The Story of Rose O'Neill: An Autobiography (Hardcover)

by Rose Cecil O'Neill (Author), Miriam Formanek-Brunell (Author, Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews
This memoir by the creator of the once popular Kewpie figure lacks the literary strength to raise it above a mere curiosity. Until the advent of Mickey Mouse, the elfin Kewpies (`` `baby talk' for Cupid'') were, as one merchandiser told her, ``the greatest success . . . in the history of toys.'' Introduced by illustrator O'Neill in 1909, they appeared in magazines for decades, generating goodwill and spawning books, dolls, clubs, even leading one periodical to declare a need for a ``Religion of the Kewpies.'' Agreeably androgynous and unconventional, they reflected their creator's interests. A respected writer and artist, she often investigated the melding of male and female identities in her works--all the while maintaining her mainstream position as America's leading female illustrator. Such variety, plus two marriages, role-reversing parents, and a wayfaring life, could constitute a fascinating life story. However, in aiming, as the editor (a historian at the University of Missouri, Kansas City) says, ``to dissolve the boundaries between male and female form'' by fusing linear male narrative with personal female observations, O'Neill produced an autobiography that makes for an interesting experiment but not an absorbing experience. There's not enough about family and artistic development here, and the text is burdened with too much antique reportage (``Booth and Louisa took Harry and me to Pierrefonds'' and the like). Wealthy and famous, O'Neill retired to the Ozarks in the 1930s. Florid writing and lack of drama rule out a popular readership, though as a record of the artistic concerns of a distinctive woman and shaper of popular sensibilities, it may be useful for historians. (15 illustrations, not seen) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Description
Rose O'Neill is best known as the creator of the Kewpie doll, but she had also earned a reputation as an illustrator. Yet, who was Rose O'Neill? In this autobiography, she describes her family life, friends, failed marriages, and career directions from girlhood to retirement in the Missouri Ozarks.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 154 pages
• Publisher: University of Missouri Press (May 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826211062
• ISBN-13: 978-0826211064
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #914,563 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating revelation of a sadly neglected genius., June 5, 1998

By A Customer

Rose O'Neill was a household name in her long lasting hey-day, yet somehow managed to die in an obscure part of the Ozarks,alone and forgotten. A brilliant draughtsman,portraitist and humorist ,it was O'Neill's sad paradoxical fate to be known for her Kewpie creations as well as condemned to try and repeat their success over and over. Dr.Brunell's sensitive presentation of O'Neill's own words beautifully reveal the vibrant personality who enchanted the world with her unique personality as well as her artistic gifts.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A cultural treasure!, April 22, 2004

By	Colleen Doran (Appalachian Mountains) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Rose O'Neill writes with the flourish and flurry of a legion of Kewpies in full cute mode, but there is charm and a wealth of information to be found in this delightful little book that opens a window onto the world of one of America's most underated artists, creator of a cultural icon, and an icon herself, the fabled Rose of Washington Square! While men still grumble that "Women can't draw comics", Rose O'Neill was beating the boys at their own game with her unique mixture of beauty, grace, wit, unbelievable raw talent and an abundance of charm matched only by her personal generosity. I came away from this book with the feeling that I had met someone I genuinely liked, aware of her own beauty (but not even remotely vain because there doesn't appear to have been an overassesment of her looks. She was a stunner.) Her tales of life in the Ozarks are particularly interesting and the only thing regrettable about this book is that it was too short. I would have relished more details about her marriage to pioneer filmaker Gray Latham and it could have used an afterword that gave more detail about the end of her life. Highly recommended for those seeking a glimpse into the rarely seen life of women cartoonists, artists, and the Belle Epoque.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Story of Rose O'Neill, An Autobiography, April 1, 2003

By A Customer

While this book is not a great literary work, it is a wonderful resource for the Rose O'Neill enthusiast. I found it to be the most comprehensive record of Rose O'Neill's life I have read to date. In her own words, Rose describes her upbringing in an extremely unconventional household by a mother and father, both well-read and educated, with a mutual interest in the arts. Her father wanted to make an "experiment" of her regarding her education and along with reading classic literature, listening to Irish stories of fairies and little people, he always provided her with sharp pencils and plenty of paper on which to draw.

Extensive information is provided on Rose's life including her first trip from New York to the family's new home at Bonniebrook, in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, her marriages and her struggles to make the first Kewpie dolls.

After reading this book it is easy to understand why Rose became the woman and artist that she was. It covers her formative years, beginning her career as an illustrator at a very early age, to her novels, poetry, sculpture, and serious art.