Kenneth S. Lynn (1923–2001)

This is a very long book, because as its title suggests, it is more than just a biography of arguably the most famous actor of all time, but also of the burgeoning movie industry in general, the communist movement in America, a little of both World Wars, and surprisingly detailed asides about the large number of famous (or, more often, later-to-be-famous) people who wandered in and out of Chaplin's life. Because of that, I don't think you have to be a big Charlie Chaplin fan to enjoy this book. (I confess I've never seen any of them all the way through, though after reading this book I'd like to.) From a century away, it's easy to forget that so many what are now cinematic stereotypes originated during Chaplin's prime. The films are described beautifully, and while the subject is clearly admired for his contributions to art, this is no fawning accolade. Like all geniuses, Chaplin was a complicated man, often unpredictable and hard to work with. But in the end, his work remains a stunningly important chapter in the history of film, and this book is a very interesting, readable, and enjoyable exploration of that chapter's central character.… (altro)

I especially enjoyed this book because I had always wondered how a small group of authors who knew each other in the 1920s, many who spent time in the Paris of the period, became so important in teaching American literature in American high schools and colleges. In 1957 I know at one Atlanta university required reading for the American literature course was Farewll to Arms.

While devoting a lot of time to Hemingway's family, especially his mother and offering a lot of psychological speculation, the real strength of thie book is how chronologically it follows his works, their context, and those other authors and publishers who made them possible. The book also clearly explains Hemingwqy's willingness to invent his own biography, with help from the press as he moved through life. An excellent contribution to American literary history.… (altro)