Arnold Schwarzenegger: Larger Than Life [Hardcover]

Craig A. Doherty (Author), Catherine Doherty (Author), Katherine M. Doherty (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

Describes the childhood, bodybuilding career, and motion picture achievements of the popular celebrity.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-The Dohertys chronicle Schwarzenegger's ascent to stardom in the bodybuilding world and in the movie industry. Unfortunately, their dull writing style makes this well-researched biography a tedious read. The complexities of the man's background, including his strict childhood, are related in great detail based on cited articles, interviews, and published writings. An appended list of his bodybuilding titles, the author's source notes, and a list for further reading are helpful. This book might sustain the interest of a dedicated fan, but Robert Lipsyte's Arnold Schwarzenegger (HarperCollins, 1993) presents a far more probing portrait of the superstar.
Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Brimming with hero worship, the Doherty's account of ``the most well-known celebrity in the world,'' ``living proof that the American Dream [is] still alive...'' has an Algeresque flavor. Product of a small Austrian town, his competitive instincts honed by a demanding father, Arnold cast about for something at which he could be The Best and settled on bodybuilding (which he revolutionized), and films (for which he now commands eight-figure salaries). The authors cover the high spots of his career and business ventures, focus on his association with the Special Olympics and other causes, and dwell at length on his courtship and wedding (want to know how long Maria Shriver's train was?). Though mentioning his talent for self-promotion, they dismiss the ruthless Arnold of Wendy Leigh's ``unauthorized'' biography, offering instead a portrait of a giant with a sense of purpose, a heart of gold, and an impish sense of humor. Lipsyte gives a more evenhanded view in Arnold Schwarzenegger: Hercules in America (p. 1463). Source notes; appendices; bibliography; b&w photo insert and index not seen. (Biography. 11-13) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 119 pages
• Publisher: Walker & Company (October 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802782361
• ISBN-13: 978-0802782366
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,708,038 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The American Dream is attainable afterall!, June 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Arnold Schwarzenegger: Larger Than Life (Hardcover)

This book is brimming with both enjoyable and saddening accounts of Arnold's life. We travel through his life beginning in Austria and follow him into his marriage. The information presented is very informative and entertaining, however the authors have found it necessary to include a lengthy synopsis for each and every one of Arnold's movies, making these sections rather boring. Reading about the subjects life is much more interesting than reading a lengthy synopsis of the movie the subject starred in.