Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #249214 in Books
• Published on: 1998-05-14
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 480 pages

Synopsis
This is a biography of one of the world's most controversial entertainers, whose career spanned more than a half century. The book takes the reader into Frank Sinatra's private life to provide a story of sex, danger, inspiration and show business politics.

Customer Reviews

Insightful but unassuming!!
What a delightful book!! This well researched bigraphy of one of the greatest entertainers the world has and will ever know, is truly enjoyable. Never having been an ardent fan, rather an interested spectator this book covers so much ground even Sinatra himself could have learned a thing or two! In chapters covering high profile events that have often been considered "delicate" Taraborrelli does a grand job of presenting the evidence from many cources leaving the reader to make his/her decision on what really went on. This is no doubt the books strongest point. Also, the author never seems to judge Sinatra and although at times he seems to delve into this mans psyche he does so in a way that makes Sinatras character more appealing. I personally fouond the insight into Sinatras relationship with Monroe extremely interesting. As someone who has researched her life it was gratifyting to read of the singer sentiments for the star. In general this book is an attractive option for anyone with an interest in this era of hollywood and music. THe author is extremely good at keeping you aware of the history of the times and even better at including such interesting information about the recordings Sinatra made. This truly is a wonderful book and I feel that it even does the great man justice!

A balanced view
I have read a number of books regarding the life and times of Frank Sinatra and this is the most balanced of them all. Stories that can't be proved one way or the other are presented in the following way; "This is the most often told rumour regarding this incident, this is how much I have been able to verify, now make up your own mind regarding the rest." Excellent. Unlike other writers, I was unable to determine what the author felt about Frank, and that is as it should be. Other books are written by people who clearly love or hate him and are slanted to reflect whatever impression they want the reader to leave with. If you want to read the facts are far as they go and then make up your own mind regarding the rumours, this it the book for you.

An absolutley wonderful insight in to Sinatra's life
Frank Sinatra, The 'Voice'.
This book was indeed hard to put down. Frank Sinatra's music is as fresh and innovative today, as it was the day the arrangements were first put together. You come to realise as you read the book, how much of a perfectionist this man was, and how with his lyrical techniques and heart-felt performances, he would make his songs sound fresh everytime he sang them. His life behind closed doors however, was not always as glamourous as one may have thought. As we learn more about Franks personal life, you can feel the agony he suffered with his lovelife, public relations and of course, the constant attack of the media on his privacy. On the flip side, to have lived even one day of Franks career when he was on top, must have been like a dream come true.
Taraborrelli puts Sinatra's story across in a very easy to digest way. A book that will make you laugh and cry. Calling on hundreds of interviews and media sources, and information given by people who knew Frank Sinatra on a personal level.
Very well written. 10/10.