Judy Garland: A Portrait in Art and Anecdote

by Lorna Luft and John Fricke

In a career that spanned five decades and encompassed stardom in every medium, Judy Garland's professional achievments retain their power to excite and thrill audiences of all ages. This book aims to define her on-and-off-stage talent to amuse. Historian John Fricke presents hundreds of rare and previously unpublished photos, studio memorabilia and personal mementos from the Garland estate, along with scores of anecdotes drawn from interviews with...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0821228366
• ISBN13: 9780821228364
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Bulfinch Press
• Length: 394 Pages
• Weight: 5.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 11.4" x 11.8"

Customer Reviews

C'mon Get Happy

John Fricke has really outdone himself! I got this book for a Christmas present and since then have become a HUGE Garland fan. This is a great book for any Judy fan or anyone who is interested in learning more about her. It doesnt go way into her life and talk about one subject for 10 pages. It shows you a more personal side of Judy Garland, coming from those who loved her the most. There are alot of good stories, many told by Margret Whiting,the false teeth story is funny. There are quotes on what people thought of her as a entertainer and as a person. Not only are there great stories and quotes there are magnificent pictures. Pictures you cant find anywhere else. There are some great candids of Judy just throwing her head back in laughter. Very nice concert shots, that just give us a glimpse of her fabulous energy. There are even a few unretouched photos as well. Then there are the pictures of her with her kids, you can just see the love shining in her eyes. The last 10 pages of pictures and quotes are so powerful that I at least have to mention two of the pictures. The one of her rose covered coffin being carried down some street in New York, the reporters, the tons of fans that all lost some one, not just a celebrity but some one they thought of as a friend. Then there is the very last page of the entire book, an audience applauding and Judy getting ready to take a bow. Very powerful last page. This book isnt pne that is going to sit on your bookshelf and collect dust. But it is one that will be sitting on your coffe table. The one you look at almost everyday and never get tired of.

Brilliant

I read all the other reviews posted here prior to purchasing this book, and was curious as to how I would respond to this book. I have read everything that has been written or done on Garland, and this far outshines all the others. This is not a tired rehashing of the same old stories. It is a loving tribute that allows Garland's genius to shine through. My partner has always patiently tolerated my love of Judy--after looking through this book, he said that he finally could see what the hubbub is all about. Now THAT's an achievement.

Art and Anecdote = An Astute and Astounding Work

"Judy Garland: A Portrait in Art & Anecdote" is a beautifully written work, and is much more than a welcome addition to this Garland fan's collection. Like many others I have always felt that Judy is a part of my family. As such this is a photo album I will keep out for everyone to see. Especially since so many of these pictures haven't been published before.Fans know that John Fricke should be heralded for keeping the flame of the only truly timeless diva lit. Lorna Luft's moving forward is a testament to the fact that he is the true authority on all things Garland. Additional Kudos to Ranse Ransone for a gorgeously delicious design.I tip my proverbial "Get Happy" hat in this creative teams general direction. Thank you for letting me forget my troubles for several hours of reading and viewing pleasure.

Best New Judy Garland Book

my eyes are still sore from studying all the brand new images that have never been seen before of Judy. i really like the candid behind the scenes shots that capture Judy just being herself. this book is well worth it's weight, and i do mean weight for it weighs a ton, in gold. it is what every one will want on their coffee table this fall. it shows Judy from the 1920's broken up into decades all the way to 1969 when we lost her. but in reading this book i feel that i haven't really lost her at all. she is all there on the glossy glammershot pages and the quite home with the kids pages. i have come to find that anything John Fricke's name is attached to is going to be a HIGH QUALITY product. you can't go wrong with the Fricke name and Garland put together. this book makes me fall in love with Judy all over again. makes me want to put on her movies and listen to her music again. i will forever treasure this book.

Fantastic

A must have, obviously, for any Garland fan. And a magic potion for anyone you may wish to become a Garland fan. Just when you think you have seen it all, Mr Fricke manages to show us new glimpses and insights into this amazing woman, and further embellish her unmatched legacy as The World's Greatest Entertainer. Many of the entertainment industry's illustrious have remembered Miss Garland glowingly in their own life stories; but here we have such a diverse and full collection of perspectives and visuals, that we are able to easily grasp the totally unique, warm, witty, scintillating continuum that was (and is) Judy Garland. Many thanks to all concerned.