The Edward G. Robinson Encyclopedia [Paperback]

Robert Beck (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786438649 | ISBN-13: 978-0786438648 | Publication Date: September 2, 2008 | Edition: Paperback

Edward G. Robinson, a 1930s cinema icon, had an acting career that spanned more than 60 years. After a brush with silent films, he rose to true celebrity status in sound feature films and went on to take part in radio and television performances, then back to Broadway and on the road in live theatre. This work documents Robinson's every known public performance or appearance, listing co-workers, source material, background and critical commentary.

The entries include feature films, documentaries, short subjects, cartoons, television and radio productions, live theatre presentations, narrations, pageants, and recordings. Also included are entries relating to his life and career, ranging from his wives to his art collection.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Although he has been dead for 30 years, character actor Robinson's popularity continues. This compendium consists of alphabetically arranged entries detailing his life and career. Entries run from one sentence to a couple of pages and offer facts and commentary about all of the actor's known appearances and performances, ranging from starring roles in theater and feature films to commercials for Maxwell House coffee and a cameo on the Batman television series. Also covered are individuals, including wives and coworkers, and various aspects of Robinson's professional and personal life. The entry Art, for example, discusses his private collection of French impressionist paintings as well as the ways in which fine art figured in some of his films. A bibliography consisting of more than 230 print sources attests to the author's extensive research, and the exhaustive index should ensure that no particulars get overlooked.

The August 8, 2002, "Dear Abby" syndicated advice column devoted to a series of personal affidavits from readers attesting to Robinson's graciousness and generosity is proof of his enduring appeal. This volume is the only source entirely devoted to Robinson currently available (two books about his work, The Cinema of Edward G. Robinson [A. S. Barnes, 1972], by James Parish, and The Complete Films of Edward G. Robinson [Carol, 1990], by Alvin H. Marill, are out of print, as is the biography Edward G. Robinson, by Foster Hirsch [Pyramid, 1975], and Robinson's autobiography, All My Yesterdays [Hawthorn, 1973]). Of obvious interest to film and performing arts collections, this offering should also be considered by public libraries. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"Beck has created a hard-to-put-down, fascinating, not to mention exhaustive volume that will go unsurpassed for its scope and its authority." --Classic Images

"Extensive research...exhaustive index." --Booklist/RBB

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 424 pages
• Publisher: McFarland; Paperback edition (September 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786438649
• ISBN-13: 978-0786438648
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 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: #3,802,936 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book, November 25, 2002

By 

Justin Smith (De Soto, MO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Edward G. Robinson Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

I read the book in my local library. Being an ex-student of Robert Beck, I wanted to see the final product of something he had been working hard on since before I knew him. I was completely impressed with amount of research put into the book, and the work putting into cross-referencing. Whether you want to look up a subject of a film, such as heart attack, or a film he was in, it is in this book. It is a good book for fans, and a great reference book for those who need the information.