Monroe

This large format book (8 3/8 x 10 3/4 inches) is a photoessay of the life of the famous screen actress and model, Marilyn Monroe. There are photographs documenting all the phases of her brief life from her childhood in California, to her early struggles to become an actress, to her ascent to fame, driven by modeling and GI cover photographs as much as by her early screen appearances, to her hard-won triumph on the screen and her final descent. Flipping the pages of large black & white and color photographs, one is struck by her early native beauty and the transformation to another beauty made up for Hollywood. This transformation was planned by her handlers, but not without her full consent and understanding as she was driven to succeed. There are short, but insightful quotations from her directors, coaches and colleagues from film. All three of her ill-fated marriages are briefly covered. This book will bring a tear to one's eye when considering the story of the person and not just the icon.

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).