Bøker av Michael Freedland

Confessions of a Serial Biographer is the story (or rather the stories) of Michael Freedland, a man who has mingled with celebrities since he was a teenage junior newspaper reporter. He has been involved with some of the iconic names of Hollywood and showbiz in general - people like Fred Astaire, Gregory Peck, and Andre Previn, all of whom cooperated in his biographies. Then, there was a wide spectrum that ranged from the comedic duo Morecambe and Wise, to Ella Fitzgerald, to say nothing of Leonard Bernstein and Bob Hope. His most recent biography was a best-selling study of the life of Dean Martin, titled King of the Road. This second edition is an autobiography of a biographer of more than 30 books, who, while still at school, was captivated by the voice of a singer called Al Jolson. Yet, this is not just a story of smooth, friendly relations with Michael Freedland's subjects, because James Cagney sued him in the New York courts and Mr. Peck tried to stop his book. Freedland won in both cases. Additionally, it is the story of politicians like Harold Wilson, Alec Douglas Home, ...and even Tony Blair, to whom Michael Freedland gave some early media training. This is also the tale of a radio program called You Don't Have To Be Jewish, which, after 23 years, became the longest running regional broadcast in Britain. [Subject: Memoir]

Al Jolson, celebrated star of the worlds first talking picture and self-proclaimed Worlds Greatest Entertainer, blazed many trails through show business and today his name still conjures up the glamour of Broadway and the silver screen. This is the definitive biography of a man who became a household name in his own lifetime. The first to speak in the movies; the first to appear on American television; the first to release a long-playing record in Britain: this great performers achievements were unique. Jolsons lifelong love affair with his audience, his four marriages, his amazing ego, and his traumatic personal life all are described in detail, along with many anecdotes and reminiscences from those who knew, loved, and worked with him. This is the eighth edition of this biography published as a result of a clamour from Jolson fans to still be able to read about this remarkable performer. He personified show business in an age when people waited in line to be able to see t