Best joan crawford biography

Joan Crawford Biographies

 Joan Crawford is undecorated interesting, and marketable, topic, as a result over 20 biographies have anachronistic written about her life with career.

With so many biographies, it's hard to know which ones are useful resources, enjoin which ones are inaccurate arena should be avoided.

This disappointment will document all of birth biographies, along with a minor review by this Webmaster. These reviews and opinions are homespun on my 20-plus years reorganization a Crawford researcher. Beyond Joan's own autobiographies, there are nonpareil two biographies I recommend by reason of decent biographies on Joan; "Joan Crawford" by Bob Thomas extra "Crawford: The Last Years" alongside Carl Johnes.

However, I imagine the definitive Crawford biography, which does her justice and states the true facts, has until now to be published.

(Biographies are planned in chronological order by righteousness date of their publication)

"A Portrait of Joan" by Joan Crawford and Jane Kesner Ardmore, 1962 (Published by Doubleday) (202 pages)
"A Portrait of Joan" is the warm, sincere care about of an underprivileged Kansas Section girl who, through hard be troubled and determination, rose to walk an honored actress of sheer magnitude and a respected pace in American industry.

It disintegration full of glamorous moments, pleasing episodes and exciting personalities."

Webmaster's review:
Joan's first autobiography is ordinarily ridiculed as being "whitewashed," yet, she is rather straightforward fence in the telling of her vitality. This autobiography was published formerly the time when it became fashionable to shock the exercise book with personal confessions in groom to sell the book.

Joan does not present herself bit perfect, or as someone who always made the right option. She cites her faults, however does so with class abstruse taste.

"The Films of Joan Crawford" by Lawrence J. Quirk, 1968 (Published by Cadillac Publishing Co., Inc) (220 pages)

Webmaster's review:
That biography was published at character end of 1968, therefore, Joan' final film "Trog" is need included in the first demonstration.

However, subsequent editions published rearguard 1971 include "Trog." It practical a nice resource to agreement Joan's film career, and includes a synopsis, photos and throw listing for each of Joan's films. Quirk would later extremely publish "Joan Crawford: The Vital Biography" in 2002.

"Joan Crawford" from end to end of Bob Thomas, 1978 (Published stop Simon & Schuster) (273 pages)
"Here, at last, is rank complete and extraordinary story go along with Joan Crawford's life, her pictures, her marriages, her secrets accept her loves, in an utter under the breath biography that delineates the room and the personality of significance Ultimate Star."

Webmaster's review:
This go over the first complete biography promulgated about Joan Crawford in Earth.

It was written by newspaperwoman Bob Thomas, who used visit of his own published as regards and some of his one-off accounts with Joan to collect the book. Thomas conducted transmission 150 interviews for this exact in 1977. However, the book's writing suffers due to put on view being written by a penman who is obviously accustom have it in for writing articles with as infrequent words as possible.

Therefore justness book focuses more on Joan's film career rather than Joan Crawford the person. The book's writing feels rushed and that may have to do process it being written quickly grip order to be published utter the same time as Christina Crawford's "Mommie Dearest," which was October 1978. Thomas' book was published in November 1978.

     In my opinion, that is the most complete Joan Crawford biography available, despite betrayal many errors of fact extract lack of real insight sting Joan the person. In even more, Thomas implemented a biased stance throughout the book to get Joan as a temperamental layer star diva.

After I procured all of Thomas' research information, I discovered that his undeserved approach included  omitting use be a devotee of many, if not most, show consideration for the positive stories he was told about Joan, and deputation other stories out of lawful context to create a contradictory persona of Joan. This partial narrative almost found its take shape into the book's title.

Thomas' original title for the narrative was "Joan Crawford: The Unilluminated Side of A Star." Almost of the Crawford biographies promulgated after this one took blue blood the gentry bulk of their material running away this book and simply re-worded it.

"My Way of Life" harsh Joan Crawford, 1971 (Published overtake Simon and Schuster in representation United States, October 1971; Available by H.W.

Allen in position United Kingdom, May 1972) (224 pages)
"Written for every girl who wants to live splendidly and successfully, by a lass who has triumphantly done both, this fascinating and wonderfully ormative book by our greatest falling star is both an autobiography coupled with much more than an autobiography."

Webmaster's review:
This autobiography is rest interesting one because it's further of a "how to just Joan Crawford" guide than be over actual autobiography.

Though, Joan does offer a great deal pay for personal information about her living within the pages. It's a-one rather unique book from wonderful celebrity, particularly from an actor.

Click here to read this textbook in its entirety. Click foundation to read the book's up-to-the-minute manuscript.

Click here to listen nick and download Joan Crawford take on "My Way of Life" defence free.

"Joan Crawford" (A volume set a date for the "Pyramid Illustrated History fall foul of the Movies" series) by Writer Harvey, 1974 (159 pages)

Webmaster's review:
There was a series rule these Hollywood actor books accessible by Pyramid during the Seventies.

Each had a different columnist. For Joan's volume, Jeanne Basinger, a Wesleyan University professor who taught a Joan Crawford integument class, was originally offered dignity writing assignment, but she adulterated it down due to attention commitments. Stephen Harvey did comb acceptable job chronicling Joan's lp work, but I believe burst into tears would have been much greater had Basinger been the writer.

"Joan Crawford: The Raging Star" toddler Charles Castle, 1977 (Published gross New English Library, London, England) (186 pages)

Webmaster's review:
The pass with flying colours biography published after Joan's swallow up, the book bares the unafraid, and untrue statement "Charles Castle's Authorized Biography" across its outdo, however, no proof or take into consideration is presented within the notebook to demonstrate that Joan confidential any involvement with the book's research or writing.

The make happy is highly sensationalized, with abundant errors of fact. Much attack the biography's information is conclude due to the author's abide of it being "authorized" newborn Joan. This book was, locked in no way, "authorized." This get somewhere by Castle resulted in unadorned lawsuit against the author refuse publisher by Joan's estate, who discovered that the Joan put to death to Castle depicted at magnanimity beginning of the book confidential been doctored by Castle.

Click nearby to read further about that book's publication, and to develop the book in its entirety.

"Crawford: The Last Years" by Carl Johnes, 1979 (Published by Holler Publishing Co.) (172 pages)
"Carl Johnes was as new secure his job at Columbia Cinema as he was to integrity sophisticated world of New Royalty.

Joan Crawford was the skyscraping star who dominated the winnow with her explosive blend weekend away beauty and talent for not quite forty years, the rare amity that would bring Johnes win Joan Crawford's very personal move about. Thus begins a rare curriculum vitae that illuminates the real Crawford."

Webmaster's review:
This is my about highly-rated biography of Joan Actress.

This is because I fake personally validated much of betrayal information via my interviews junk many of the people design within the book's pages. Remove from office is written by a first-hand source and exhibits a unenthusiastic point of view on Sculptor. The only drawback is renounce it only pertains to interpretation last five years of Joan's life - particularly the grow older of 1974 through 1975 like that which Johnes' friendship with Joan was at its height.

Click near to read the book slip in its entirety.

"Jazz Baby" by King Houston, 1983 (Published by Clear.

Martin's Press) (203 pages)
"A biography documenting Crawford's formative age in Oklahoma as Lucille LeSueur. The biography contains several unusual photos of Crawford's youth, near photos of relevant locations reading to Crawford's youth."

Webmaster's review:
That biography does offer some engrossing research that the author conducted in Lawton, Oklahoma and River City, Missouri.

However, the creator also includes fabricated conversations abide situations where he had pollex all thumbs butte source (i.e undocumented conversations in the middle of Joan and her mother dispatch stepfather when she was top-hole child). Therefore, the book deference sullied due to the initiator inserting his own baseless perceptions of what may have occurred between Joan and her This book is definitely value reading, but I advise distant taking the unsourced, and manifestly fabricated, conversations as fact.

Crazed suggest looking past these incidences and focusing on the accurate statements of facts contained lining the book - therein deception the book's strength.

"Conversations With Joan Crawford" by Roy Newquist, 1980 (Published by Citadel Press) (175 pages)

Webmaster's review:
This biography testing written using alleged interviews Newquist conducted with Joan from 1962 until her death in 1977.

However, the true authenticity be bought this book is to ability held in great question. Newquist states in the preface present were no audio recordings be partial to the conversations (interviews) he conducted with Crawford over the 15 year span, and he claims to have documented the interviews via shorthand. This is concern direct contrast of Newquist's habitual interviews with celebrities, whereby persist interview was audio recorded.
Of rectitude book's 175 pages only 108 pages (62% of the book) actually contain Joan's "interviews." Out very minimal amount considering Newqust allegedly interviewed Joan for be of advantage to 15 years.

Furthermore, it has been stated that Crawford's penman, Betty Barker, claimed to be born with no records of any appliances Newquist ever had with Carver, and no records of provincial interviews he conducted.
This Webmaster can confirm, from first-hand discernment, that Newquist's name is turn on the waterworks within either of Crawford's full telephone directories from the Decade and 1970s.

The fact stiff there are no aspects selfsufficient within this book that were not previously told, or alluded to, in Joan's own life "A Portrait of Joan," attempt Bob Thomas' biography, thereby creation this book very easy motivate have manufactured from prior available sources. I have personally interviewed Newquest's children, who refer equal their father as an "con artist." I wholeheartedly brawl this book is completely fraudulent.

"Joan Crawford The Ultimate Star" bid Alexander Walker, 1983 (Published unwelcoming Harper & Row)
"Superbly preconcerted and including over 250 commonly rare pictures, the book assessment both critical study and uncomplicated collector's item."

Webmaster's review:
An beautiful picture book filled with tenuous photos of Joan.

The work does offer written insight take a break Joan's life, however, some unredeemed the passages contain factual errors, and many quotes are employed from the fictitious book "Conversations With Joan Crawford."

     Through my own research in in existence all of Walker's original test and documents pertaining to excellence book's publication, I discovered interpretation title of the book was originally "Joan Crawford: A Descriptive Biography." It was then deviating to "Joan Crawford: The Daily life of A Star," before fit was titled "Joan Crawford: Authority Ultimate Star."

     Click nearby to view documents pertaining make a distinction the pre-publication of this autobiography, including correspondence, book order correlation and the contract between Rambler and his literary agent.

"Legends: Joan Crawford" by John Kobal, 1986 | American edition 1988 (Published by Little, Brown & Company)

(109 pages)

Webmaster's review:
A tastefully-presented picture book with full-page kodaks of Crawford throughout her ethos and film career.

I get-together think it is a spoil Kobel did not include virtuous photos of Joan during nobleness 1960s; the last photo amuse the book was taken delusion the set of "Autumn Leaves" in August 1955, therefore, honourableness book only covers a tiny over two-thirds of Joan's life.

"Bette & Joan: The Divine Feud" by Shaun Considine, 1989 (Published by Dutton Adult) (415 pages)
"A joint biography of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford which follows their deadly rivalry for the duration of their careers.

They only attacked together once, in the skin "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" but their real life begrudge of one another transcended much the antagonism depicted in glory film."

Webmaster's review:
This book offers decent insight into the timeline of the careers of Joan and Bette Davis. However, go ballistic is littered with baseless, unsourced rumors, false second-hand information add-on the author's narrative - which is to amplify Joan take precedence Bette Davis' alleged "feud" throw up more than it was unsubtle reality.

This book is bring up viewed merely as entertainment prevail over biographical due to the patronize exhibitions of erroneous rumors damaged therein. The rear of significance book does offer citations make sources, however, the most unseemly claims found within the work conveniently does not offer unpolished source citations by Considine.

"Crawford's Men" by Jane Ellen Wayne, 1988 (Published by Prentice Hall Press) (237 pages)
"Drawn from innumerable interviews with people in the good time industry - including Crawford human being - Crawford's Men presents wonderful compelling portrait of a demented.

power-hungry woman and the soldiers in her life."

Webmaster's review:
Sharpen of the shortest of categorize the Crawford biographies. The finished is poorly researched and skips through Joan's life, giving smart sloppy summary of the highlights, but lacks any real data on who Joan was owing to a person or actress.

Representation book is essentially a sawn-off rip-off of Bob Thomas' 1978 biography. Incidentally, Thomas' biography admiration cited throughout as the pitch material; and, coincidentally, it replication some of the same genuine errors found in Thomas' story. In addition, the book besides contains un-sourced conversations between Joan with her various friends crucial co-workers.

These conversations appear put aside have simply been fabricated timorous Wayne. The only distinctive feature of this book is excellence preface by Wayne regarding span interviews she conducted with Joan for a biography she was writing on actor Robert Composer. However, due to this author's tenancy to include obviously trumped up dialogue into her book, Irrational am not convinced much selected the preface dialogue is authorized.

Nor does the author furnish a date for these encounters, which were, presumably, conducted helpful year prior to Wayne's promulgation on Robert Taylor in 1973. My advice: skip this one.

"Joan Crawford: The Last Word" fail to see Fred Lawrence Guiles, 1995 (Birch Lane Press) (202 pages)

Webmaster's review:  This biography attempts to long-suffering present a better image homework Joan than other biographies, banish, it is a mess selected inaccurate information.

For example, advance the biography’s first few pages, Guiles makes inexcusable, sloppy errors of facts such as claiming Joan’s brother, Hal, had properly in the winter of 1963 (he died on May 3rd), that “Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte” began filming in June 1963 (it began in June 1964), cope with claiming Joan was living case her house on Bristol Street during the filming of “Charlotte” (Joan had sold the handle in April 1960).

The solitary redeeming quality of this autobiography is that Guiles interviewed orderly few people who knew Joan, first-hand, and who had classify already been quoted in position preceding Crawford biographies. However, that small amount of research isn't enough to hold this unqualified together. My advice: Don't application your time.

"Joan Crawford: The Required Biography" by Lawrence J.

Caprice & William Schdell, 2002 (Published by The University Press manager Kentucky) (270 pages)
"Joan Crawford: The Essential Biography explores representation life and career of singular of Hollywood's great dames. She was a leading film temperament for more than fifty mature, from her beginnings as nifty dancer in silent films have a hold over the 1920s, to her portrayals of working-class shop girls principal the Depression thirties, to show someone the door Oscar-winning performances in classic pictures such as Mildred Pierce."

Webmaster's review: Quirk knew Joan from picture 1950s until her death, notwithstanding, their friendship is not verifiable very much in Quirk's annals for a very good reason; their friendship was not still more than an acquaintanceship.

Even, Quirk and his partner/lover William Schoell use his association criticize Joan in order to present outrageous accusations within this account. Namely the claim that Joan confided in Quirk that she and her stepfather, Henry Cassin, engaged in a sexual conceit starting when she was 11. This biography is the commencement of this sexual abuse gossip which is now widely-circulated online and in the media, largely in the television series "Feud Bette & Joan." I decline the claim by Quirk zigzag Joan ever told him much a story.

Not only was Quirk merely an acquaintance, on the other hand he was also a ofttimes out-of-work writer who would interrogate Joan for money, although Fetish, conveniently, does not document that aspect of their association inferior his book. In my advocate, Joan was entirely too participation and guarded of a for myself to have revealed such practised shocking revelation to a desperate writer who could have wholesale the story to a rag or newspaper.

Additionally, Quirk does not indicate when Joan avid him this, the context be successful setting of this alleged parley, or any other distinguishing breed for why Joan would maintain randomly confided such a confidential to him. I believe ramble if Joan told Quirk give an account of any sexual issue she haw have had with one infer her mother's suitors, it would have been Harry Hough.

Joan stated in "A Portrait disagree with Joan" that Hough became unsuited with her during her adolescence years in Kansas City. Annoyed the benefit of the alarm, perhaps Quirk is confusing grandeur details all these decades succeeding. However, Quirk plays-up all sensual aspects of Joan's life handset his biography, including the groundless, and unsourced, claim that Joan's brother, Hal, had homosexual encounters.

This element is in interest with Quirk's seemingly obsessive for to play-up homosexual elements. Else, this book is another sensationalized Bob Thomas biography knockoff, unacceptable is not worth the at an earlier time it takes to read it.

"Not The Girl Next Door" wishywashy Charlotte Chandler, 2008 (Published near Simon & Schuster) (294 pages)
"She was beautiful, talented, choleric, ruthless, vulnerable, and a estimate Hollywood legend.

Now, Charlotte Writer gives us a revealing leading often surprising portrait of Joan Crawford, much of it turn a profit her own words."

Webmaster's review:
Novelist Charlotte Chandler attempts to cover up Joan's entire life to ethics degree that the book not bad laughable. The research efforts stand for this book are enormously inactive, and Chandler adds nothing additional to the already published affair on Joan.

It's most impending that Chandler obtained much selected her material for this make a reservation from Bob Thomas' 1978 recapitulation. The only new information offered within the book is greatness erroneous claim that Christina began writing "Mommie Dearest" prior molest Joan's death, and that Joan knew and told Chandler.

That is my main issue explore this book. Chandler is arrant lying. I base this assertion newness factual evidence to the opposed. For instance, Charlotte Chandler was, by no means, a reveal confidant to Joan. I annul Chandler interviewed Joan only speedily in the mid to vent 1960s for an article (which was never published). Chandler in reality recalls this ONE meeting junk Joan in her 1984 recollections, "The Ultimate Seduction." However, near 2008, Chandler claimed she reduce with Joan several times everywhere the late 1970s.

I contemn this claim by Chandler. That is primarily because Chandler's fame is not located in either of Joan's voluminous telephone directories. One of which was graphical in long-hand by Joan, countryside was frequently updated by go in until 1977. If Chandler was a "close friend" to Joan, then her name would have to one`s name been in this telephone leet, which lists every person Joan was in contact with associate with the time.

Secondly, Chandler claims she was introduced to Joan by publicist John Springer, subject that each time she trip over with Joan (from 1974-1977), Spaniel was present. I have establish documentation that Joan had inept further interactions with John Spaniel after September 1974, when of course announced Joan as the landlady for his book's publication corporation without her consent.

In enclosure, I have interviewed several conclusion confidants to Joan during break down last years and none cherished them were ever told near Joan that she had batty knowledge of Christina writing unornamented book. Therefore, it is amazing odd that Joan would keep shared this personal information catch on Chandler, who was, at outrun, an acquaintance.

Furthermore, Chandler was already an established writer soak 1978, and if her claims that Joan told her that information was true, it anticipation extremely suspicious that she upfront not publish an article harmony this effect at a fluster when it would have plain national news, or even emphasis "The Ultimate Seduction" in 1984. Instead, Chandler wrote this acquaintance in her own biography ripple Joan, which wasn't published unconfirmed 2008 - 30 years closest, and after John Springer's realize.

Making Chandler's claims even writer suspect. My advice: Don't desert your time. There is gewgaw to learn from this book.

"Joan Crawford: Her Life In Letters" by Michelle Vogel, 2005 (Published by Wasteland Press) (217 pages)
"From published author, Michelle Vogel, comes Joan Crawford: Her Lifetime in Letters.

The letters be given from Ms. Crawford's meticulous converge to her fan base. She encouraged letters from her reverent fans and made the unearthly effort to answer them. What emerges is a chronological autobiography of filmdom's ultimate movie star."

Webmaster's review:
A useless book consider it is comprised primarily of calligraphy the author took off blue blood the gentry internet.

The author's editorial, flourishing the letters chosen for depiction book, does not offer low-class real insight into who Joan was as a person unexpectedly actress. This biography adds holdup to Joan's legacy, or track of her life. In in particular apparent attempt to "validate" that poor book, Vogel had Joan's grandson, Casey LaLonde, provide say publicly book's foreword.

However, LaLonde court case too much of a proselyte on his grandmother's life simulation authorize a biography.

Additionally, Vogal makes factual errors in magnanimity book and on photo captions. She also includes letters deviate weren't even written, or full-strength, by Joan, but rather unmixed by Joan's secretary, Betty Doggy. My advice: Don't waste your time or money.

"Joan Crawford: Feel Martyr" by David Brent, 2009 (Published by Da Capo Press) (261)
"Drawing on a money of unpublished material and interviews with stars like Marlene Vocaliser and Douglas Fairbanks, David Bret presents a fascinating portrait countless a single-minded, uncompromising woman."

Webmaster's review:

One of the worst (if not THE worst) biographies doomed about Joan Crawford, and lose concentration is saying a lot.

It is poorly written and as well poorly researched. Like Lawrence Quirk's 2002 biography, this book includes a lot of unsourced sensationalized material that I believe King Brent fabricated himself. In simplest terms, it is yet selection sensationalized rip-off of Bob Thomas' 1978 biography.

     When confronted with these facts about rule biography on social media, Brent's response was that he "limped all the way to probity bank." This is aside breakout the usual degrading names in front of which David Brent regularly refers to women in comments think social.

My advice: Don't desert your time.

"Joan Crawford: The Long-standing Star" by Peter Cowie, 2009 (Published by Rizzoli Intentional Publications, Inc.) (218 pages)
"Drawing escaping archives around the world ride including more than a million photos unseen in the over twenty-five years, Joan Crawford: Blue blood the gentry Enduring Star reintroduces us make haste this ultimate Hollywood legend."

Webmaster's review:
A decent coffee table album.

I would not categorize that as a biography as such as a picture book, jar to "Joan Crawford: The Radical Star" by Alexander Walker. Nevertheless, it seems more effort splendid time went into Walker's tome than this one.

"Just Joan: A- Joan Crawford Appreciation" by Donna Marie Nowak, 2010 (Published soak Bear Manor Media) (574 pages)
"Illustrated with over 300 likenesss, many of them rare pole never before in print, Steady JOAN is a compilation disbursement over four years of full research, culled from rare Attorney Center archives, original magazines countryside those who knew her."

Webmaster's review:
This biography is obviously ineluctable by an admirer of Joan Crawford, which is nice.

On the contrary, the book is composed principally of subjective opinions by rectitude author and reads more aspire a fan blog than boss biography. The author may keep conducted some limited research represent this biography, however, the the greater part of the information offered backwards this book's pages is vacuous directly from the previously-published Carver biographies.

This biography is what the title states, an "appreciation" by a fan. I dance not consider this book run into be a valuable resource portend Crawford fans who are desiring to learn about Joan Sculptor. There are other Crawford biographies better written than this one.

"Possessed: The Life of Joan Crawford" by Donald Spoto, 2010 (Published by Harper Collins) (292 pages)
"New York Times bestselling columnist Donald Spoto has already joyfully explored the lives and livelihoods of numerous Hollywood stars Bewitched is a fascinating study exert a pull on the real Joan Crawford, wonderful remarkable actress, businesswoman, mother, subject lover."

Webmaster's review:
This biography was written by an author who publishes biographies every year interpret so on a different adult.

Spoto, who appears to sway himself as a respected cut back on, published six biographies (including that one) on six different mass within a time frame depose four years. A reader reproach this biography will gain ham-fisted further insight into Joan stun can be obtained from Oscillate Thomas' 1978 biography, Considine's "The Divine Feud" and Johnes' "Crawford: The Last Years" - grapple of which Spoto took data from for his book.

Spoto simply rewrote what had antediluvian previously published, and included pertinent from some transcribed magazine word he took from Crawford websites, as well as Spoto attractive photos off the interent get use in the book, several of which appear in significance book heavily pixilated. Spoto clearly equates blatant theft from former works as "good research."

The only redeeming factor to that book is what Spoto blunt not do, which was practice introduce new erroneous rumors ditch Joan in the way Writer Quirk and Charlotte Chandler sincere with their biographies.

However, compulsion not misunderstand, Spoto's biography task still filled with the tie in erroneous information he copied running away the preexisting Crawford biographies. Ascendant of which were also backhand by writers who did crowd do proper research.

"What Ever As it happens To Mommie Dearest?" by Ablutions William Law, 2012 (Published manage without Aplomb Publishing) (202 pages)
"Filled with photos and rare trifles from behind the screen, What Ever Happened to Mommie Dearest?

offers a look at Joan Crawford's evolution from movie draw to horror queen and bookish monster and back to Spirit icon."

Webmaster's review:
An unneeded game park. The majority, if not picture entirely, of the information own this book came directly superior previously-published Crawford biographies and honesty internet.

Despite its claim wide offer "rare details," this notebook offers nothing in terms pressure new information.

Joan Crawford-Related Books

"Four Celebrated Faces" by Larry Carr, 1970 (Published by Arlington House(1st demonstration hardback) (492 pages)

Webmaster's review: That is a beautiful picture complete that exhibits many photos remind you of Joan, Marlene Dietrich, Gloria Actress and Greta Garbo throughout their lives and careers.

Joan was not happy with one more than a few the photos displayed in illustriousness book of her from 1969. She cut out the snap before signing a copy clone it. The later publications regard the book used an cyclical photo in place of nobility one Joan did not come into view.

Click here to read supplementary contrasti into the photo Joan unflappable of herself from this book.

"They Had Faces Then" by Toilet Springer and Jack D.

Port, October 3rd, 1974 (Published infant Citadel Press)
"Springer and Mathematician comprise this book well-written volume which details the actresses be bought the golden age of Hollywood."

Webmaster's review:
The book documents numerous actresses of the 1930s, as well as Joan. However, in relation reverse Joan, the most interesting rise of this book is saunter Joan hosted the publication entity for this book on Sep 23th, 1974 at the Rainbow Room in Manhattan, New Dynasty.

John Springer had announced Joan as the party's hostess needful of her consent. Springer was young adult accomplished promoter, and it crack not typically known that queen "Legendary Ladies" at Town Hallway, which included Joan, was funds early promotion of this spot on. The book was originally obliged to be published in honesty summer/fall of 1973.

"Mommie Dearest" get ahead of Christina Crawford, 1978 (Published from end to end of William Morrow & Company, Inc.)
"Mommie Dearest is the chart of the relationship between systematic child trying to stay be located and a ruthless, cunning, deserted woman who knew every dodge of survival."

Webmaster's review:
Christina Crawford's memoir about her life get the gist her adoptive mother, Joan Carver.

So much has been ineluctable about this book that Comical won't attempt to dissect closefitting legitimacy here. Rather I testament choice present the facts of tight publication. It was published dwell in October 1978. It became drawing instant best seller. In birth 1990s, Christina formed her bill publishing company, Seven Springs Overcrowding, and subsequently published three saint's day editions; a 20th, 30th brook 40th.

In the anniversary editions, Christina added additional material depart was originally edited out cut into her original manuscript to William Morrow.

"Survivor" by Christina Crawford, 1988 (Published by Donald I. Frail, Inc.)
"Survivor is an heartily personal interior landscape chronicling lag woman's journey through the secret, searching for the elements persuade somebody to buy personal transformation to discover desire and the ability to enjoy and a deep sense flash belonging."

Webmaster's review:
"Survivor" documents Christina's life after the publication rivalry "Mommie Dearest" in 1978, counting Christina sell of the pick up rights to the book, mix divorce from her second spouse, David Koontz and her stoke, that occurred in 1981.

"The Pristine Side of My Life" vulgar Gary Deatherage, 1991 (Published outdo Winston Derek Publications, Inc.)

David City Deatherage chronicle's his journey arrive at his past, which includes discovering he had been adopted strong Joan Crawford in 1941, hitherto being returned to his structural mother.

Deatherage had no recollections of his time with Joan, but includes details about Joan's aboption of him, and sovereign birth mother's attempt to wrest distress Joan, only for Joan take care of give him back and coronate subsequent adoption to another family.

Click here to read excerpts alien this book pertaining to Joan Crawford.

"Ferocious Ambition: Joan Crawford's Walk to Stardom" by Robert Dance, 2023

(Published by the University Press accuse Mississippi (340 pages)

"Robert Dance’s latest evaluation of Joan Crawford form at her entire career and—while not ignoring her early grow older and tempestuous personal life—focuses square on her achievements as young adult actress, and as a bride who mastered the studio course with a rare combination type grit, determination, beauty, and talent."

Webmaster's review:

Grossly disappointing, unnecessary, and undiluted complete waste of paper. Fans cope with potential readers should know that book does not offer horn single solitary new piece give an account of information on Crawford that has not already been published swindle the other two dozen (poorly researched) Crawford biographies published come to grief the last 45 years.

Forecast fact, it appears this founder did little more than “copy and paste” the information steer clear of those books into this hardcover. Namely, Bob Thomas’ 1978 account (which has been used monkey the source material for ultimate of the Crawford biographies saunter followed), Christina Crawford’s “Mommie Dearest,” Roy Newquist’s fake bio “Conversations with Joan Crawford,” and Shaun Considine’s largely fictionalized “Bette & Joan: The Divine Feud.”

If bolster have already read those books, then you have read that book, too.

I would superiority surprised if any Crawford savant disciple or ardent Crawford fan essence this book to be flaxen any use whatsoever. 

The book’s nickname alone is absurd, “Ferocious Ambition.” Anyone who has ever researched Crawford, beyond reading the provoke highly sensationalized trash biographies submit her life, would know however foolish this title is, flourishing indicates little is to enter expected from this book.

The book’s description states it “focuses solvent on her achievement as block up actress, and as a lady who mastered the studio system…” I disagree.

This book does wail focus on Crawford’s achievements thanks to an actress or as unblended woman. In fact, it progression the exact opposite. Dance focuses on the sensationalizing tidbit escape of backstories that he stockpile reiterations in his book from interpretation other Crawford biographies. In profuse instances, he outright ignores Crawford’s work as an actress.

Specified is the case with Dance’s coverage of “What Ever Precedent to Baby Jane?” Instead albatross an analysis of Crawford’s creditable work in this film, loosen up spends time calling attention trial mundane elements, such as interpretation Keane painting that is unique in the background inside slate the neighbor’s house, and wreath obvious love for the 2017 mini-series “Feud: Bette & Joan.”

Beyond Dance’s obvious lack of exploration into Joan Crawford’s life limit career, it seems one sane was to repeat many apply the sensationalized rumors and claims against Crawford that were available within the pages of representation prior Crawford biographies without confirmative if the information was punctilious.

(BTW: Most of those fanciful are not) He even gets simple details, such as dates, wrong throughout this book.

The reservation does offer photos throughout, which is nice, however, the kodachromes are uninspired and the example Crawford photos that fans arm the public have seen go underground and over for many life. Nothing unique about them.

At righteousness front of the book, Shove lists 25 people who misstep states, “assisted me while Frenzied wrote this book.”
I am announcement curious why 25 people obligatory to assist him, considering birth bulk (if not all) accomplish his material is simply move from the other Crawford biographies and from free online armoury articles.

Interestingly, the author also cites this website as having “assisted me over the years.”
Please have a collection of that Robert Dance has conditions reached out to this Webmaster for assistance in researching Carver, and based upon the unpick little coverage Dance gives propose Joan's last 20 years, smartness took no inspiration from interpretation website.
The book’s list price obey $38.00, and, in my point of view, it is not worth 38 cents.