the industry of gay porn through the eyes of a man who has helped shape it. Because Lucas was both a Jew and a homosexual, he felt compelled to leave his native Russia and after two years of prostitution in Eastern Europe and came to America. He had experiences with those in the drug trade even though he, himself, is not a user. In fact, he does not drink, smoke or take drugs. Beginning his gay porn career with what was then the best of companies, Falcon, he eventually left after making four movies and in 1998 he started Lucas Productions.
   
   Focusing on himself as a businessman, his operation quickly grew. He has special requirements for his actors and his movies are all professional to the letter of the word,
   
   For all of you who like the "dirt", it is also there. Sordid stories populate the pages but there is also a legitimate commentary on the nature and importance of porn.
   
   This is another of those books you won't put down until you finish it. It is fascinating and well written and a tribute to a man who deserves to have his story told.



5. I have to admit it. I really had no idea who Michael Lucas was before I heard about this book. Sure, I had come across his face from time to time (no pun intended) when surfing the web for ummm...sexual content for research, yeah that's it. But other than that, I'd never seen the man in action, literally. But, being a fan of Corey Taylor, I have patiently been waiting for his next book. And here was my chance to catch up on what I've been missing out on in the world that is Michael Lucas.
   
   Like many a porn star, Lucas is a hot immigrant who came to the states for a totally different reason. In rolls the need for artistic expression and the rest is history. But this is not just any boring bio penned from the mouth of your every day porn player for anyone who cares to listen. Taylor exposes us to how Lucas shaped the industry, despite its negative headlines at the onset of HIV.
   
   Lucas' struggle for a name in film, and his advocacy for safe sex, definitely put him on the map and fast. Yeah, I'm sure every porn star has a story or two to tell, and readers are in search of only two things: the off screen deep dish to make us laugh or the smut to make us aroused. I'm not saying you won't find either of those here, but take a second to appreciate the story that Corey Taylor has handed us. It is truly one with heart, despite the character at the center of attention, that might inspire you to keep chasing down that dream and fighting for what you believe in.
   
   Kudos to Corey Taylor for shedding a new spot light on the gay porn industry and one man, Michael Lucas, who rules the stage!

No comments about Sharon Osbourne: Unauthorized, Uncensored - Understood.

5 comments about Jet Set: Memoir of an International Playboy.

1. I really enjoyed the author's tale.. Lighten up readers, and yeah, he is "just a gigilo" - he happens to excel at it and is able to describe it well ! Massimo starts the memoir by explaining what the Jet Set is and how it came to be. If for some reason you've lost your sense of humour or have a case of the "oh poor me , They're fabulous and I'm not" blues, then this isn't the book for you. I for one have not the slightest scintilla of jealousy of the lifestyles of the rich and social because the daily activities are a roaring bore from my perspective- Very heavy on the entertaining and social level- it's work to play.
   In any case, Massimo has figured his ticket to reaching the inner circle and staying there is simple; capitalize on his strengths: looks, a fairly pleasant demeanor, connections and his sexual aptitude. His crime? He's a man. (Does the average reader think that in all of the traditional May-December romances of the 'Jet Set' that the female isn't thinking about how to parlay her youth and appeal into some tangible assets?.C'mon- this writer tells it like it is.)
   Massimo does just that, although until he gets his bearings he is more of a pawn in the hands of the dowagers he has makes deals with. The Garbo chapters are a hoot- What a fabulous portrait of a character that kept herself shielded from prying eyes, very few people have been able to write about having any sort of intimacy with this legend. I've always suspected that there wasn't a great mystery underneath it all, and that's one of the truths that this lady kept to herself- quite cunning indeed.
   After the training wheels comeoff, Massimo cuts his teeth on a new woman, the eighty-something gazillionaire that seduces him , for a price... The "strings-attached" relationship is chronicled in full detail, I found it fascinating - grateful that the writers have decided to leave out none of the strategy and scheming of either party. The rest of the book's tales are revealing of this particular strata's social order- complex and inconsequential at the same time. Massimo seems surprised when he is spoken of highly at times by observers- In my opinion, he seems like a breath of fresh air amongst those snotty old windbags- I think he gave more that he took.



2. Excellent book written with honesty. Mr Gargia has the guts to tell what a lot of people in the world are hiding. Besides, all these stories are true which makes the book interesting and entertaining.
   Allan Starkie's style is intelligent and very enjoyable as in his previous book "Fergie".



3. I am sorry I ever picked up this book and read it.....from the writing to the tale of the male-hooker, Massimo......it's a very sad story. I feel sorry for the people involved that they would even want the world to know that such things happened in their sad and pitiful lives. They ALL need to get a life....instead of living off ALL the others. SAD.



4. I picked this up at the library on the hope that it would be entertaining. It is for about the first 30 pages and then one starts to wonder - why does this poor man have no self respect? In his early days, the pictures in the book reveal an extremely attractive man and so it is hard to figure out why he basically lets himself become a gigolo to old rich women. There are also a few details I just did NOT want to know... such as him being surprised at enjoying oral stimulation from an 80 year old woman who wore dentures (note - he is about 30 at the time). Yuck! I would be embarassed if I were him but then, he does not seem to embarass easily if it will enrich him. It is also written in a "tabloid" style which gets mindless and repetitive after a while. I guess even Allan Starkie and his "PhD" could not improve the writing.



5. Massimo Gargia has written an account of his life among the Jet Set and what you think might be great fun is instead a pathetic and disgusting reverie of the superficial lives these people live.

   After graduation from college, Gargia decided that he didn't want to work a real job so instead he used his looks and charms to worm his way into the jet set society. First up, he seduces the mannish 60 year old Cecile de Rothschild and through her, he meets her elusive friend, Greta Garbo (herself in her 60's). A brief tryst with her follows and he ends up seducing her as well, however, you can read between the lines and realize that Garbo was a woman who was not interested in sex (if anything, the chapter on her illustrates what a strange woman she was and it is evident that she probably could have used the services of a psychiatrist).

   After tiring of Garbo's eccentricies and her iciness (she ignores him and is embarrassed while he chokes on a fish bone at a dinner party), he proceeds to his next conquest, a rich widow in her 80's. (Note: A strong stomach is required for the sex scenes - disgusting is no other way to describe them!) This woman (Lydia Deterding) ends up buying Gargia several apartments but their affair becomes the laughing stock of the jet set community. Believe it or not, Gargia does have some modesty and he leaves her for a nympho Countess, whose husband dies soon after they begin their affair. They enjoy the good life for a while until her funds start to get low and she kicks him out after he won't get a job.

   By this time, Gargia has lost his looks and he romances a magazine editor and decides to start a magazine called "The Best", based on a frivolous awards event that he created (a big excuse to hold yet another big party bash). After all, can you really take an award seriously whose recipients include LaToya Jackson, Fidel Castro or Ivana Trump???

   Gargia wraps up with stories about the Royal Family and how he ingratiated himself into their circle. Some rumors about a possible Princess Diana conspiracy are lightweight, at most. If Gargia's book does serve any worthwhile purpose, it does show how frivolous and wasteful the "Jet Set" live their lives.

5 comments about Mrs. Kennedy: The Missing History of the Kennedy Years.

1. I have always admired Jackie and I found this book to be a sensitive work about her life. It does not cover up her struggles and highlights.
   I finished the book still being her admirer.



2. I have read dozens of books on the Kennedys, and I found this one to be different from most. Aside from the many fascinating details about the day to day lives of the Kennedys in the White House, the author includes her own psychological insights on the marriage, and on Jack and Jackie individually. I found her insights to be extremely perceptive and she explained a lot of things that, before now, have gone unexplained. For example, by all accounts, Jackie was extremely intelligent. Why then does she appear so docile and almost little-girlish when being interviewed? Why did Jackie tolerate her husband's infidelities, and were they in fact in love, or were the Kennedy's just a public act for the benefit of JFK's political career? The answers and insights into these questions, and the details backing them up were fascinating to me, and I think anyone interested in the subject of Jackie Kennedy would enjoy this book.



3. While Barbara Leaming turned out a decent, albeit tabloidesque, book on Jackie here, there is some halfway decent info. on the Secret Service contained herein, courtesy of an agent I spoke to, as did Seymour Hersh: Larry Newman. Good for the collection (and Newman's remarks).
   Vince Palamara
   Secret Service expert, History Channel, author of 2 books, in over 32 other author's books, etc.



4. I am surprised to see so many customer reviews complaining about this book's supposed over emphasis on Mr., rather than Mrs Kennedy. The discussion of Jack's politics, personality, and philandering provide crucial insights into the Kennedy marriage and the choices Jackie made, form her public role as First Lady to her private activities with the children, etc. The research that went into this book is so exhaustive. Using various primary sources, Leaming recreates the Kennedy White House in a second-by-second timeline, bringing the history and the people involved to life in a way that no biography (at least none that I've ever read) has. Far from boring, this account is riveting! I was especially enthralled by the section on the birth and death of Patrick, the Kennedys' third child. The level of detail on these several days' events is amazing. I couldn't put this book down. If you are interested in placing Jackie in a larger historical context, while still getting plenty of details about her personal life, vices, sex appeal and fashion sense, then this bio is a must.



5. Barbara Leaming is clearly a competent biographer. She quotes credible sources, has done extensive study of primary documents, and writes in an informed and objective way about her subjects.
   
   In "Mrs. Kennedy," these biography-writing skills sometimes result in fascinating reading. As an admirer of Jackie's persona, style, and intelligence, I loved learning little-known facts about her emotionally turbulent upbringing and the psychological reasons behind her univerally admired sense of style. The changing thoughts she had about politics, her masterful way of managing cultural and social elements of the White House, and the important diplomatic role she played in her husband's administration were also well-explored.
   
   But after that, there's little left to admire about "Mrs. Kennedy." First of all, Jackie is not the main character that she is advertised to be in the book's title. It almost seemed like the author recounted JFK's actions, failures, and relentless womanizing during the presidency and only then talked about how Jackie reacted to these things.
   
   This was very disappointing, especially to a reader like me who is primarily interested the Kennedy women and not the male side of the family. The intense focus on JFK's life during this period also resulted in horrifically boring sections of the biography that delved far too deeply into events like the Cuban Missile Crisis...events that hardly involved Jackie.
   
   Finally, although JFK's callous womanizing would have definitely affected Jackie's life profoundly, Leaming's habit of constantly mentioning each of the "other" women and describing their affairs became aggravatingly redundant. It made it appear like Leaming had nothing more compelling to say about Jackie herself.
   
   Unless you have a penchant for dull textbooks or want to read everything published about JFK, skip the deceptively titled "Mrs. Kennedy."

5 comments about The King.

1. A stunning book that sits on my coffee table. Friends and family who visit pick it up over conversation to flick through. It a conversation stopper! The conversation becomes about Elvis and they're converted immediately to FANS!!
   This book is worth every penny - decorative and fantastic quality!



2. This is a big book. But well worth every dollar spent. I enjoyed seeing pictures of Elvis not only bigger but some I've never seen before. Wonderful additional information on Elvis. I loved reading and looking through this book and would highly recommend it to all who love Elvis like myself to buy this book.



3. This is a super piece of Elvis memorabilia at an unbelievably great price. If you have a friend who is an Elvis fan he/she is bound to treasure this book. This is the perfect gift for an Elvis fan. Buy this treasure now before it sells out and beat the Christmas shopping rush!



4. That is all I can say about this book, buy it and you will see, but be prepare to have the table big enough to read this monster! The book deserves a special place to keep it because it's a museum!



5. I am an Elvis fan and especially enjoy collecting quirky odd items. This book, of the coffee-table genre, certainly falls into that category. From the "rhinestone" encrusted title on the cover to the size of this thing >>it screams "King Elvis" like no other book! Just be sure that you have a sturdy, large coffee table to display this monster. It's jam-packed with rare pics, Elvis history, odd-ball facts & just generally a FUN Elvis book (It's almost as if he helped in designing it...) If you're an Elvis fan, you'll love this book! If you just like unique coffee-table books, this is one for the "oddities" collector!

No comments about The Celebrity Culture Reader.

5 comments about La Grande Therese: The Greatest Scandal of the Century.

1. The story of a lady living far beyond her traditional means but with the extraordinary capacity to persuade people to give her money. The surprising thing is how long her scam lasted until she was finally caught, investigated, and sentenced to five years hard labour.
   
   This is a short fast read, but tells a little known story with insight and humor. Ms. Spurling seems to write like a journalist withgreat attention to detail but keeping the story moving right along.



2. Who was Thérèse Humbert? She was part Heidi Fleiss, part Frank Abagnale, part Don Juan, part politician, part Nelson Rockefeller, part Jackie O, part social Niccolo Machiavelli and part dumb lucky.
   
   The tale of Thérèse Humbert's ability to build a career of fame and fortune out of completely nothing is better than Spurling's ability to tell it. A better writer would taken this intriguing story and made it into a great book.
   
   To credit Spurling, she did her research well, but she writes with the method of a common feature journalist. The story is strong enough and compelling enough to keep any reader interested.
   
   The story, in the end of it all, is a historic tragedy -- a sad docudrama put to print. Quickly read, it totals roughly 150 pages with ample leading and margins.
   
   Anthony Trendl
   editor, HungarianBookstore.com



3. I am interested in the Third Republic period of France, and this book detailed another scandal from that period. The book details the life of Therese Daurignac who married a son of the founder of the Republic. It details how Humbert, his son Theodore, and his wife committed a fraud on the French nation by pretending to be rich when in fact they were peasants with no money. Eventually, their scheme of borrowing money to pay other creditors collasped, and Therese and her husband were sent to prison.
   If there is a criticism of this book, it is the brevity of it. 132 pages cannot bring to life how thousands of people were cheated out of their money, so that Therese could live the good life. For other books about scandals in the Third Republic, read Prisoners of Honor, The Dreyfus Affair by David Levering Lewis and The Panama Affair by Maron J. Simon.



4. The book doesn't take long to read, but I found it inadequate to tell what is an intriguing story. Its chronolgy leaves something to be desired, and I at least would have appreciated more footnotes, more explanation of the importance of the historical figures who are involved in the swindle, and a more documentary-like account. In my (1958) edition of the Encyclopedia American there is a one-paragraph account of The Humbert Swindle, but in my (1940) edition of the Brittanica I find no mention of the affair. Is this because it involved people who were Dreyfusards rather than anti-Dresfusards? I really think this swindle deserves a better book, tho I suppose Hilary Spurling will say that she has told us all she could find on it. But in view of the extensive press coverage I find that hard to believe.



5. Having looked forward to reading this book, I was rather disappointed. There's not much more to Spurling's brief story than what you'll gather from reading the editorial and/or customer reviews. In my opinion, it could all have been covered in her Matisse book, if not in a footnote, then in a two or three page appendix. If you continue to be curious, I'd recommend trying the public library before spending your money here.

1 comments about Queen of Diamonds: The Fabled Legacy of Evalyn Walsh McLean.

1. I have been a biography reader for many years and I can surly say that after reading this wonderful book about a lady who gave more to others then herself must have been to good to be true. Reading stories like this, reminds me when I was a little boy when my mother and grandmother would sit around a table and tell me about their lives. Most of all when their lives went to rags to riches to rags again like Evalyn did. I could not put Queen of Diamonds down. I'm so glad that a great grandson has taken a true story and is able to share his memories to everyone. It's wonderful and I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone who wants to read a good story. I applaude him. A MUST TO READ AND TO HAVE TO SHARE TO OTHERS.