Rating: 
Summary: in response to the couple of negative reviews below...
Review: In the spirit of full disclosure (obviously not shared by a couple of the cowardly, anonymous posters above), I am the author of an earlier book on Garland, "Rainbow's End: The Judy Garland Show." Additionally, I have known John Fricke for more than two decades. After reading two pans for his book here -- one of them inexplicably stating, "This new book is almost too large and too heavy to enjoy" (?) and the other carping that this book presents little new information or material (!) -- I must respond to correct such false claims. It's one thing to have and offer an opinion; it's another to lie. Anyone familiar with the past-published books about Judy Garland knows that PORTRAIT IN ART AND ANECDOTE is absolutely unique in its approach to reproducing rare art, never-before-seen in any reputable volume -- whether about Garland, M-G-M, Hollywood, or general entertainment history. Over 370 of the 415 pictures herein fall into this category. (And not one of the 415 appeared in Fricke's earlier books on Oz OR Judy Garland.) To make a claim to the contrary is preposterous. I spotted perhaps 20-30 photos from previously published sources; even if they have been seen elsewhere, this book's elegant design, its oversized pages, and top photo stock paper make familiar shots an entirely new experience. This book doesn't compare with any other Garland book (not even mine!), and certainly not with Schechter's error-laden, self-promotional tome. John's clear-eyed, accessible text -- and the work of designer Ranse Ransone -- make for a masterful job in the illumination of Garland the woman and performer. Fricke's intelligence, sense of balance, insight, and research are second to none; his writing is first-rate. And the dazzling, welcoming layout gives us the most stunning look-to-date at all facets of Judy Garland's life and times. Someone recently stated that Fricke's previous "World's Greatest Entertainer" focused primarily on her work; this new book stresses Judy as a person while always putting that human being in the context of her professional achievements and astounding workload. PORTRAIT IN ART AND ANECDOTE does an artful job of providing fresh information and perspective for long-time fans and, at the same time, provides the newly-curious with a blueprint of her professional and personal accomplishments: all the pivotal moments, the triumphs, the setbacks, and the challenges faced throughout her life. This book is nothing less than extraordinary -- and certainly worthy of its subject. To my mind, John Fricke is THE only one to have done it so brilliantly. It's unfortunate that Amazon's casual readers and browsers have to be dragged into the idiocy of envious fandom...but the facts -- on behalf on Fricke, his designer, his coworkers, and his publishers -- need to be spelled out. Finally, what honest, real enthusiast would actually whine about a book being too big?!
Rating:
Summary: Another Judy Must-Have
Review: Intelligent, Candid, Insightful and Honest. John Fricke has once again dipped into the well of wonders that is Judy Garland and has come up with a fresh look into all that has made her a legend for over sixty years...
Rating:
Summary: C'mon Get Happy
Review: John Fricke has really outdone himself! I got this book for a Christmas present and since then have become a HUGE Garland fan. This is a great book for any Judy fan or anyone who is interested in learning more about her. It doesnt go way into her life and talk about one subject for 10 pages. It shows you a more personal side of Judy Garland, coming from those who loved her the most. There are alot of good stories, many told by Margret Whiting,the false teeth story is funny. There are quotes on what people thought of her as a entertainer and as a person. Not only are there great stories and quotes there are magnificent pictures. Pictures you cant find anywhere else. There are some great candids of Judy just throwing her head back in laughter. Very nice concert shots, that just give us a glimpse of her fabulous energy. There are even a few unretouched photos as well. Then there are the pictures of her with her kids, you can just see the love shining in her eyes. The last 10 pages of pictures and quotes are so powerful that I at least have to mention two of the pictures. The one of her rose covered coffin being carried down some street in New York, the reporters, the tons of fans that all lost some one, not just a celebrity but some one they thought of as a friend. Then there is the very last page of the entire book, an audience applauding and Judy getting ready to take a bow. Very powerful last page. This book isnt pne that is going to sit on your bookshelf and collect dust. But it is one that will be sitting on your coffe table. The one you look at almost everyday and never get tired of.
Rating: 
Summary: A Real Treasure
Review: Judy Garland deserves more books like this. It is so lavish and glossy, so sleek, and not in an overbearing way in which the style of the book overshadows the content. The layout and design just shows these photos off beautifully. Speaking of photos, those chosen are pretty rare, most in color, VERY large (I'm tired of photo books crammed with tiny pictures)and so expressive! If you love behind the scenes candid shots, you're in for a treat.
On to the text. I've always loved reading the glowing tributes that Judy inspires from her contemporaries, and it's great to have so many collected in one book. The text which accompanies the photos and begins each chapter is very insightful and sheds new light on a subject that has had the spotlight thrown on nearly every dark corner. It's a pleasure to read "clear eyed" (to borrow from another reviewer) and objective sentences that focus on the subject and not on the writer. The subtext of some of the other books written by Garland afficianados seems to shout "look at how much I love her! I love her so much more than you could!" Fricke's subtext seems to be "look at why this woman is loved and just see if you don't love her, too."
I have only two negatives to mention about this book and they are very minor. It would be nice to have an index which focused on the quotes so if you wanted to find out what a specific person had said about Judy you could jump to the index and know it's not leading you to a slight mention of said person.
Second, while most of the content in this book was new to me, many of the quotes are pulled from the previous television biography on A & E. Someone who hasn't seen it over and over again probably wouldn't care about that, though. The truth is, it's incredibly difficult to bring an entertainer's essence to life in a book. Especially when the entertainer is someone as dynamic and vocally stunning as Judy. This book succeeds in doing that, and it's quite an acheivement. Once you buy this book you'll find yourself pulling it off the shelf again and again to enjoy the warmth, energy and beauty of Judy Garland.
Rating:
Summary: JOHN FRICKE DOES IT AGAIN...A Masterpiece!
Review: Judy was THE WORLD'S GREATEST ENTERTAINER, and her finest biographer John Fricke follows up his previous tome with another gorgeous, beautifully written tribute to the magnificent Garland. I'd give it 6 stars out of 5 if I could!
Rating:
Summary: Best New Judy Garland Book
Review: my eyes are still sore from studying all the brand new images that have never been seen before of Judy. i really like the candid behind the scenes shots that capture Judy just being herself. this book is well worth it's weight, and i do mean weight for it weighs a ton, in gold. it is what every one will want on their coffee table this fall. it shows Judy from the 1920's broken up into decades all the way to 1969 when we lost her. but in reading this book i feel that i haven't really lost her at all. she is all there on the glossy glammershot pages and the quite home with the kids pages. i have come to find that anything John Fricke's name is attached to is going to be a HIGH QUALITY product. you can't go wrong with the Fricke name and Garland put together. this book makes me fall in love with Judy all over again. makes me want to put on her movies and listen to her music again. i will forever treasure this book.
Rating:
Summary: Judy Garland: Alive and Well and Living Through John Fricke
Review: Never has Judy's artistry, wit and beauty been so successfully captured in a book than in this must-have tome by John Fricke. Well, I take that back. It was captured once before in "The World's Greatest Entertainer" by, you guessed it: John Fricke. His love and admiration for the subject doesn't gush all over the page, it just helps him, in addition to his natural writing talent, throw a very beautiful spotlight on his genial subject. Judy Garland did not die in 1969. She lives through the talents of John Fricke. God bless them both! Gonzalo Rodriguez
Miami, Florida 11/01/03
Rating:
Summary: QUINTESSENTIAL PORTRAIT OF JUDY
Review: OK, folks. I've bought every Judy Garland biography and/or picture book that's been published since 1970. And as we all know by now most of them painted such a terrible (or inaccurate) picture that it would make one wonder how she could remain so popular in spite of them!!! So I guess it's about time Judy gets her own factual, beautiful coffee-table book. This is now the benchmark by which all other Judy books will be measured. You'll be totally amazed at this pictorial history of the "World's Greatest Entertainer" ... huge, beautiful pictures, accurately documented. Glamour shots, unretouched photos -- it's all here (including full page rotogravures!!). Incredible. John Fricke has surpassed himself -- he ties it all together in his usual, straightforward style, decade-by-decade. No "tragic Judy" story here; just the facts!!! If you didn't know a thing about the woman, you'd come away totally amazed that one person could squeeze so much life into 47 years. And if you need any more convincing, the forward is by Lorna Luft and it's not every day you see her endorsing a Judy project. I cannot believe I bought this book for $35. It is truly the best money I've ever spent on any Judy-related publication. Even at the retail price it is a bargain. You will NOT be sorry. (How about those Carnegie Hall photos and her 1961 tour?? WOW!)
Rating:
Summary: Mission Accomplished!
Review: Other than the mere obvious - that the lady was a great performer - I didn't know a thing about Judy Garland. But thanks to John Fricke and his newly released, "Judy Garland: A Portrait In Art & Anecdote," I now feel as though I am part of Judy and her "in" crowd.
A novice Garland fan such as myself will enjoy the beautiful collection of photos, as well as learn about the entertainer behind the glory through the nostalgic, wistful ways that only those who were closest to her can share with all of us. And because they loved her, worked with her, and just admired her, many of those in the book who provide the accounts - from her own children to legends past and present - do a great job in letting us understand Judy Garland as a complex, funny, genuine human being who just also happened to be the most gifted entertainer of all time.
And older fans who have loved Judy forever will only be happy in adding this book to their collection. Come on, it's Judy! It will never get tired!
John Fricke is a talented writer and historian. When it comes to everything Garland, there is no contest, no one else in his league. He has preserved Judy for people who were fans then and for those new fans now. Lorna Luft's introduction at the beginning and her praise for Fricke proves this - You know you're doing something right when the kids say it's all right! Fricke is the best and only authentic Garland scribe.
And thanks to Ranse Ransone, the whole book is eye candy. The cover itself just captures you! From font to color to overall design. It is so wonderful to enjoy a book where images are bright and clear and not just complicated with cluttered layouts, or clumsily put together in a way that does not make sense, or that is getting desperate for some new material. "Art & Anecdote" reeks of style and substance.
I know that over the years, there have been many books about Judy Garland. But for someone like myself who has just "discovered" her, this achievement by John Fricke is exceptional and appreciated because it is concise, informative, and just gorgeous to look at. From the rare pictures to the quotes from Judy herself, "Art & Anecdote" is an original revelation. It was a treat as well as an indulgence and it made me grow fat with Judy knowledge. You will savor every section, as did I, and will be disappointed when you turn to that last page and realize that the journey is over for now... Well, at least until John Fricke blesses us all with his next Garland endeavor.
Rating: 
Summary: Overpriced author/publisher self-indulgence
Review: Scott Schechter who wrote The Day to Day Chronicle of a Legend bills himself as the "the premier Judy Garland historian" and Fricke calls himself "the leading Judy Garland historian." Hmmmm... Schechter's book wasn't worth a dime. This book by Fricke is gorgeous, glossy and glitzy, BUT I wonder how necessary all of that was. I loved John Fricke's book World's Greatest Entertainer, and his Oz 50th Anniversary book. This new book is almost too large and too heavy to enjoy. I tend to think that it was really an exercise in (over) self-indulgence and self-aggrandizement, by both the author and the publisher. The price is way too high. Many of the photos have been seen before, most recently in the book Judy In Celebration and Judy Garland Photographs & Memories, maybe without the glitz, but they provided the same photos with more info and at a more reasonable price for the vast majority of fans. John Fricke has a select following and they will most definitely enjoy this book, but for me it was way overdone for self-gain.
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