Steps in Time: An Autobiography

by Fred Astaire

Book Overview

One of the foremost entertainers of the twentieth century--singer, actor, choreographer, and, of course, the most dazzling "hoofer" in the history of motion pictures--Fred Astaire was the epitome of charm, grace, and suave sophistication, with a style all his own and a complete disregard for the laws of gravity. Steps in Time is Astaire's story in his own words, a memoir as beguiling, exuberant, and enthralling as the great artist himself, the man...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061567566
• ISBN13: 9780061567568
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Dey Street Books
• Length: 338 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Steps in time Fred Astaire

A great biography about one of our nations top dancer who dances with Ginger Rogers. How Fred started dancing with his sister Adele in the beginning. His accomplishments in dancing,singing and being a racehorse owner. A very straightforward story of his life and family.

a must for fans of the talented Mr. A

Fred Astaire tells his story in the same way he dances, with integrity and grace. I have been a fan of Mr.Astaire's for many years. The first movie of his I saw was "Daddy Long Legs." I was fasinated with the way he danced. When I found out that he had a biography I snatched a copy up. What I like about this book is that Fred Astaire wrote it himself. I found myself laughing at times, and after reading the book I felt as if I knew him personally. The best thing about this book is that it has 47 black and white photos. This book is a must for true fans of one of the greatest dancers who ever graced the big screen.

Steps in Time... The Ultimate Book

I'm a fan of Fred and I adore him so much so I recomend this book to any classic movie fan or any Fred fan! This is one of the best book's I've read and I hope many more people can read this and take a step into the life of Fred Astaire

Fred Astaire captures my heart.....again!!

An amazing story told by the man himself!! What an incredible life he led! A must have for any fan! I could not put it down. He is an amazing story teller and spends alot of the book on what you don't hear about, his and his sister Adele's incredible vaudeville act and his tour with the USO. What a wonderful man! And he focuses on things other people don't, his flops in show business! You know about his triumph's but he shares his defeats also. Definately worth every penny.

More than just dancing!

I am a big fan of Fred Astaire and this was the first book I was able to read about him. The fact that it is also written by him is a big plus. Fred is a shy and humble man, and his book gives that impression but it is a great account of a man that met everyone, from English and Hollywood royalty to bookmakers and bell hops (in fact, he made a point of knowing bell hops, they knew all the right places to go and the juicy stories). Fred was a private man and he never delves into much detail about his personal feelings. He's quick to acknowledge someone he likes, but you get the feeling that he holds back on people he might not have liked. He never puts down a film partner so if you're looking for an autobio that tells it all, this isn't it. However, Fred's story is still chock full of interesting tales. It doesn't just appeal to Astaire fans, it also appeals to vaudeville, theater, and history fans as Fred was born in 1899 and lived through some amazing times. The Roaring '20s were spent in New York and London (visiting with royalty and the upper class), the '30s in Hollywood where he and Ginger Rogers made people forget the Depression for a while with their movies, and he dedicates a chapter to rehashing his overseas experience in the '40s when he toured on a USO show during WWII. So if you want an easy read of an important movie and dance icon, I highly recommend "Steps In Time". Don't worry about being bored, Fred has a nice sense of humor and there are no lulls in his story. He wrote this book in the late '50s and still had decades of work in front of him, but unfortunately, he never wrote a follow up book chronicling what was still an exciting and glamorous life. Read this book and watch the movies!

"I JUST DANCE."

I polished off this book in a matter of a week! Astaire's style in enjoyable, quick-witted and an overall delight. From his early triumphs in vaudeville to his rocket into stardom, Fred Astaire has played a pivotal role in American Life. "Steps in Time" is not only graceful and surprisingly funny, it is also reflective and poignant.