Lawrence J. Quirk is the author of many books on film, including Bob Hope: The Road Well-Traveled. William Schoell is the author of several entertainment-related books, including Martini Man: The Life of Dean Martin.
"Unique in its scrupulous analysis of Crawford's entire body of
work. Schoell and Quirk move beyond the myths and misconceptions to
look at her film work, which in many respects was Crawford's life."
-- Pink Pages
"These two entertainment writers team up to bring a candid,
no-holds-bar glimpse at Joan Crawford the person. Their individual
knowledge of film (Quirk being an author of many film books and a
friend of Ms. Crawford, and Schoell's entertainment writing and
honest review stylings) helps to bring Joan Crawford: The Essential
Biography to life in a way that was not only engaging but
fascinating. It's an intimate look at Ms. Crawford both
professionally and personally, which became merged as a reaction to
the studio system at that time. Quirk and Schoell don't paint her
with glowing strokes, instead, allow her truth to be the fever
behind the stories. It's a true retelling of all the good and bad
elements of one's life. The readers are hooked from page one,
entranced as you go on a journey to unravel the complexity of the
life of an early film star." -- The Entertainment Section
"A serious study." -- Richmond Times-Dispatch
"A thoroughgoing, evenhanded review of Crawford's life and work,
which in tone is neither academic nor gossipy but rather
confessional, as if they are eager to set the record straight." --
Library Journal
"A tough-minded but fair and immensely readable analysis of this
legendary lady's colorful life and, especially, career. Lawrence J.
Quirk knew Crawford and, with colleague William Schoell, writes
with understanding but clear eyes. The result: the smartest, most
absorbingly detailed and valuable work yet on a woman who was far
more than a Mommie Dearest -- one of the great stars of the 20th
century." -- Doug McClelland
"An entertaining read... especially in the scene where a
persevering Quirk tries to convince the legend that gay men have a
special thing about her -- which she won't believe on any account."
-- Sight & Sound
"An expert overview of the temperamental diva's career." -- Film
Review
"Expert.... The woman who emerges from these pages was tough,
demanding, self-obsessed, horny, generous, and loyal." -- Bay Area
Reporter
"Joan Crawford was a sexual dynamo who used her bedroom prowess to
seduce Hollywood's biggest starts -- both male and female." -- The
Globe
"Just when you though you'd heard the last work on Joan Crawford,
here comes another bio aimed straight at you, the gale male
Crawford fan." -- Adelante Magazine
"Quirk complies the biographical links, recounting in an objective
manner Crawford's progress from studio call girl, her multiple
marriages and extensive list of lovers." -- Charleston (SC) Post &
Courier
"Tells the whole saga, from difficult childhood to wanton chorus
girl and starlet days (lots of juicy tidbits included) -- blind
ambition, Mommy dearest -- it's all here, together with a complete
filmography." -- Copley News Service
"This bio covers her entire career -- a career that could only have
been possible because of Joan's magnitude to listen and improve
herself as she climbed higher and higher on the Hollywood ladder."
-- Buzz Magazine
"This most welcome book goes a long way toward restoring the
reputation of the most glamorous star to emerge from the Hollywood
dream factory." -- The State (Columbia, SC)
"This work makes a strenuous effort to clear Crawford's name of the
child abuse cloud that has hung over her image since the
publication of Christina Crawford's Mommie Dearest and the
fabulously out-of-control movie that book spawned." -- Liz Smith
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