Rating: 
Summary: Art and Anecdote = An Astute and Astounding Work
Review: "Judy Garland: A Portrait in Art & Anecdote" is a beautifully written work, and is much more than a welcome addition to this Garland fan's collection. Like many others I have always felt that Judy is a part of my family. As such this is a photo album I will keep out for everyone to see. Especially since so many of these pictures haven't been published before.Fans know that John Fricke should be heralded for keeping the flame of the only truly timeless diva lit. Lorna Luft's moving forward is a testament to the fact that he is the true authority on all things Garland. Additional Kudos to Ranse Ransone for a gorgeously delicious design. I tip my proverbial "Get Happy" hat in this creative teams general direction. Thank you for letting me forget my troubles for several hours of reading and viewing pleasure.
Rating:
Summary: All Judy Fans are Devotees of John Fricke!
Review: "Mitchndave" inexplicably write of this fine book, "The book is simply ridiculously priced and both Ransone (art director) and Fricke are the masters at self-promotion, even though their circle of devotees is quite small and limited to an internet group." That is like when someone told Tony Bennett that Judy's fans were a "claque"; Tony responded, "the whole world is her claque." John Fricke's work is so fine--no Judy fan could fail to love his work, and I am sure that thanks to him many, many people have become Judy fans. This book will also have that impact. It is so thrilling to hear Judy's own memories and anecdotes, as well as the memories of others who loved her. The book paints a marvelous portrait and the pictures are inspiring. $35 is a bargain for this treasure which is overflowing with goodies. BTW, John Fricke is unfailingly humble and always "gets out of the way" of his own work so that JUDY is front and center. I think that some far-less-talented people have sour grapes about his deservedly fine reputation and write poison pen things about him. So, disregard the negative and get this great book!
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: A must have, obviously, for any Garland fan. And a magic potion for anyone you may wish to become a Garland fan. Just when you think you have seen it all, Mr Fricke manages to show us new glimpses and insights into this amazing woman, and further embellish her unmatched legacy as The World's Greatest Entertainer. Many of the entertainment industry's illustrious have remembered Miss Garland glowingly in their own life stories; but here we have such a diverse and full collection of perspectives and visuals, that we are able to easily grasp the totally unique, warm, witty, scintillating continuum that was (and is) Judy Garland.
Many thanks to all concerned.
Rating: 
Summary: Later Judy
Review: A nicely done repository of Judy Garland photos, especially if you like her later years when she performed live. Could have used more on her Hollywood years. (Would have given more stars for that) Felt as if this book had the bulk of Judy's more well-known fans of the "Judy as a gay icon" status in mind. Beware, though: no matter how nice it may be, this book is OUTRAGEOUSLY OVERPRICED or I would have given it more stars if it had been reasonably priced. Do they want it to sell or not?
Rating:
Summary: WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD
Review: A stunning, sumptuous treasure-trove dedicated to the greatest entertainment legend of all time. This one won't rest on your coffee table long, because you'll be constantly picking it up and re-reading it again. The author and designer have done a spectacular job creating a lasting tribute to Judy. Her fans will not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: damn you John Fricke - you surpassed yourself
Review: Alright John, you did it again. My copy of the book arrived today and I just spent 4 hours reading, laughing, crying, and being delighted. I thought I had seen every Garland photograph - I've been collecting them since the Garland Gazette was first published -- but, oh no - this collection is more than amazing - this is the Judy I followed in concert around the country - the Judy I ate hamburgers with - the Judy I spent time in dressing rooms with! This is Judy Garland - the Judy we loved - the Judy who amazed us with her talent, her wit, and her laugh. I can not praise this book enough - I will now lose sleep and reread it all - this is a title to cherish - to own - to remember with. I have never felt closer to Judy since she left us - thank you John Fricke for giving us this gem. Allan
Rating:
Summary: A fantastic tribute to a true legend
Review: Finally! A book that does not wallow in the unfortunate events of Judy's personal life, which is NOT what made her a star in the first place; it focuses on what actually made her a legend - her incredible talent, her drive and exuberance as a performer, and her amazing body of work that is truly her legacy. One of the great things about the book is that Fricke gives us the biographical background, but then lets the people who knew her - stars, directors, friends, family, peers - really paint the portrait of the true Judy, and every aspect of her - from singer to actress to mother to performer - and also shows you what a wickedly funny, genuine, and warm person she was. The book also gives you insight into how Judy worked and shows that, through all the turmoil of her personal life, she persevered, giving her all for her craft and her fans. Then there are the pictures! It's not just all studio portraits and typical "lobby card" movie shots. The fantastic (usually foreign) posters are gorgeous, not to mention the rare rotogravure photos, family photos, and so on; the most fascinating, however, are the behind-the-scenes shots that show Judy at work - on the set, in the studio, etc. This definitely the best book of Judy's legacy, and a great gift for anyone who is a fan, or someone who wants to see the life and work of a truly consummate professional entertainer.
Rating:
Summary: WOW! BEST GARLAND BOOK IN YEARS!!!
Review: I am astounded at this incredible photo book. It is the best Garland book to come out since Lorna Luft's "Me and My Shadows."
It is a wonderful coffee table book full of the finest quality photos ever assembled. The reviewer who stated that this book is just another version of Mr. Fricke's previous book "Judy Garland: World's Greatest Entertainer" obviously has never seen this book or is on "crack" because these books are completely different. His first book contains the best text ever written about Garland's career while this book is a photo book accompanied throughout by quotes from those who knew Judy best and loved her most. Fricke tells Garland's story honestly exposing her frailties while putting them in their proper context so that her actions are understood. I am tired of authors trying to paint Judy as always happy with no problems, such as Piro. She should have done some research. Judy DID have problems. On the other hand Judy is not the tragic figure other authors have claimed either, such as Clarke. Judy was far from tragic, however she DID have enormous problems with medication, health, finances, relationships, etc. Her story is how she dealt with those issues while continuing her wonderful performances in film, on stage, televison, records, etc. Fricke puts it all into perspective. This book is a tribute to Garland to be sure, but is truthful as well with regard to the circumstances surrounding her private life. IF YOU LOVE JUDY GARLAND YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK!
Rating:
Summary: WOW! BEST GARLAND BOOK IN YEARS!!!
Review: I am astounded at this incredible photo book. It is the best Garland book to come out since Lorna Luft's "Me and My Shadows."
It is a wonderful coffee table book full of the finest quality photos ever assembled. The reviewer who stated that this book is just another version of Mr. Fricke's previous book "Judy Garland: World's Greatest Entertainer" obviously has never seen this book or is on "crack" because these books are completely different. His first book contains the best text ever written about Garland's career while this book is a photo book accompanied throughout by quotes from those who knew Judy best and loved her most. Fricke tells Garland's story honestly exposing her frailties while putting them in their proper context so that her actions are understood. I am tired of authors trying to paint Judy as always happy with no problems, such as Piro. She should have done some research. Judy DID have problems. On the other hand Judy is not the tragic figure other authors have claimed either, such as Clarke. Judy was far from tragic, however she DID have enormous problems with medication, health, finances, relationships, etc. Her story is how she dealt with those issues while continuing her wonderful performances in film, on stage, televison, records, etc. Fricke puts it all into perspective. This book is a tribute to Garland to be sure, but is truthful as well with regard to the circumstances surrounding her private life. IF YOU LOVE JUDY GARLAND YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK!
Rating:
Summary: Judy in all her glory
Review: I am not exactly sure how someone could review this book negatively--it is fantastic. As a Judy Garland fan, the amazing surplus of photos and extensive text more than covers the $50 price. The author has great knowledge of his subject and the overall design makes me want to keep picking up this book. I recommend JUDY GARLAND to all lovers of this extraordinary star!
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