Astaire, the Man, the Dancer

by Bob Thomas

The author draws on his forty-year friendship with Fred Astaire to record the private life and distinguished career of the inventive and elegant dancer.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312057830
• ISBN13: 9780312057831
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 340 Pages
• Weight: 1.52 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A wonderful book about a wonderful man

For any Fred fan out there, this book is a must. It begins with his career in Vaudeville with his sister Adele. It then chronicles his transition into Broadway and then movies (when his sister retires). There are interesting anecdotes about making the movies (including the one about the troubles with Ginger's feather-y dress in Top Hat). It then tells about Fred's "retirement", his love of horse racing, the death of his wife Phyllis, and meeting his second wife Robyn. This is a good book because throughout the book are Fred's thoughts on certain topics. However, since this is the large-print version, the wonderful pictures from the original version are not present. But, true fans will love reading about this classy gentleman.

Astaire-The Man and the Dancer by Bob Thomas

The work contains details on Fred Astaire- his celebrated dancing and many unique routines. He was suave, smooth and dapper. The Astaire house overlooked the Beverly Hills hotel. Both Fred and his wife Adele Astaire gave whirlwind dancing exhibits which contained toe dancing and other famous styles. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers performed in films which were considered to be RKO's most valued property. The volume is well worth the price for enthusiasts of Fred Astaire and his famous dancing performances.