Bing Crosby: A Pocketful of Dreams--The Early Years 1903-1940
by Gary Giddins
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Book Summary Information
Author: Gary GiddinsEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2001-01-25
ISBN: 0316881880
Number of pages: 736
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Book Reviews of Bing Crosby: A Pocketful of Dreams--The Early Years 1903-1940
Book Review: An absorbing look at one of the 20th. century's icons.
Summary: 4 Stars
Gary Giddins is a prize winning author who has now written what must be the definitive book about the first half of Bing Crosby's life. The very strong opening introduction sets the scene brilliantly and a page of statistics contains almost breathtaking figures which should capture the interest of any casual reader. Detailed reviews of the family history before Crosby was born follow and perhaps there was almost too much detail there as I found myself eager to read about Bing himself. As he tells the story of Crosby's early life and then his show-business career, the author's musical and jazz knowledge comes to the fore as he analyses in depth many of Crosby's recordings. Every reader will learn much from the scholarly discourses on Bing's choice (and at times, not so choice) records. Every Crosby film up to 1940 is reviewed in amazing depth with much new information coming forward from the incredible number of peoople consulted by the author over the years. The section headed 'Notes and Sources' is remarkable in itself. Everything of significance in Bing Crosby's life up to 1940 is covered thoroughly and perhaps for some casual readers there may be too much detail. For the Crosby fans however, this book will be an absolute treasure and leave them hungry for volume two. There are some interesting photos but the decision to use low quality video capture frames for some of the early film shorts may be questionable. The book includes a discography up to 1940 and a complete filmography. This must be the most accurate in-depth assessment of Bing Crosby ever. Giddins started out believing the negative publicity which came out after Crosby's death but he has now turned almost full circle. He discusses some of the controversial aspects of Crosby the man in a balanced and logical manner. But it is Crosby the entertainer who has cast a spell over Giddins and he articulates his well thought-out views magnificently. An important book about the show-business scene of the last century. Heartily recommended.
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