Steve Martin: The Magic Years (Hardcover)

~ Morris W. Walker (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Martin, famous comic of films and TV, had no limitations after his career took off in the late 1970s. This applies as well to most of his youthful years, as related by Walker, who was Martin's best friend from the age of 13. These class clowns were notorious for pratfalls, water balloons, and pranks. Some of this is not funny to hear about, but it documents Martin's apprenticeship in his craft. A few youthful escapades are hilarious, like hanging a bogus painting spattered with bird droppings in an art museum. Walker also had a short career as the comedian's sideman in magic shows. Observed as a star, Martin is a warm, generous friend, rather bland, with no problems of drugs, alcohol, finances, or sex (only one marriage, no children, and an unexplained divorce). Narrator Barrett Whitener has an odd habit of occasional but annoying short pauses, not allowing all the sentences to flow to the end. Recommended mainly for Martin's fans and budding comics.
-Gordon Blackwell, Eastchester, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Review

"Finally, a book about me! I loved this book and fell deeply in love with the central character!" -Steve Martin

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: S.P.I. Books (February 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561719803
• ISBN-13: 978-1561719808
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,088,331 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Insubstantial bio from a hanger-on, June 13, 2001

By	R. Riis "rriis" (NY) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Walker is a long-time close friend of Steve Martin, which certainly qualifies him to write a book of this sort, but unfortunately he seems more concerned with dropping his own name into the story at every turn than in illuminating Martin's life and work in any substantial way. Some of the facts of Steve Martin's early days are interesting, but the thread gets lost once Martin becomes famous. You can sense his (Martin's) moving beyond Walker's circle (probably for good reason), and a suggestion of Walker's need to hang on. There is a very interesting book waiting to be written about this gifted and brilliant comedian/actor/writer, but this is definitely not that book.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Buyer Beware, May 23, 2001

By	Dan M. (Great Neck, NY United States) - See all my reviews

After 50 pages is was apparent that this one trick pony should not have been allowed in the show. I know that's harsh, but fans will want more substance from a so-called insider who builds his effort around childhood pranks and high school clowning. His perceived present impressions of Martin are derived from 'dozens of letters' that are rarely if ever cited. Also difficult to read are the author's implied contributions to the development of Steve's talent with mock protestations of his own implication.

A more focused approach would have presented the material only in the context of that time period instead the author writes with broad strokes and thus sacrifices credibility by claiming to have insight on the present Mr. Martin.

There is a story here; it's just not presented well. No doubt, the author and Martin have a definite bond--one that would have made a nice photo essay for Vanity Fair.

(Take away half a star for amateur publishing.)

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book (and a bit of nostalgia), August 10, 2001

By	Don Guild (Milford, CT United States) - See all my reviews

I knew Steve and Morris in high school and for several years thereafter. The polar reactions in the reviews do not surprise me. It is the way people I knew reacted to Morris - no middle ground. Objectivity on my part would be impossible, so I can't judge the literary merits. But I appreciated the book for the nostalgia trip. Morris has brought back a lot of memories I left back in the sixties somewhere (If you can remember the sixties, you weren't there?) As a member of the "Sound Explosion", I can attest that the stories Morris tells are amazingly accurate and detailed. However, the editing of the book leaves something to be desired. Although my name is in the book twice, it is misspelled both times - two different ways! All-in-all, a great job on Morris's part. Thanks for the memories!