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The Best Biographies of 2010 (page 2)

Cover art for BEGIN AGAIN
NONFICTION
Released: Oct. 23, 2010
Kirkus Star BEGIN AGAIN: A BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN CAGE
by Kenneth Silverman
"Not just an exemplary biography, but a significant contribution to the cultural history of American music."
A Bancroft and Pulitzer Prize winner takes on one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE LAST BOY
NONFICTION
Released: Oct. 12, 2010
Kirkus Star THE LAST BOY: MICKEY MANTLE AND THE END OF AMERICA'S CHILDHOOD
by Jane Leavy
"The best of the Mantle biographies."
Another biography of the late Yankee slugger--but this candid, compassionate portrait is worth a dugout full of the others. Read full book review >
Cover art for EMPIRE OF DREAMS
NONFICTION
Released: Sept. 7, 2010
Kirkus Star EMPIRE OF DREAMS: THE EPIC LIFE OF CECIL B. DEMILLE
by Scott Eyman
"Engrossing and comprehensive--an essential text for readers interested in the history of movies."
Palm Beach Post books editor Eyman (Lion of Hollywood: The Life and Times of Louis B. Mayer, 2005, etc.) presents the truly epic life of director Cecil B. DeMille (1881–1959) in grand style, befitting the great man, who, in addition to helming some of the most iconic movies of all time, did as much as anyone to establish Hollywood as the world's filmmaking center. Read full book review >
Cover art for CHARLIE CHAN
NONFICTION
Released: Aug. 30, 2010
Kirkus Star CHARLIE CHAN: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE HONORABLE DETECTIVE AND HIS RENDEZVOUS WITH AMERICAN HISTORY
by Yunte Huang
"Multilayered, provocative and highly accessible, this will appeal to Chan fans, scholars and general readers."
China-born poet and critic Huang (English/Univ. of California, Santa Barbara/Transpacific Imaginations: History, Literature, Counterpoetics, 2008, etc.) recounts the making of an American folk hero. Read full book review >
Cover art for THREE CHORDS FOR BEAUTY’S SAKE
NONFICTION
Released: May 3, 2010
Kirkus Star THREE CHORDS FOR BEAUTY’S SAKE: THE LIFE OF ARTIE SHAW
by Tom Nolan
"An exemplary work of jazz biography."
Nolan (Ross Macdonald: A Biography, 1999) reconsiders the swing clarinetist-bandleader in a beautifully measured, unforgiving account. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE PUBLISHER
NONFICTION
Released: April 22, 2010
Kirkus Star THE PUBLISHER: HENRY LUCE AND HIS AMERICAN CENTURY
by Alan Brinkley
"A thoroughly researched, nuanced appreciation of a complex, talented and troubled man."
A National Book Award–winning historian takes an in-depth look at the 20th-century's most innovative publishing titan. Read full book review >