Al Jolson: A Bio-Bibliography (Bio-Bibliographies in the Performing Arts) [Hardcover]

James Fisher (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0313286205 | ISBN-13: 978-0313286209 | Publication Date: January 30, 1994 | Edition: annotated edition

From the early days of his stage career in the decades before World War I through his unparalleled comeback after World War II, Al Jolson was billed as "The World's Greatest Entertainer." This book provides an insightful sketch of Jolson's life and a comprehensive record of his extensive career. The volume begins with a biography which discusses the factors that shaped Jolson's development as a performer. A chronology of the chief events in his life follows. Chapters are then devoted to his stage, film, recording, and broadcast career. Each of these chapters contains annotated entries for Jolson's performances. A bibliography follows, with entries for books, periodicals, and newspaper articles. Appendices list stage shows based on Jolson's life, along with newsreels, cartoons, awards, and endorsements related to his career. Name and title indexes conclude the work and add to its reference value.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“...Fisher's comprehensive, scholarly, well crafted, and insightful book is the standard against which all other works should be measured. It is a highly recommended classic which evey academic and public library should acquire.”–Music Reference Services Quarterly

“...a handy one-volume encapsulation of Jolson's many achievements. It will be a useful research tool for both the entertainer's fans and show business scholars.”–Show Music

About the Author

JAMES FISHER is Associate Professor of Theater at Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Indiana.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 344 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press; annotated edition edition (January 30, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313286205
• ISBN-13: 978-0313286209
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,638,009 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jolie- The World's Greatest Entertainer, April 2, 2000

By 

Mr. Emile Smiley (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Al Jolson: A Bio-Bibliography (Bio-Bibliographies in the Performing Arts) (Hardcover)

The is a great book about one the greatest personalities of the Twentith century. The books provides the reader with a concise biography of this entertainer. Jolson is a forgotten star of showbusiness who was the first super-star of the century. You will find listings of Jolson books, articles, and songs. It provides the reader many sources of research about Jolson. Along with Herbert Goldman's definitive biography of Jolie, this book is a terrific and scholarly read. I have read many articles and books about Jolson and I rank this one the best. If you want to learn about one of the greatest entertainers of all-time, (also one of the most misunderstood), please get this book. Once you learn about Jolson, you become a fan for life. Check out his wonderful Lp's and CD's and enjoy his music!