E.T., Schindler’s List, and An American Tale—these seemingly disparate movies all came from the mind of Steven Spielberg, arguably one of the most influential people in the history of cinema. Filled with interviews with Spielberg’s friends, the stars of his films, and his family, this biography presents the man behind the legend. From exploding cherry pie filling his mother’s kitchen to the games he used to play to torment his sisters, it is apparent that Spielberg was destined to become a creative filmmaker. This fast-paced look at Spielberg’s life from childhood through the present is filled with never-before-seen family photographs, eye-catching movie stills, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of movie-making magic. Humorous anecdotes of his early filmmaking career fill the first several chapters, making this an excellent choice for reluctant readers. A bibliography includes films, CDs, videos, interviews, and recordings, as well as books and articles. (glossary of filmmaking terms) (Biography. 10-15)
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-8109-4492-8
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Abrams
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2001
This is a thoughtful and well-written biography of Einstein, a complicated man whose life and work Severance (Thomas Jefferson, 1998, etc.) chronicles clearly and firmly. He explains how Einstein challenged the established thinkers (Galileo and Newton) in the field of physics, after a childhood that included his parents’ concerns that their son might be mildly retarded. Even “his teachers considered him a bit stupid,” for he studied only what interested him and lacked “obedience and discipline.” Also covered is Einstein’s father’s gift of a compass, an object that seemed to unlock deeply hidden things about the universe. Severance sets forth Einstein’s contradictions as a man, but readers will appreciate this thinker’s role in constructing the framework of modern physics and extending science’s information on the universe. (b&w photos, chronology, bibliography, index) (Biography. 10-14)
Pub Date: Aug. 23, 1999
ISBN: 0-395-93100-2
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Clarion Books
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1999
At Home With The Presidents (176 pp.; $12.95; Sept. 24; 0-471-25300-6) Morris offers succinct biographical information and anecdotes about all 41 presidents with brief information about homes they grew up it, historic sites dedicated to them, or libraries in which their artifacts are housed. Included are small pictures of the presidents and some of the buildings discussed. Readers will find the book of limited use for research, since the sources for quotations are not given, there is no index, and material considered controversial is not attributed. Appearing out of context are statements such as “George Washington adored his older brother” and “George’s mother was jealous of the two brother’s relationship.” The information on historic sites is upbeat but bland, and could have come right out of tourist brochures. (b&w photographs, illustrations, further reading) (Nonfiction. 10-12)
Pub Date: Sept. 24, 1999
ISBN: 0-471-25300-6
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Wiley
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1999
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