Customer Reviews

The Andy Griffith Story : An Illustrated Biography

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a long-time Andy Griffith fan, I was happy to see the man's entire career fully represented and not just the years that he spent on his 60's television show. Collins goes to great lengths to assure that all areas of Andy's career are covered, including his work in television, theater, music, drama, and motion pictures. The book also describes some of the personal and physical hurdles that Griffith had to overcome, as well as revealing some fascinating little-known facts. Who knew that early in his career, Andy planned on becoming a minister? Or that his work in the theater was so extensive? All-in-all, an excellent in-depth look at one of the most versatile entertainers of our time, and I would highly recommend it to any admirer of Griffith's work.

Given that Andy Griffith is a private person with seemingly little interest in talking about himself or his career, this book met my expectations. The author did what he could to gather information about Andy in spite of Andy's apparent unwillingness to participate in the creation of this biography. His absence is a handicap, certainly, as I'm sure he could lend some depth to the anecdotes and old interviews. I was pleased to see that the author made an effort to avoid making this book another Mayberry-themed puff piece, though, and was glad to be reading about Andy Griffith instead of Andy Taylor.

The reader should also be aware that The Andy Griffith Story was published prior to the end of Matlock, and before several other key events in Andy Griffith's life. Illustrations are rather disappointing hand-drawings because, I presume, photo rights could not be obtained. Though I did enjoy this book, I am still hoping for an authorized - or, at least, more authoritative - biography to complete the portrait of Andy.

I just finished reading the biography on Andy Griffith and as a fan of this man I was pleased to learn about how he got started in show biz and all the movies he was involved in post Andy Griffith Show. I was surprised to hear about his temper but pleased to hear he is a thoughtful and caring man. If you want a biography that covers Mr. Griffith's whole career I would recommend you buy this book.

The test of any good bio is learning something new about the subject. Information about Andy Griffith isn't easy to come by, but in this instance, the author has succeeded in collecting quotes, facts, and events from private sources and turning it into a readable narrative that illuminates the subject while respecting the privacy of the man. I bought two copies: one for my mom as a gift, and one for me. If you have ANY interest in the life and career of Andy, you'll want to add your own copy to your library too.

The book is very "easy" to read. There are few surprises, except for a brief paragraph or two concerning Andy's temper. Most of the information contained in this book could be gleaned from the "A & E Biography" - on Andy Griffith's life. The other information is mainly a rehash from "TV Guide" and other periodicals. For someone just wanting "highlights" it is not a bad book. A personal interview with Andy would have been an added plus. After all, the man is still alive and "might" have added some depth. Since the author, Collins (Mt. Airy), and Andy Griffith (Manteo) both live in NC, an interview would not have been out of the question because of logistics. Perhaps the author could not secure an interview.

This is a fairly informative book about Andy Griffith. Not much input from Andy and no photos, just drawings.

I was on the Andy Griffith Show. I had the role of Sarah.

This book states that Andy had a temper. I never saw his temper although he DID hang up on me once.

I was disappointed to find that this Bio didn't contain one single 'photograph' of any kind (only crudely hand drawn illustrations). Also, the copy I purchased from another seller was advertised as being a 'Signed' copy. Unfortunately it wasn't Andy Griffith's signature, but that of the guy who wrote it. I mention this only to warn others who may be hoping for a bio that contains photos, and to also be cautious as to 'who' the person is that actually 'autographed' the book, if it's being sold as such.

ANDY GRIFFITH HAD A GREAT CAREER, AND HOW RARE IS A MAN THAT DOESNT SPEAK OF HIS CAREER.HE HAD 8 YEARS OF THE GRIFFITH SHOW, THEN 3 OF SALVAGE ON ABC, AND THEN MATLOCK FOR 9 YEARS. HE WAS ADEPT AT COMEDY AND DRAMA AND STANDUP.HIS YEARS AFTER GRIFFITH SHOW AND HEADMASTER HE DID SOME AMAZING ACTING PLAYING THE MEAN BAD GUY THE BEST BEING COWETA COUNTY.HE OVERCAME A CRIPPLING DISEASE AND EVEN WORKED THROUGH IT. YES HE HAD A TEMPER BUT WHO DOESNT WHEN THEY ARE DEALING WITH TOP SHOWS AND BUDGETS AND REWRITES.THE STORY TOLD MANY TIMES BY ANDY WAS THAT THE ACTRESS WHO PLAYED AUNT BEA JUST DID NOT LIKE GRIFFITH. HE TRIED AND TRIED BUT SHE DID NOT LIKE HIM FOR EIGHT YEARS.THE MAN WAS A TRUE MAN, GREAT ACTOR, PRODUCER AND WRITER.WHEN I WAS A KID I ALWAYS CLAIMED MAYBERRY, NC. AS MY HOME TOWN AND ANDY TAYLOR AS MY DAD. READ THIS BOOK ITS THE ONLY BOOK ON GRIFFITH AND ITS AMAZING.