Popular music would not be the same today without the legendary songwriter and composer, Irving Berlin. His death in 1989 at 101 ended an era in American music that influenced generations of musicians. His story is a rich one, from his humble origins in Russia to his meagre existence on Cherry Street in Lower Manhattan and then his spectacular rise to fame and wealth. Barrett puts her father's life and work into perspective and reveals the truth behind certain darker and more mysterious elements of the Berlin legend. This ...
Read More
Popular music would not be the same today without the legendary songwriter and composer, Irving Berlin. His death in 1989 at 101 ended an era in American music that influenced generations of musicians. His story is a rich one, from his humble origins in Russia to his meagre existence on Cherry Street in Lower Manhattan and then his spectacular rise to fame and wealth. Barrett puts her father's life and work into perspective and reveals the truth behind certain darker and more mysterious elements of the Berlin legend. This biography introduces the reader into a world of songs, top hats, love affairs, adversity overcome, and a parade of the most glamorous, accomplished and beautiful people of their time.
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. A well-cared-for item that has seen limited use but remains in great condition. The item is complete, unmarked, and undamaged, but may show some limited signs of wear. Item works perfectly. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine is undamaged.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very Good. Very Good condition. Good dust jacket. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Bundled media such as CDs, DVDs, floppy disks or access codes may not be included.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Good condition. Very Good dust jacket. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains. Bundled media such as CDs, DVDs, floppy disks or access codes may not be included.
This definitive book is a joy - beautifully written by a born writer who has chosen her words well to give the reader a clear and intimate look into the life of Irving Berlin and his family. The writing is so good that you will grieve when you finish the book.
The author, born in 1926, oldest child of Irving Berlin and Ellin Mackay, grew up in a sort of paradise, with lovely homes, sometimes three pianos and plenty of money. However, her father was Jewish and grew up if not in poverty, then austerity, while her mother was an heiress, daughter of Clarence Mackay, proprietor of the Postal Telegraph and Cable Co., who fought the alliance and sent his daughter off to Europe to forget. He lost, and the result was a marriage of love loyalty and closeness. There were low times: the death of a son soon after his birth, Irving's depressions, and difficult occasions for Mary Ellin growing up and not being welcome in certain homes and schools, due to the racial 'quicksands' of the times. But as Berlin's fame grew, this ceased to be an issue, for who could cold-shoulder the man who wrote "White Christmas", "God Bless America" and created such a rich heritage of songs for the world? The author was lucky: her parents guided their children with delicacy and commonsense and Irving Berlin comes across as gentle and wise.
There was a big expanse of time to write about - Irving Berlin lived to 101, but not one word is extraneous, not one sentence boring, not one paragraph anything less than sparkling with fascinating information and generosity. This is a candid and elegant memoir, and to read it for that first time is an 'occasion'.
