IRVING BERLIN: A DAUGHTER'S MEMOIR

by Mary Ellin Barrett

Book Overview

A portrait of a prolific songwriter reveals his humble origins in Russia, his meager existence in Lower Manhattan, his scandalous romances, and his rise to fame and wealth. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671725335
• Release Date: November 1994
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 1.0" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Beautifully Written and Beautifully Personal

This latest Berlin biography is not a "show biz bio" as much as it is a family memoir. I feel that fact is addressed perfectly in the title, but I mention it here just to be clear. I am a collector of Broadway and theatre biographies, and this particular book is one of the most beautifully written I have seen. Berlin's eldest daughter shows a considerable amount of talent herself, as author of this memoir. I especially appreciated the author's willingness to reveal some of the family's more personal tragedies. Their inclusion certainly helps us to understand who Berlin was. A previous reviewer bemoans the fact that the book does not unlock the mysteries behind Berlin's unschooled musicianship. I never expected it would. Per the title, I expected an beautifully written memoir from a personal perspective. That's exactly what this book is.

God Bless Irving Berling

This is a beautifully written remembrance of one of the world's greatest songwriters. Berlin fans will welcome the personal insight, warmth and vivid detail that author Barrett provides. A recluse for the last 25 years of his life, Berlin has been an enigma to many, and this book provides many of the intimate details so sorely lacking in other biographies of this American treasure