Ian Mckellen: A Biography

I bought this book shortly after it was published in England after seeing Ian McKellen on stage. As a biography it's fairly thorough and as a diehard fan I learned a few new things. It's strictly a fan bio, though. Some biographies expand into more context; this does not. Well worth it then but can get almost the same information on his personal web site now. How the world has changed. I used to have to track down all my own information and now Kindle delivers it while I sleep. But Shakespeare and Shakespearean actors continue and Sir Ian McKellen is among the best. This bio stops in the 80's, before Lord of the Rings and X-Men, though some early interesting bits. My favorite is that after I saw him drive up to the theatre in a small black Mini Cooper I learned from the book it was a recent purchase - he had ridden a small scooter and was not yet an accomplished driver. (The curb did get a jolt.) I wonder if he still drives or is driven. This book would have to be updated to learn that. But she is thorough and for those who want the early years, this book is terrific.