Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #29565 in Books
• Published on: 2008-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Customer Reviews

Candid recollections of the most famous tap dancer
STEPS IN TIME is a must for fans of Fred Astaire. It is important to bear in mind - and this book helps remind us - that Astaire was first and foremost one of the most talented dancers of the 20th Century, as well as a superlative musician. He was not, however, a writer and is candid about his lack of literary ambition. In spite of its 'unliterary' style, STEPS IN TIME is a fascinating read. It is an authentic testimony of someone who, for many of us, represents the song-and-dance-man par excellence, about the Vaudeville circuit and the making of some of the best known Hollywood musicals.

Astaire is sparing with personal details, using them chiefly as a framework for the history of his impressive career. In spite of his self-professed amateur status as a writer, he succeeds in transporting us to the legendary world of stage and film entertainment, often relating very interesting and funny episodes involving musical heros, such as Gershwin, Berlin and Ziegfeld. He also gives us a portrayal of stars such as Ginger Rogers and of his own, talented sister - the unimitable Adele. Yet, Astaire is always candid about his own flaws, both personal and professional.

STEPS IN TIME offers a unique insight into a world where perfectionism was not just a quality but a professional necessity.

Steps in Time!
It was a pleasure and an exciting thrill to read about Fred Astaire's life in his own words up until the late 1950s, at some points you really did feel like you were there, even when he talked about places or films you've never seen or even heard of! The ups and downs of Astaire's life are thought provoking and inspirational. There are parts where everyone can fit into Astaire's shoes; he seems to reflect on everyone's life in some way or another. This is a brilliant autobiography, it is one of the best I have ever read and I recommend it to all Astaire fans or people who are interested in taking a career in the theatre or on the stage.

Fred's story
I've just started reading this and am really enjoying it. The book has some nice photo's of Fred at various stages in his career - with sister Adele as a child and on through his stage performances and movies. Great to learn his history "from the horse's mouth". Fred's writing style is very conversational and to the point. I can almost hear his voice when I'm reading it, which is nice.