After Frank Sinatra died in May of 1998, Life released this tribute to him, using its own vast picture library as well as many other sources. Robert Sullivan contributed the text and captions to the many photos as well as sections called “Perfectly Frank” in which he rates and highlights various parts of Sinatra’s life including film (and the 5 reel dogs you don’t want to see), music (songs unforgettable and the adored), desert island albums, and nicknames that were used to describe Frank. The history of this singer, actor, philanthropist, and photographer is outlined from his birth in Hoboken, New Jersey to popular singer to award winning film actor and more. But the highlight of the book was the tribute by Tony Bennett in which he sums up the feelings of himself and the world to this man and his music as he did earlier when he offered his musical tribute in the album Perfectly Frank.

As with all Time-Life books, the quality of the photographs was excellent. A reproduction of the pages of the comic book Junior Miss was easily readable, even with the small type. And the story of the main event and Sinatra’s entry into the world of sports photography was interesting. However, this is not a biography; for more information, read the “authorized” biography by Nancy Sinatra or one of the many other books available on this man. But to understand Sinatra, play CDs or albums from each of the Sinatra eras. His music tells his story better than words. ( )