This is indeed an interesting book about the life and career of the late Joan Crawford. The text about her 80 movies is interesting, but even more fascinating is the author's collection of pictures. The pictures chosen show the transformation of one of silver screen's most underrated actresses. Her face undergoes such interesting changes as the years went by in her career. Truly this coffee- table sized book is one of my most cherished books I have on the late actress. Surely everyone who has been interested in Joan Crawford and her career would find the book very interesting.

I was delighted to find this book several years ago. It is indeed a treat to read the information Alexander Walker gives about my favorite actress. The factual information he gives is well-written. Even more important to me than the accuracy of his words, however, is the myriad photographs he has included in this marvelous book. For those who have not followed the late actress' career, the book will be a treat to see the many ways Joan Crawford changed her "face" to meet the needs of her audience. The book is a lovely tribute to a very fine actress. I believe she would have been pleased herself to see such a lovely book. It is a pity it is now out-of-print.

Henri Troyat's "Alexander of Russia" (1980)serves as a nice sequel to his "Catherine the Great" (1977). Alexander I, Emporer of all the Russias (1801-1825) succeeded Catherine the Great (1762-1796) to the throne of the Russian Empire separated only by the brief reign of Alexander's father, Paul (1796-1801). Troyat's presentation of Alexander is a wonderful, vivid portrait of man known to history as the "enigmatic Tsar." Alexander had been provided an "enlightenment education" by his grandmother Catherine the Great. He had a fondness for liberty and a hatred of despotism and serfdom. Yet Alexander was frustrated in his hopes for reform of the Russian nation throughout the entirety of his reign.

Napoleon came to power in France and proceeded to conquer much of Europe. Suddenly, France, the traditional ally of the Russian Empire was an enemy. Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812 but was defeated. Alexander then played a major role in the restoration of Europe following the Napoleonic Wars. Meanwhile, reform was postponed.

Troyat has a lively writing style that holds the interests of the reader all way to the end of the book.