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Inventing Elsa Maxwell, the first biography of this extraordinary woman, tells the witty story of a life lived out loud. With Inventing Elsa Maxwell, Sam Staggs has crafted a landmark biography. Elsa Maxwell (1881-1963) invented herself–not once, but repeatedly. Built like a bulldog, she ascended from the San Francisco middle class to the heights of society in New York, London, Paris, Venice, and Monte Carlo. Shunning boredom and predictability, Elsa established herself as party-giver extraordinaire in Europe with come-as-you-are parties, treasure hunts (e.g., retrieve a slipper from the foot of a singer at the Casino de Paris), and murder parties that drew the ire of the British parliament. She set New York a-twitter with her soirees at the Waldorf, her costume parties, and her headline-grabbing guest lists of the rich and royal, movie stars, society high and low, and those on the make all mixed together in let-'er-rip gaiety. All the while, Elsa dashed off newspaper columns, made films in Hollywood, wrote bestselling books, and turned up on TV talk shows. She hobnobbed with friends like Noel Coward and Cole Porter. Late in life, she fell in love with Maria Callas, who spurned her and broke Elsa's heart. Her feud with the Duchess of Windsor made headlines for three years in the 1950s. One of the twentieth century's most colorful characters is brought back to life in this biography by the author of All About All About Eve.
"She has been a pianist in a nickelodeon; an accompanist for a vaudeville star; a song writer; a partner in two Paris night clubs; a consultant to a dressmaker; a press agent for Monte Carlo; an actress in the movies, theater, radio and television; a script writer; a newpaper columnist; a contributor to magazines; and a lecturer. Recognized as an arbiter of international society and one of the world's most famous hostesses, the first party she ever gave for royalty cost seven dollars for a dozen guests... When she was twelve in San Francisco she was told she wouldn't be invited to a certain party because her family was too poor. 'I swore to myself I would give great parties all over the world to which everyone would want to come, but the rich would be invited only if they had something more important to offer than money'"--from jacket flaps.
Chronicles the life and career of Elsa Maxwell, who was an actress, socialite and the queen of party giving.
A father’s moving memoir of cystic fibrosis “captures a brave child’s legacy as well as the continuing fight against the genetic disease” (The New York Times). In 1971 a girl named Alex was born with cystic fibrosis, a degenerative genetic lung disease. Although health-care innovations have improved the life span of CF patients tremendously over the last four decades, the illness remains fatal. Given only two years to live by her doctors, the imaginative, excitable, and curious little girl battled through painful and frustrating physical-therapy sessions twice daily, as well as regular hospitalizations, bringing joy to the lives of everyone she touched. Despite her setbacks, brave Alex was determined to live life like a typical girl—going to school, playing with her friends, traveling with her family. Ultimately, however, she succumbed to the disease in 1980 at the age of eight. Award-winning author Frank Deford, celebrated primarily as a sportswriter, was also a budding novelist and biographer at the time of his daughter’s birth. Deford kept a journal of Alex’s courageous stand against the disease, documenting his family’s struggle to cope with and celebrate the daily fight she faced. This book is the result of that journal. Alex relives the events of those eight years: moments as heartwarming as when Alex recorded herself saying “I love you” so her brother could listen to her whenever he wanted, and as heartrending as the young girl’s tragic, dawning realization of her own very tenuous mortality, and her parents’ difficulty in trying to explain why. Though Alex is a sad story, it is also one of hope; her greatest wish was that someday a cure would be found. Deford has written a phenomenal memoir about an extraordinary little girl.
In the tradition of "Tuesdays with Morrie," these short "conversations" past the wit and wisdom of a remarkable American immigrant on to a new generation hungry for roots, mentors, and heroes.
A "coming-of-age memoir by a young woman who spent thirteen years as Jackie Kennedy's personal assistant and occasional nanny--and the lessons about life and love she learned from the glamorous [former] first lady"--Amazon.com.
Charles E. Smith, a builder and philanthropist, believed the District of Columbia Jewish Community Center of the mid-1960s was obsolete. Racial tensions were repelling Jews from going there, and large populations of Jews had already moved to the Maryland suburbs.Smith thought the Center should be relocated to the Maryland suburbsalongside a Hebrew Home and Jewish Social Service Agency in a unified campus-like setting. Although much of the community did not think the millions of dollars needed to construct such a complex could be raised, Smith did. He taught a community without a philanthropic profile how to raise money, to give generously, and to pass that philosophy onto the succeeding generations.
Intermission is an uncommon and refreshing excavation of popular culture, memory, and relationship. It offers startling interpretations of the fashionable sitcoms and young-adult novels which were prevalent during the late 1970s while exploring the nuances of belonging, faith, and loss. With a tensile gesture we are moved from the icons of the 1960s-Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and the playful insertion of Jim Morrison's documented acronym of his own name, Mr. Mojo Risin'-to the cityscapes inherited by Generation X.
To millions of fans, All About Eve represents all that's witty and wonderful in classic Hollywood movies. Its old-fashioned, larger-than-life stars--including Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe, Anne Baxter, George Sanders, and Celeste Holm--found their best roles in Eve and its sophisticated dialogue has entered the lexicon. But there's much more to know about All About Eve. Sam Staggs has written the definitive account of the making of this fascinating movie and its enormous influence on both film and popular culture. Staggs reveals everything about the movie--from who the famous European actress Margo Channing was based on to the hot-blooded romance on-set between Bette Davis and costar Gary Merrill, from the jump-start the movie gave Marilyn Monroe's career and the capstone it put on director Joseph L. Mankeiwicz's. All About "All About Eve" is not only full of rich detail about the movie, the director, and the stars, but also about the audience who loved it when it came out and adore it to this day.
From David Bruce Smith, author of American Hero: John Marshall, Chief Justice of the United States, and his mother Clarice Smith, world renowned artist, comes this compelling and insightful historical biography of Abigail and John Adams. This unique nonfiction children’s book tells the story of one of America’s most-treasured couples alongside stunning and original illustrations. Abigail and John presents readers the opportunity to view prominent scenes in American history through the remarkable lives of one of the country’s most beloved couples—the Adamses. Exploring the historical significance of a partnership that spanned over five decades, Abigail and John details the love they shared for each other and the country. From carefree childhoods to years of war, to the births of their children, and the beginning of a new nation, Abigail and Johnlooks into the unique roles the Adamses played in the formation of America, and contributions and sacrifices they made for the young country. Praise Abigail & John “Abigail & John invites young readers into the partnership of America's second president John Adams, and his wife and closest advisor, Abigail Smith Adams. David Bruce Smith's fresh take on these well-known historical figures, animated by Clarice Smith's charming illustrations, is sure to give students new insights into the early years of our country's history.” ~ Margot Lee Shetterly, Bestselling author of Hidden Figures: The Story of the African-American Women Who Helped Win the Space Race “Abigail & John delivers a charming portrait of a love story that bloomed in the midst of a revolution, a partnership that gave America two of its first six presidents – John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams. Their joint journey, described in more than a thousand letters they exchanged, is an exciting and timeless tale.” ~ David O. Stewart, Bestselling author of The Summer of 1787: The Men Who Invented the Constitution Abigail & John teaches young readers not only historical facts but introduces them to the strong union and lasting bond between John and Abigail Adams and how it shaped our new nation. An excellent addition to any library. – Trinka Hakes Noble, Bestselling author and illustrator of American history books for young readers “Abigail & John is a wonderful addition to the literature on our early American history for our young readers. Engagingly written, brilliantly illustrated, it should be “must read” for every school child. I’m sure teachers across America will welcome it as a new, handsome resource for their classrooms.” ~ Alex Nyrges Director & CEO Virginia Museum of Fine Arts “Children and adults alike will cherish the wonderfully illustrated true story of love and enduring strength as Abigail and John Adams—in what was surely a partnership of equals—overcome daunting challenges and together change the world. An exciting start to what promises to be a brilliant series.” ~ Ed Lengel, Bestselling author of General George Washington "This is a beautifully told love story of one of the earliest power couples in American history. The story and the illustrations will appeal to readers of all ages with a nod to graphic novels. Abigail & John is a well needed positive American history primer using excerpts from the couple’s correspondence. The nuanced language and setting used to convey the story acknowledges a sophisticated reader of any age. The illustrations by renowned artist Clarice Smith enhance the story with a dynamic quality of movement. The images are beautifully aligned with the story making it visually stunning. This book demonstrates the importance of art in telling the story and both artist and author have set the bar high.” ~ Neme Alperstein, Library of Congress Teaching With Primary Sources Mentor “Abigail & John is a heart-warming yet honest account of America's most celebrated founding couple. With charming illustrations that bring Abigail and John Adams' partnership to life, and beautifully-written text that engages equally well when read aloud as when read silently, this highly-informative history of early America will be treasured by children and parents alike”. ~ Louise Mirrer, Ph.D., President & CEO, New-York Historical Society Louise Mirrer, Ph.D. President and CEO New York Historical Society “Abigail & John invites young readers to meet a couple that was both extraordinary and ahead of their time, yet flawed and prone to individual struggles as we humans all are. The vignettes throughout the book weave together personal and global events, enriched with original art.” ~ Erin Carlson Mast CEO & Executive Director, Lincoln Cottage. "What a lovely, humanizing dual-biography of these revered founding mother and father. Abigail and John are true equals in this narrative, gifting readers a wonderful introduction and inspiring summary of their joint efforts and sacrifices for their new democracy, their affection and support for one another. The illustrations are works-of-art - inviting, evocative --beautiful punctuations to each life stage described in the text and the perfect complement to the book's presentation of the Adamses as the living, breathing, and extraordinarily strong human beings they were." ~ L.M Elliott, bestselling author of Give Me Liberty, Hamilton and Peggy and Under the War Torn Sky “As the leader of an organization committed to advancing lifelong learning in history, I am delighted that David Bruce Smith and Clarice Smith have created this vitally important, beautiful, and compelling nonfiction resource for young people. They have made history, and women’s history, come to life!” ~ Phoebe Stein, Executive Director, Maryland Humanities "What a gift David Bruce Smith and Clarice Smith’s Abigail & John is to our families, kids and parents alike. In their graceful hands, words and illustrations tell such a compelling story about one of our nation’s original power couples. With prose that approaches the poetic and lines and color that elevate those words these masterful storytellers leave us grateful for the reawakening of this important part of our history. Two thumbs up from this fan!" ~ Edgar Dobie, Executive Producer and President of Arena Stage "For David Bruce Smith it is a matter of utmost urgency that all Americans understand the story of our nation and how the lessons of that history can lead us to greater justice and human flourishing. The late Bruce Cole, who was David Bruce Smith’s close colleague and collaborator, used to warn the nation against historical amnesia: books like Abigail and John give us good reason to hope that the rising new generation of citizens will be dedicated to building an even brighter future for America. This volume, engagingly illustrated by Clarice Smith, is the first in the Grateful American Book Series, an initiative for which we should all be thankful. ~ Michael B. Poliakoff, Ph.D. is the president of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni “Exquisite illustrations, coupled with compelling prose, offer readers of Abigail and John a rich and moving journey into the personal and political lives of America’s first power couple. Young readers will be captivated by Clarice Smith’s artistry and David’s Smith graceful writing. How the intimate feelings of affection between Adams’s animated their politics is powerful story that is conveyed brilliantly by the Smiths. Abigail and John is a triumph.” ~ Peter S. Carmichael, Fluhrer Professor of History, Gettysburg College. “David Bruce Smith has captured the special relationship between John and Abigail Adams and their part in forming a nation in a way that kids will both understand and enjoy. A great read for young and old alike.” ~ Chris Stevenson, Author of Gabriel Cooper and the Drum of Destiny “Too often we look on the American Founders as icons, statue-like figures whose world-historical greatness raises them above the status of mere mortals. When we do this, we forget their humanity. No one who reads Abigail & John will make that mistake, however. Here we are permitted to see the two Adamses as real people, full and equal partners in one of the great marriages in American history, a marriage that carried through all the most critical events in early United States history, without ever losing any of its intimacy and joy. Truly a book to be grateful for.” ~ Dr. Wilfred M. McClay, G.T. and Libby Blankenship Chair in the History of Liberty, University of Oklahoma “David Bruce Smith and Clarice Smith have collaborated beautifully on a radical, yet long overdue, concept for historical works; that success is often the product of a couple and not solely the male partner’s accomplishment. Young readers will be treated to a rich narrative of the union between Abigail and John Adams told through easily readable prose and inviting illustrations”. ~ Rabbi Mitchel Malkus, Ed.D. | Head of School Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School