James Spada has certainly done his homework with this book, I could'nt put it down, and was re-reading it after I finished it, it was so absorbing.

It details the tumultous relationship between Judy Garland and her daughter Liza Minnelli, weaving in Garland's mother, her husbands David Rose, Vincente Minnelli and Sid Luft, details the children she had by Luft (Lorna and Joey Luft) and chronicles the star's frequent dips into obscurity.

Garland was most insecure with herself, and was not about to share the spotlight with her daughter Liza, and used every ploy in the book to keep her out of "the business" and Spada is very candid in his recounting of the times that Garland almost succeeded.

However, the love that the two shared was undeniable, and Spada is quick to notice that the good times overshadow the bad in the big picture.

Filled with beautiful pictures (all black and white), this is one book that every Garland / Minnelli fan should have.

A truly wonderful, fact-filled book, dealing with the relationship between a mother and daughter, who just happened to be the superstars of their generations. I've kept this book all these years, having been published originally in 1983, and occasionally pull it from the shelf, relax and peruse its pictures and chapters. I highly recommend the book. So many of the older books on Garland are now almost impossible to find. When you can, buy them! Rarely are you disappointed, if for nothing else, the pictures are so enjoyable! Judy had to be one of the most photographed women of her time.

I fell in love with Marilyn through this (back in '92). It was the first Marilyn book I had ever come across, and even now, I still believe it to be the best Marilyn (photo) bio I have read. I am not a deep fan, and I haven't seen every Marilyn book around (there are many), but I have seen enough to say that this is the best, extensive Marilyn biography that I've seen. This book chronicles her life from her childhood to her tragic death. I found it all so facinating to see her grow up through these pictures, from toddler to adult (the way the camera had captured the expressions on her face are astounding). There are no messy conspiracy theories here (I've read enough of those books to recommend everyone to avoid them!). It just writes what was (and is) commonly known, so we aren't left thinking confusing questions that could become dated in years to come. The numerous pictures which make up the bulk of this book will speak for itself. Sensitively written, the paragraphs are captivating to read. I must confess that I had not seen a Marilyn movie before reading this. When I did get to see a few, I thought that Marilyn was beautiful, but I enjoyed this book upon her life, more! I am sad that this is not in current print (just yet). Maybe check it out through your local library first, but if you are like me, you'd want to get your own copy afterwards. It is a book that has held me captivated for a long time. It was very sad - I almost cried when I went through it from beginning to end. It took me ages reading the paragraphs but took even more just studying each picture. It is a sad story. I had always thought that she was a 'bimbo' before, but after reading this, it changed my perception. Her movies aren't what I personally watch, but this Marilyn bio has a place in my heart. I hope every Marilyn fan has/will come across this very special book. The next best book I recommend on Marilyn is the Gloria Steinman one (with pics by George Barris).

I really loved this book! It's an amazing tribute to Jackie, and the pictures are incredible. I've never seen most of them, and so many of the ones with JFK and John Jr and Caroline are so touching. Most picture books have a smattering of photos, but this one seems to cover just about every month of Jackie's life! It's really something to see her as a lovely little girl, maturing into a young woman, and then going through all that she did. The captions are very interesting too, and well-written. If you remember Jackie fondly like I do, you will want to get this book!

I was captivated by this book. James Spada has compiled several well-known photographs with many photos I had never seen. He does not try to analyse or to delve into the behind the scenes. He presents the photos with a paragraph or two, and lets us glimpse into Jackie Kennedy Onassis's life. I was entranced by the pictures of her youth and the pure beauty and joy in several ungarded moments. A beautiful tribute.

In addition to containing many never-before-published photos of one of the most famous women of our times, this book has some very interesting biographical information (extended captions) about Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. Anyone interested in Jackie and her remarkable life will love this book.

I found the strongest part of the book was the early years - growing up in Brooklyn, and the determination to build an acting career. I was surprised that it was almost a revelation to Barbra that she might make a career out of singing, undertaken in order to keep the wolves from the door. I'm not an obsessive fan by any means but I found this book about a woman who is such an icon a good and meaty read. I kind of admnire her "obsessive" single-mindednessto achieve what she wants in her art. Not a hagiography, but a respectful look at an interesting and complex woman.

I am currently 12 years old and I am the biggest Streisand fan. I have been for over six years. I started to read this books in hopes to get an insight on how her life has been going, and what her dreams and aspects of the future where. As a result, I got exactly what I was hoping for. The book told about her childhood, and her ambition to become an entertainer, in a way that I could easily relate to I found this book very hard to put down, and I finished the almost six-hundred page book in less than four days. You don't really have to be a diehard fan of Barbra to enjoy this book, but it is helpful if you are. I reccomends this book to anyone 12 and up, because some parts may be hard to understand for younger children.

I am not a Barbra Streisand fan, so I went in with a biased mind set against the book from the beginning. I am happy to report that this is an informative and interesting book. Spada gave great detail into Barbra's life and captures the essence of her persona both good and bad. It was hard for me to put the book down. Worth a reading.

This book is very well-written. It soaked me in. It was as though every moment I read it, I disappeared into another world, and the moments I was away from the book, I longed to disappear into that world again. A world that I, at first, believed epitomized all that is lush & lovely gradually eroded into a world of illusion, darkness & loneliness, and a man who I once saw as one of the head angels of that heaven, was gradually brought down to earth. This novel revealed to me Peter Lawford: the man. It revealed him in every dimension. At times I fell in love with him; at times I loathed him. At other times I weeped for the man who was a victim of his own shaky foundation. A foundation which began crumbling at childhood, and inevitably led to his fall. Many who knew him personally, couldn't understand how a man as gifted as he was, in all facets of life, could lead a life so carelessly & self-destruct so willingly. This book gives the reader something that those who personally befriended the mysterious Peter Lawford weren't even able to obtain. It gives the reader a crisp, clear & intimate portrait of the man who hid behind the beauty & the charm which fooled so many. This book is more than a story of a man's life, it's a story of life in all it's light & darkness. It will, inevitably, give the reader a brand new outlook on life & the people who inhabit it: from the "lifestyles of the rich & famous" to the regular folks who lust after it. This book will open yours eyes.

Excellent book about Peter Lawford and everything else going on in Hollywood! The book begins with Lawford's parents and his upbringing and how he got into the movie business and into Hollywood. And then you begin a rollercoaster ride that will leave you out of breath and unable to put the book down--the stars he meets, and dates, his marriage to Pat Lawford, the Kennedys, Sinatra and the Rat Pack, Marilyn.... The book also has a lot of information, as the title implies, about what Lawford knew from so many of his acquaintances. I was actually sad to finish the book and sad when Peter Lawford dies, he became somewhat of a welcome friend reading the book over the course of those couple weeks. I highly recommend this book.

I am a long-time amateur film historian, and have read many film and theater personality biographies over the past 25 years.

James Spada is an absolutely top-notch biographer. His detailed book on Peter Lawford, a pleasant, eager-to-please, nominally talent, gentle-spirited soul, is not only historically accurate, but is historically important. Why? Because Peter Lawford, a performer of modest ability only deserving of a footnote in American film history, if any at all--was also a well-bred, well-traveled, well-liked and well-associated gentleman who easily cultivated significant relationships with significant people. He had a romance with Princess Margaret of England, and even married the sister of the a man soon to be the most beloved 20th century American president. Lawford was intimates with and loved by major players in both industry (the Fords) and Hollywood (Monroe, Garland, Taylor, Sinatra).

James Spada's gentle but non-editorializing understanding of human nature, his interest in his subject, his research, organization and writing style are among the best I've ever seen. I say that this work on Peter Lawford is, in many ways, a relevant companion and addition to an American presidential history reading list as is the assiduously-researched and reported Doris Kearns Goodwin book, "THE FITZGERALDS and THE KENNEDYS".

Many times, movie personality biographers conclude their works with a paragraph that they hope gives a hindsight summation to their subject's life. Without indulging in writer's ego, Spada allows Lawford's captivating, charmed--and ultimately, pathetic--life to speak, loud and clear--for itself. Gently, painfully, Spada leads the reader through Lawford's train-wreck of late-life, showing that Lawford's salvation was impossible for the actor...speaking out--talking about his enchanted but isolated early years; his formidable, mentally ill mother; his personal choices; the strange, dead-ending professional roadblocks--his PAIN--was something Lawford--and all sweet, lost souls--need to do to save themselves...to survive...to heal...to move on...to live. Lawford was unable to listen to his own horrific life truths, and was therefore helpless to save himself. And this is why "PETER LAWFORD--THE MAN WHO KEPT THE SECRETS" is such a poignant, true, morality tale.

This book is the perfect illustration of Ronald Reagan. Give the people lots of pretty pictures to look at and keep them distracted from the deficiency of intelligent thought. Heavy on style yet skimpy on substance. If you want to celebrate the shallowness that was Ronald Reagan, then this is a good book for you.

I got this book on my birthday, which is on February 7, one day later that of Ronald Reagan himself. I am amazed how James Spada got all those pictures in this one volume book. I am amazed at his comments. You got the feeling that he was next to him. President's assassination attempt and his Golden State retirements pictures are also here. BUT BE ADVISED: Unlike other books, this are BLACK AND WHITE pictures. If you are looking for the color pictures, go and buy 'REMEMBERING REAGAN' and 'UNGUARDED MOMENTS.'You will be able to compensate the color phenomenon. I would like to see another book like this one but only in color pictures. All in all, the book is great and the author should be recognized for his efforts. I hope he will start another project and we shall see the color one. You won't be upset as you will see wonderful pictures of President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan.

What a refreshing look at our country's most admired President. After enduring the past 8 years of efforts by the former administration to demoralize family values, I am rejuvenated to see the wonderful photos and read the narratives. There is once again optimism that the Bush family will be the ones who will bring honor and pride to our White House and First Family. The book is a perfect collection of photos showing the geniuine love and respect for families and marriage, as exists with the Reagans. We have been fortunate enough to see Pres. Reagan during campaigns and in Washington, and want our grandchildren to learn more about this wonderful man. I purchased a copy for our grandson, and after receiving it-looked through it, and quickly ordered another copy for our own home.

I was given a free copy of this book from a local bookstore. I was SHOCKED to see how highly the book was rated. The photos have amature composition and lighting techniques. If you're looking for artistic photos - keep looking becuase this book does not have them!

I have been a professional painter and photographer since 1970. The beautiful lighting and composition of the images in the book far outclass my abilities as an artist. Mr Spada's work will be an inspitation to people far beyond our own time period.

As the photographer whose work is compiled in this book, I'd like to share with you some of the critical praise the book as received, since Amazon only allows 20-word excerpts! Here is a sampling:

"Spada's work is a paean to male beauty, with the same appreciation seen in classical Greek art. But his compositions have an intimacy and sexuality that is lacking in most classical art. ...Spada has selected models with a great deal of charm... It is an admirable and attractive entry on his list of accomplishments, and a beautiful gift for the connoisseur of masculine beauty, from an author who is incredibly prolific."

Stephen Moser, Austin Texas Chronicle

"Black and White Men represents an unusually high level of artistic and technical quality. . . The book is unquestionably a
sensual one, but not overtly sexual. Spada handles his subjects here with the same care, diligence, respect and detail as if he were writing about them.Another aspect of Jim's photos that makes them unique among most photographers of the male image is the exquisite interplay of light and shadow. Computer scans do not do these photos justice in this regard. He uses soft, almost hazy, lighting to convey the tender and sensual side of masculinity while using bolder lighting and lines to show men's strength and power. He has been compared to a young Mapplethorpe, but I find that a more apt comparison is to George Platt Lynes, still one of the greatest photographers of the 20th century."

--Bill Brownell, max4men.com

"James Spada gives us a diverse and delectable feast of the male form in its intimate state. Make no mistake: what Spada does isn't standard beefcake -- it is instead sensitive, dramatic and strong. It is utterly male without bravado or trite machismo posturing; each portrait is candid in its view, but perfectly crafted in its art. Spada's work truly merges the intimate erotic with a classical art sensibility."

--Heather Corinna, ScarletLetters.com

"Black & White Men is a wonderful book, and an essential text for anyone who appreciates the male art form. It opens a new chapter in the professional life of one of our favorite and most enduring artists."

--Jesse Monteagudo, Bay Windows, Boston

"Spada captures the natural light as it casts shadows softly across naked bodies...which results in a nonchalant and intimate eroticism. One gets the feeling Spada is being truly honest with his portraits, which makes this collection a must-have for any photography connoisseur."

--Instinct Magazine

Thanks for reading. This book has been nominated for a Lambda Literary Award and an Independent Publishers Award as one of the best photography books of 2000. I hope you'll give it a try! ....

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, then James Spada's pictorial biography should be priceless when it comes to praise. Alas, it is nothing more than an excuse to throw together about 250 photos (some of which, if you believe the book's hype, have "never been published") that exploit, more than honor, the Kennedy siblings. See Caroline romp around the Oval Office. (Yet again.) See John-John salute dead Daddy. (Yet again). See them grow older and harass photographers. (Yet again.)  See them with Mommy and friends and lovers and cousins and aunts. See them on- and off-Cape, in and out of the water, on and off the stage. See John and his "other" Carolyn---wife Carolyn Bessette--fight on the streets of Manhattan. See how quickly we close the book

I am a devoted collector of Kennedy material, and have seen most all photos of John and Caroline that have been published. But James Spada has done a wonderful job of seeking out the lesser known photos and making editorial choices which create a truly unique book. This volume celebrates the joy of their lives and helps salve the pain we felt as we saw them suffer loss. I would suggest this book as a gift to anyone who loved John and continues to love Caroline.

A truly lovely book for any 'Kennedyphile'. Beautiful pictures, many never before seen, and consise, accurate text. The book is a decade by decade photo album showing, both together and separately, what a good job Jackie did in raising these two unique individuals. As adults, they remained the closest of friends. The pictures of marital bliss between John and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy are a little heavy handed, in light of their reported strained relationship, but they still bring a tear to the eye, wondering what might have been.

I appreciated the intricate details Spada provided in the telling of Davis' life story. What I could have done without were the implications that Davis caused the death of her husband as well as the brain damage from which her adopted daughter suffered! Apparently no accidents even peripherally connected with Davis can occur without making her bear the burdon of the blame. Is this amateur sleuthing or sensationalism or just mean-spiritedness? Makes you wonder if BD Hyman had a hand in the writing of this book.

Readable, detailed and persuasive, this first rate biography of Bette Davis offers a balanced, engrossing account of her colorful life. The author clearly recounts her dogged rise to screen stardom, her stormy marriages, and her often contradictory actions and statements. Many of the murkier incidents in the actress's life (namely the mysterious death of her second husband) are closely examined. Davis' acting, and the relative worth and importance of her many films get short shrift, but as a standard biography of a film star, Spada's book is quite solid. It's probably best read in tandem with Davis' autobiography, "The Lonely Life", and the memoir "Mother Goddam" to which she contributed notes and addendum. A more entertaining account of Davis, with better analysis of her films, is Lawrence Quirk's fan-oriented "Faster Your Seatbelts: The Tempestuous Life Of Bette Davis." Now, that book is truly a joy to read!

James Spada has written a thoroughly detailed, well-researched novel about the life of one of the movies' most enduring stars. He spares no punches to Bette Davis, but, at the same time, offers better understanding of her motives in many situations. The chapters dealing with the last four years of her life were enough to bring tears to my eyes, as I could just imagine this wonderful woman hurting so badly from the betrayal of daughter B.D. Bette's son Michael, however, proves to be a loyal, forgiving son to her. The last line really sums it up when it says something to the effect of.....and she would be happy to know that her fans miss and respect her despite the fact that she was less than a perfect human being. This is a GREAT biography!!!

The book is a good read and is very well reasearched. However, it is one of those books that has got all the information around the actual subject and combines that with information which is in the public domain in order to draw its picture and conclusion. Of course, Bette''s life has moved on considereably since this book was published, right down and all the way back up there again.