Customer Reviews

Legends: Women Who Have Changed the World Through the Eyes of Great Women Writers

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For one of the first times, we are seeing a coffee table photography book that represents woman in a true - albeit not at all times - pleasant light.

In Mr. Miller's literary offering he gives us a diverse group of women, scientists, actresses, humanitarians and writers, dancers, public figures and entertainers from all walks of life.

The writers in their individual essays present these women - for the good and the bad of them - never holding back their foibles and shortcomings but in the fulness of their personas, the human qualities that we all relate to come shining through.

Reading about why everyone "hates" Martha Stewart or how Colette was ostracized in her own time or that Martha Graham was a "sacred monster" and Billie Holiday and Marilyn Monroe dealt with deep depression, drug addiction and eventual self-destruction is a great equalizer for those women (and men as well) who deal with their daily demons and may feel alone and defeated with their terrors.

These women rose about their fears and criticisms, their rebukes and their trivializations to become the "Legends" we read about.

I for one thank Mr. Miller for this glimpse of truth

After reading Legends 2 : Women Who Changed the World through the Eyes of Great Women Writers by John Miller, Kirsten Miller (September 2004) my curiosity to know more about `the women who are considered legendary' in our times, lead me to the original Legends by John Miller.
As my life is always inspired by those who `live their purpose' I was not disappointed by John Miller's daring assemblage of writers to optimize in words, their thoughts of contemporary iconic women from Golda Meir, Bette Davis, Josephine Baker, Zora Neale Hurston, Helen Keller, to the power of Georgia O'Keeffe, the bravery of Amelia Earhart, the beauty and wit of Lucille Ball, to the omni-presence of Oprah Winfrey.
As I tackle my days of mountains and mountains of to do's, during my mandated 3:00 mediation time, I read a page for renewal and inspiration to tackle the next contract, the next segment of my radio show or write the next review. Each well written snapshot of each of these heroic women is pure energetic inspiration. Reading the shards of Ella Fitzgerald life, reminds me of how far our world has come and how GOD has kept watch over "women" who are the perpetual of the world (not the destroyers as our gender counter part seem). The passions of Martha Stewart no matter what is said, you can not tarnished her business greatness for turning the mundane into an empire, (no matter what you think today).
As I continue to read, I want my daughter to now know these books, Legends. I want her to know and revere the women who faced odds and simply saw obstacles as `what you face in life.' Babe Didrikson Zaharias, an Olympic Athlete, faced it all; controversy, cancer and unbelievable discrimination to live her purpose. Anne Frank, has shown us that our greatness will rise, no matter what the circumstances. Marion Anderson exhibited that greatness will fulfill its purpose, no matter where; before a segregated audience or from the Lincoln Memorial.
Women. We make the world revolve, we create new life, and we are the reason for the term `a glass ceiling' being incorporating into modern language. John Miller reminds us `women-you have to live with us because you can not advance without us.'

I got this book as an early Christmas present from my husband. The photographs and essays of the women in the book are really special. The women in the book, both the subjects and the writers, are very inspiring and the photos are strong and beautiful. One of the best gifts I have ever received!

I got this for my mum once and it is so good.A different author writes about each of the different famous women in the book in only praising tones and it is really great to look through.Each page is a seperate female,author,article and photograph. Some of the sheilas written about are:Marilyn,Audrey Hepburn(as the cover shows you),Twiggy,Anne Frank and lets not forget Mother Theresa.Or Princess Diana.Madonna does not make it into this book,thank the lord,and thankfully neither do big modern-day stars such as Britney Spaniels..I mean Spears.All-in-all as they say!,a very good book!

Rather ironic, really, that the editor of this fine book is a man ~ unless "John Miller" is the nom de guerre of some radical female. Still, editing the book can't have been very hard; Miller had some excellent writers to work with. The selection of the legends is somewhat more questionable. Of the fifty, less then twenty are neither from nor intimately associated with the United States; in the effort to remind people of the ability of the other gender to produce legends, the publishers have largely neglected the largest portion of that gender. And as if that restriction is not enough, the editor has not included anyone for whom a photograph is not available, thus denying any woman from the first 95% of history the opportunity to be a legend. Funnily enough, these censures aside, i really enjoyed this book. Quite unlike the usual "feminist book" (i hate the quotes, but you have to admit they belong there), this is neither strident not shrill, nor even obnoxious. It is beautifully written, nicely put together, with superb selection of wonderful photographs of handsome people. Can't ask for much more than that, eh?

I initially borrowed this from the library, I picked it up because I loved the photo of Audrey. Every page is a little feast of information and every photo a work of 'Art'. I need say no more.

Legends aptly pairs essays with black and white photos to examine the lives of women who have changed the world - as presented by great women writers such as Meg Cohen, Anne Hollander, Patricia McLaughlan and others. Enjoy an inviting collection of contemporary biographical sketches which reveals these women's many contributions to modern society.

I loved this book. I read about it, put it on my wish list, and received it. Now I recommend it to other strong women, gift it, and talk about it. Often. It's a quick read, sweet in many ways; the photographs are outstanding, and it's inspiring. It's worthwhile.

this is a great coffee table book. the stories are wonderful and the pictures are even better. recieved it as a gift and thinking of getting it for others.

this is a beautiful book,and makes a great gift.I had trouble getting this book at the local "national chain",bookstore waiting almost four months for them ...they never followed up.I ordered this from amazon and got it in less than a week. Thank you