While I think this book is a great resource and a must-read for fans, I personally think there's room for a new comprehensive bio of Chaplin. That's not such a tall order, is it?
Just ordered it!! A tip for ordering from the UK... I always use bookdepository.co.uk as they have FREE worldwide shipping, and orders always arrive within days.
Ha! I'm reading this one right now, I'm enjoying it more than the Joyce Milton book. That one was quite unpleasant in tone and although there may be some truth in it I found it very one-sided.
That's the problem with Milton's book, it's well-researched but colored by her opinion of him. She would take a fact and then twist it around to suit her agenda. Stick with Robinson's book!
Yes, I notice a big difference with "Tramp", in how selective the information is. If it's unflattering, it's in there, if if shows Chaplin in a positive light, it never happened. I actually felt a bit sad after reading it, because apparently, he was the worst person in the known universe.
I'm sure that's exactly what Ms. Milton wanted you to believe. I've said this before, but I think it's sad that she had access to all of these wonderful resources and could have used them to write a serious bio but instead used them to bash Charlie at every opportunity.
oooooOOOOOOOOOoooooh! this is music to my ears! i only own a german translation from 1992 and the 80s edition in english. FINALLY someone heard our prayers!
i tried getting hold of one some three years ago. THOSE BOOKS WERE AS RARE AS BLUE DIAMONDS and cost about just as much. it was crazy. but since i already own two versions (and the german translation was ever so slightly updated) i don't know whether i should get the new one based if it is only one chapter.
My understanding (and I could be wrong) is that the updates are not major and include Oona's death and the making of the 1992 "Chaplin" film, among a few other things. There are also a couple of new pictures.
Just ordered it!! A tip for ordering from the UK... I always use bookdepository.co.uk as they have FREE worldwide shipping, and orders always arrive within days.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info, Amy!
DeleteHa! I'm reading this one right now, I'm enjoying it more than the Joyce Milton book. That one was quite unpleasant in tone and although there may be some truth in it I found it very one-sided.
ReplyDeleteThat's the problem with Milton's book, it's well-researched but colored by her opinion of him. She would take a fact and then twist it around to suit her agenda. Stick with Robinson's book!
DeleteYes, I notice a big difference with "Tramp", in how selective the information is. If it's unflattering, it's in there, if if shows Chaplin in a positive light, it never happened. I actually felt a bit sad after reading it, because apparently, he was the worst person in the known universe.
DeleteI'm sure that's exactly what Ms. Milton wanted you to believe. I've said this before, but I think it's sad that she had access to all of these wonderful resources and could have used them to write a serious bio but instead used them to bash Charlie at every opportunity.
DeleteoooooOOOOOOOOOoooooh! this is music to my ears! i only own a german translation from 1992 and the 80s edition in english. FINALLY someone heard our prayers!
ReplyDeleteI only have the 80s edition as well, I've never bothered to buy the revised version.
Deletei tried getting hold of one some three years ago. THOSE BOOKS WERE AS RARE AS BLUE DIAMONDS and cost about just as much. it was crazy. but since i already own two versions (and the german translation was ever so slightly updated) i don't know whether i should get the new one based if it is only one chapter.
DeleteMy understanding (and I could be wrong) is that the updates are not major and include Oona's death and the making of the 1992 "Chaplin" film, among a few other things. There are also a couple of new pictures.
Delete