George Raft (Lively Arts) [Paperback]

Lewis Yablonsky (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1989 | ISBN-10: 091651563X | ISBN-13: 978-0916515638

ablonsky, a sociologist and one of the foremost authorities in phychodrama, raises the book from ordinary show biz profiles to a penetrating insight into the relationship of personality to screen image, of character to social symbol. Like much about Raft, the book has class.?br>?i>Los Angeles Timeshe most roguishly appealing movie bio since Errol Flynn My Wicked, Wicked Ways.?br>?i>Kirkus Reviewshe story of my good friend George climb from the rowdy speakeasy clubs on Broadway in the twenties to the top of Hollywood stardom is an exciting American saga. Reading George biography by Lewis Yablonsky is the next best thing to being there.?br>?i>Frank Sinatra great story. George was an important and exciting star. When better men like George are madehen I'll make m.?br>?i>Mae West

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A great story. George was an important and exciting star. When better men like George are made then I'll make 'em." -- Mae West --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Lewis Yablonsky was born and grew up in Newark, New Jersey and graduated from Rutgers University in 1948. He received a Ph.D. in Sociology from New York University in 1958. Yablonsky has taught sociology and criminology at the University of Massachusetts, CCNY, Columbia, Harvard and UCLA. He is currently Professor of Sociology and Chairman of the Department of Sociology at San Fernando Valley (California) State College. In 1967 he was selected from among 9000 professors in the California State College system to receive the Board of Trustees?Outstanding Professor Award for xcellence in teaching, scholarship and public service.?He has since lectured, taught, and consulted throughout the world. Among his several published books are The Violent Gang (1962), Synanon: The Tunnel Back (1965), The Hippie Trip, and The Extra-Sex Factor. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Mercury House (October 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 091651563X
• ISBN-13: 978-0916515638
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,368,134 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Man After My Own Heart, November 6, 2007

By 

C. Percer "Little Irish girl" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: George Raft (Paperback)

I have been in love with George Raft from the moment I first saw him in "Manpower", and this book just made me love him more!
His story is poignant because he seemed to have been a man who truly had so much to give to the right woman but was barred from that all his life because of a greedy, clutching estranged wife.

I loved reading his own accounts of his life, his loves, his behind-the-scene accounts during the making of his films.

I admired the fact that he was such a gentleman, never resorting to bad-mouthing those who were his antagonists. The man had class with a capital "C". He did not turn his back on his friends, many of whom were big names in organized crime, and stood by them, in spite of Hollywood's trepidation and warnings. He was a true man who stood by his own code.

His sexual prowess was intriguing reading, but was delightfully pretty much what I would have suspected, as his physical chemistry has always been so overpowering and alluring. The accounts of his intimate encounters and relationships were exactly as my fantasies had always portayed them to be.

I relished the author's insight and portrait of what made George Raft click---his surprising lack of self esteem which pursued him all his life. His amazing generosity and sensitive heart. His gritty determination and ability for survival during a crazy days of 20's; his screen image cementing during the 30's into the most mermorable "gangster" of all time; his leading man image of the 40's; and his gradual decline afterwards.

If you are a George Raft fan (and even if you're not) this biography is fantastic reading and an intimate portrait of one of the sexiest, vital and sensitive actors in film history.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars George Raft Biography is Insightful, January 31, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: George Raft (Lively Arts) (Paperback)

The biography, although not totally accurate when reciting Raft's early existency (no Raft biography is), is heartfelt and insightful in explaining the motivations behind one of the most interesting figures of the 21st century. You see George Raft as he was, a sweet, charming "gentle"-man who's rise to fame was fueled by feelings of inadequacy. Mr. Yablonsky's has done a masterful job in bring the real George Raft to life; in contrast to the mean-spirited attempt by James Robert Parish. Please visit the George Raft Family and Friends Memorial Website to share your feelings and sights about George Raft.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellant, August 6, 2010

By 

Riverside Fox "eclectic tastes" (New England) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: George Raft (Paperback)

Factual and insightful biography of George Raft. That the author had met and interviewed his subject was an advantage. Lovers of old Hollywood and it's stars would enjoy this book.