From Publishers Weekly
Reminiscences by the late composer's family members and associates, as well as excerpts from reviews of his shows are the only vital parts of this book. Grafton's own commentsrepetitious and awkwardare less interesting although he covers Porter's life in detail. Born in Indiana in 1891 to an affluent family, the song writer and lyricist was still a student at Yale when he started on the career that made him internationally famous. It's particularly telling that Porter's innovative creations took time to catch on, his melodies and verses were so different from what critics and theater-goers were accustomed to. Grafton, a Chicago business consultant, also dwells on intimate aspects of Porter's life, like the marriage that lasted until his wife's deathin spite of his homosexuality, which the author describes perhaps too explicitly. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
The title says it all. This oral biography of composer Porter is a sensationalized, shallow, and gossipy account that reads like an extended tabloid headline. Porter's flamboyant social life and homosexuality have already been well detailed by Charles Schwartz and others, yet Grafton repeats lurid tales of sexual escapades and provides endless accounts and guest lists of Porter's social activities, while glossing over his amazing output. Some of the quotes are insightful, but all too many merely serve as filler, and instead of exploring Porter's creativity the author gives us descriptions of the cigarette cases presented to Porter by his wife at every opening. Sloppy sentences and repetitions abound. Not recommended. Eric W. Johnson, Univ. of Bridgeport Lib., Ct.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
