Work Hard, Have Fun, Make Money: The Tractor Supply Story

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Well written but...

Astonishingly well-written, very thorough

Work Hard, Have Fun, Make Money: The Tractor Supply Story
Nelson Eddy
Manufacturer: Tractor Supply Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0976106604

Customer Reviews:

Well written but..........2007-09-22

I agree with the other reviewer that this book is very well written and is inspiring to read about a company that almost tanked but managed to come back to life. However, the working environment the book portrays that the company has is completely fiction. As someone with intimate knowledge of the company's operations, I can speak to the environment which is neither inspiring nor motivating. The company is very dictatorially managed by a CEO who has surrounded himself with many yes men and one yes woman. Once Joe moves on, this company is probably in some serious trouble if this group is left to manage it as they couldn't find their way to the boardroom without Mapquest. So enjoy the book for the non-fiction parts like the history and timeline, but as the saying goes, don't believe everything you read which would apply to the portions that relate to inspiring and motivating employees who work there and what a great working environment it is. The author clearly used creative licensing with those portions.

Astonishingly well-written, very thorough.......2007-09-07

I've read thousands of books. Honestly, this was the first time that I finished and wanted to contact the author and thank him for doing such a great job.

I can't imagine the time, effort, and resources that had to go into writing this book. The history, the timelines, the personalities. I especially enjoyed reading about the machinations of acquisitions, how sometimes BIG decisions were made on the fly, and how a tight management team can accomplish just about anything. Just a marvelously well-written book.

Anyone in business will enjoy reading about the growth, almost demise, and resurgence of a company with humble beginnings.

Thank you! Highly recommended.

Sweethearts:The Timeless Love Affair -- On-Screen and Off -- Between Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, updated edition

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The Beautiful MacEddys
a brilliant read
The Sweethearts of the 20th Century
A Great Book
Exhaustive Research Portrays an On and Off Screen Romance

Sweethearts:The Timeless Love Affair -- On-Screen and Off -- Between Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, updated edition
Sharon Rich
Manufacturer: Bell Harbour Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0971199817
Release Date: 2001-12-18

Book Description

"Sweethearts" is the true story of one of Hollywood's greatest cover-ups: the love affair between Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. Known as 'America's Singing Sweethearts' of the 1930s and 40s, they made eight box office hits together for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and became the most popular singing team in movie history. Rumor had it that they hated each other off-screen but the truth was that they were secretly engaged in the summer of 1935 while filming their famous "Mountie" movie, "Rose Marie." Interference by studio boss Louis B. Mayer triggered a series of tragic events that caused them to self-destruct their film careers, health and ultimately their lives. Read about MacDonald's four pregnancies by Eddy, her relationship with studio boss Louis B. Mayer, her marriage to bisexual Gene Raymond (who flaunted affairs with Buddy Rogers, Robert Stack, Cesar Romero, Rock Hudson and Jan Clayton). On the rebound, Eddy wed a mentally unstable woman who blackmailed him into marriage, threatened to disfigure MacDonald, and vowed to go to the press with the scandal if Eddy tried to divorce her. Eddy turned to young women when he and MacDonald were at odds, and several of them have gone on record in this book for the first time. Despite all the high drama, Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy had a fierce, spiritual bond and loved each other to the end. The author was a close friend of MacDonald's older sister plus had access to a wealth of unpublished letters, eyewitness accounts, diary entries, love letters and the unfinished memoirs of both Jeanette MacDonald and Isabel Eddy, Nelson's mother. Rich also interviewed over 200 co-stars, co-workers, family and friends. Included among her more famous sources were MGM stars Rise Stevens and Miliza Korjus, opera stars Rose Bampton, Helen Jepson and Theodor Uppman, MGM co-workers William Tuttle and Fred Phillips, and U.S. Senate Chaplain Richard Halverson who, in his youth, was MacDonald's butler/chauffeur and had occasion to observe her interaction both with Nelson Eddy and Gene Raymond. This is a completely rewritten and updated version of the 1994 edition, including an additional chapter, new information in every chapter, more photos and over 50 pages of source notes.

"Sweethearts" was a selection of the Entertainment Book Club and the #1 Best Seller on Booksurge.com for 4 weeks in March 2002.

Reviews:

"Offers considerable proof they may have been secret lovers for years." Robert Osborne

"Sweethearts" is one of the finest books about Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Hollywood during the Golden Era. It is a bittersweet love story of a famous couple whose musical duets on the silver screen thrilled a generation of moviegoers. They were a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With the knowledge, thanks to Miss Rich, that the actors were in love off the screen, gives their films a heartbeat. Included are love letters, notes from diaries, and observations of those who kept their secret. You will enjoy every word of "Sweethearts" and you will find a new meaning when viewing their musicals. Then you'll read it a second time." -Jane Ellen Wayne, Author, The Golden Guys of MGM

"The star-crossed love affair of the century....The account is anything but sugar-coated. Ms. Rich's book certainly contains much to raise the eyebrows. She names names and pulls no punches. Still, this is not a sensational expose; one comes away feeling sorry for the protagonists, and wishing that their story could have had a happier resolution....Scrupulously documented...give[s] credibility to an amazing story." Rob Ray, "Past Times"

"Rich affords a long, exciting, revealing look at two of the most important screen personalities of the 1930s. Vital reading to anyone interested in film history, Hollywood, or popular culture." Mike Tribby, "Booklist"

"A surprisingly interesting look at two people so wrapped up in make-believe that they began taking it seriously." Harry Bowman, "Dallas Morning News"

"A bonanza for MacDonald/Eddy fans." "Kirkus Reviews"

"This book rings true. Fans will love it." John Smothers, Library Journal

Customer Reviews:

The Beautiful MacEddys.......2007-10-17

I was only a child, a very young child,perhaps six or seven, when I first saw the Jeanette Macdonald and Nelson Eddy movie, Naughty Marietta. Although i didn't understand the film's plot, I was enchanted by the two stars. When I recently saw the movie again, I understood why I was so enchanted as a child. The love between Jeanette and Nelson as they sang was transmitted right into the audience and into the heart of that six or seven-year child. I was orphaned soon after and suffered many years in an abusive family, but the emotional memory of that film was like an inner candle helping me to survive and remember that there is such a thing as love.

a brilliant read.......2007-01-11

this book was bought as a gift for my mum and next to her videos of this couple is her all time favourite book.she was amazed at how much in love they were and the history of their lives.now my sister and myself can't wait to read it,so all in all i think it was one of my better buys thanks to the author who seems to have gone into great detail.

The Sweethearts of the 20th Century.......2006-07-01

This book is so well documented with names, dates, and places. It is hard not to believe after seeing the MacDonald/Eddy movies over and over again. Since I have been a Mac/Eddy fan for a very long time, this book satisfied my own perception of these two wonderful people and their relationship. The book is a remarkable memorial to them.

A Great Book.......2006-03-16

I enjoyed reading this book very much...and it rings true with documentation to prove it. It was enjoyable to read..as I have been a fan of Jeanette and Nelson for years and own 7 of their movies.

Exhaustive Research Portrays an On and Off Screen Romance.......2005-11-03

Sweethearts will appeal most to those who are already devoted fans of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. The book will also prove to be fascinating reading for those who like to read about doomed romances. I also hope that some young people will read this book and learn important lessons about life and love.

The strength of this book is in Ms. Rich's exhaustive research into the written and oral sources concerning Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy to display their covert relationship. Ms. Rich interviewed more than 200 people who were close to the stars and read many hither-to-unpublished sources to fill in the blanks.

With evidence coming from so many sources, this book is clearly based on fire as well as smoke . . . as opposed to the usual expose by a tabloid newspaper or a dirt-digging author. Ms. Rich also takes a fan's view and does a fine job of describing the artistic parts of the two stars' lives.

Here are the basic facts of the romance as described in the book. Nelson Eddy was blessed with a wonderful voice and good looks while held back by an immature personality. Jeanette MacDonald was an established movie star when she first saw Eddy and was powerfully attracted. Although their initial movie work was fraught with tension, they did finally fall for one another in real life. But the studio didn't want that because it might harm the box office appeal of their successful pictures. Eddy demanded that MacDonald give up her career to be a wife and mother. MacDonald didn't want to because her career was the center of her life. So they didn't marry. On the rebound, MacDonald married a man who reminded her of Eddy . . . but who turned out to be bisexual (with a stronger preference for men). Shocked by finding that out, the marriage didn't really take. Eddy, in his turn, managed to be blackmailed into marrying a woman he didn't like. Escaping these poor marriage choices, MacDonald and Eddy slipped in and out of intimacy for many years . . . including several pregnancies. Eddy and MacDonald weren't willing to go through divorces at the same time . . . although they continually talked about it. So they mostly spent stolen moments together when they were supposed to be doing something else. Their ups and downs were also influenced by Eddy's inclination to be attracted to more than one woman.

Ms. Rich does a fine job of providing biographies of both stars, a history of their film work as well as her love story of their romance. It's a fine, balanced work that I highly recommend to those who find these subjects appealing. You will be especially delighted to read extensive writings by the people involved.

Having said so many nice things about the book, you may be wondering about the four-star rating.

I decided to grade the book down for three reasons . . . none of which may bother you. If these reasons don't bother you, I suggest you think of this as a five-star book . . . as many people do and will.

First, the book contains more detail than I really wanted to know. I would have liked the book better if it was about 30% shorter.

Second, the reproduction quality of the photographs is usually poor. Although I enjoyed seeing the photographs, I found them disappointing in most cases because of the printing quality.

Third, the book needed more editing. This is an updated edition, but it contains a lot of typos that any word processing program would have caught. In addition, many of the extensive quotes should have been shortened down to their nub . . . for greater impact.

I have not read any other books about these two stars so I cannot compare the work to what else is available. But due to the extensive research and unique access to many of the witnesses, I find it hard to imagine that a more authentic book exists on this subject.

When you read this book, I also suggest that you arrange to view some of the films that are described in the book. Consider Naughty Marietta and Sweethearts as your choices.

May you and your sweetheart live more happily ever after than Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy did!

Sweethearts: The Timeless Love Affair - On-screen and Off - Between Jeanette MacDonald

Average customer rating:

Both THUMBS UP for this Book! Long Live Jeanette & Nelson!
Truth Will Out
Two thumbs up--Awesome Book! Where's the Movie Version?
Two thumbs down
Tragic Love Affair Validated

Sweethearts: The Timeless Love Affair - On-screen and Off - Between Jeanette MacDonald
Sharon Rich
Manufacturer: Dutton Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1556114079

Customer Reviews:

Both THUMBS UP for this Book! Long Live Jeanette & Nelson!.......2003-03-11

I've read both new biographys of Jeanette MacDonald and I would really recommend this one. The one written by Mr. Turk is a sugar-coated silly tribute to Gene Raymond. Jeanette and Nelson were obvioulsy very much in love. This seems evident by just how they looked at one another. Both of them seem somewhat lost today. It's really a shame that society has sunk so low. We can only hope that their kind will come back sometime soon! This book is such a good read and very entertaining while still being very honest and candid. I too have first hand knowledge by way of another Hollywood Luminary, none other than Ann Sothern who was a frequent co-star with Gene Raymond in the 1930's and a fellow player at MGM in the early 1940's. Ms. Sothern shared some very interesting facts regarding the MacDonald/Eddy relationship. It is such a shame that they were not able to live a life together. Many years from now, the written words and gossip will all be forgotten, but the films they made for us will live forever. Thanks Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald from the bottom of my heart for sharing your wonderful talents with us, We all hope you are singing together forever more!

Truth Will Out.......2002-08-30

At last, something other than those family "authorized" bios defending the status quo. Nelson & Jeanette had a 35 year love affair, well documented in this book. Despite their gorgeous voices, looks and talent, there was no happy ending for these sweethearts. Let's hope this book will dispell some of the myths about happy marriages, that were dismal failures and circumstances that conspired to keep these lovers apart. With this book, those who still deny their love will have to face reality.

Two thumbs up--Awesome Book! Where's the Movie Version?.......2002-03-10

I read both the 1994 edition and the new 2001 updated paperback edition of "Sweethearts." Both are excellent, well-written, well-researched and tear-jerkers! I like the new chapter that tells how Miss Rich met and became friends with Jeanette's sister Blossom, who got her started on this story. Also in the new version I counted 56 pages of meticulous source notes, including reproductions of letters (from previously annonymous sources who have since died)for those who have to see it to believe it, Gene Raymond's arrest log, FBI files, etc. Famous people who are still alive and knew about the Jeanette-Nelson romance are quoted by name. No documentation? Get real! Arguing that Mayer was called "Louie B." in the book is a minus point? He WAS called either that or L.B. to his name--and a lot worse names behind his back! Nelson Eddy called him "Louie B." in interviews, so what is the problem here? Also, so what if some of the author's sources who are still living haven't decided to turn over private letters to a library. It has no bearing on the validity of those letters. Miss Rich played a lengthy videotape in Los Angeles last year at a Mac/Eddy luncheon of the owner of some of the letters. The elderly woman held the original letters up to the camera and read lengthy selections out loud, even some of the more graphic ones. Word for word, they were exactly as quoted in the book. Bottom line: Nelson Eddy bedded Jeanette MacDonald, as often as he could, it seems. So get over it! All I want to know is, Miss Rich, where's the movie version? We're waiting impatiently! I'm certain even the younger generation can learn from this tragic story of two people who discovered too late how much they loved each other. But until the movie is made, I highly recommend the book for any fan of old Hollywood or anyone who wants to read a true-life "Romeo and Juliet."

Two thumbs down.......2002-03-07

I've written several books on classic movie actors and actresses from the silent era to the present, and found this title at a used book store while in the U.S. After reading it, I must say it made quite a romantic story, but couldn't help being disappointed in the author's amateurish abilities as a writer. [Louis B. Mayer's first name is NOT spelled "Louie", for instance...] To begin with, I found the "Sources" at the back of the book very questionable. Sources given as "Newspaper clipping" (without dates) and also the old standby "Anonymous source" don't quite measure up to the standards of a true film historian. If you can't name and date your source, don't write it! Lastly, many of the sources can't be found in public libraries for researchers to access, they are letters housed in the "author's collection." As a historian, I could only recommend this book to Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy fans as a collector's item. Even if the author's claims ARE true, this book is very poorly written and documented, and would not be a definitive source of information for anyone wanting to know more about Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. Most, if not all, film historians like myself would dismiss this kind of writing as something suitable for tabloid newspapers. From what I understand, most already have.

Tragic Love Affair Validated.......2001-09-02

Have just finished a second reading of Sharon Rich's beautifully done biography. It verifies what all the Nelson and Jeanette fans have felt, despite an organized effort on the part of Gene Raymond's supporters to demonize Nelson, and destroy his reputation. Unfortunately, they have succeeded---until now, although, they are still writing their poison pen letters in an attempt to deny the truth. Ms. Rich has set forth of wealth of documentation for anyone who cares to explore the tragic story of their attempt to fulfill their love. All the forces united against them--Louis B. Mayer, some of Jeanette's fan clubs, Gene Raymond( who had many years to push his own agenda) have prevailed with their propaganda, but, hopefully, this book will mark a change. Thank you Sharon Rich.Christine

The Complete Films of Jeanette Macdonald and Nelson Eddy

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If you're a fan you must get this one!
OK reference

The Complete Films of Jeanette Macdonald and Nelson Eddy
Philip Castanza
Manufacturer: Citadel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0806507713

Customer Reviews:

If you're a fan you must get this one!.......2005-06-30

This is the one book every fan of Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald must have. Unfortunately most of Nelson and Jeanette's films aren't on DVD and they can be very difficult to find. With this book you can learn about every single one of the movies they made together and separately. Each film is covered in great detail from the plot to the songs to the behind-the-scenes stories. The photos in this book are stunning - many are full page and many I had never seen before. I don't think anyone who loves America's Singing Sweethearts will be disappointed with this book :-)

OK reference.......2003-11-24

This book contains a lot of factual errors about the films, and it is not particularly insightful about anything in particular. Its biographical and pictorial coverage is more complete on Jeanette's behalf than Nelson's. Then again, Jeanette did have the longer film career and a fortuitous association with the celebrated Lubitsch. All in all, for the price, it's a respectable buy. I bought it in hardcover for the pictures (some are beautiful, some seem strange choices).

The Films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy

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The Films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy by Eleanor Knowles
wonderful
A book for all true movie buffs!
A magnificent document of a Golden Era in film musicals
The Films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, 2006

The Films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy
Eleanor Knowles
Manufacturer: Booksurge LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1419601008
Release Date: 2007-02-09

Product Description

HE was a tall, fair-haired, classically trained baritone from the opera and concert stage. SHE was a petite redhead who had danced her way out of the chorus to become a musical comedy star on Broadway. In the dark days of the Depression, this unlikely combination collided almost accidentally on a movie sound stage, and the sparks ignited a nation. Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, separately and together, made movie history. They starred in some of the greatest musicals of the Golden Age of Hollywood, films that continue to enchant and inspire. Detailed film credits by John Cocchi, plots, and backgrounds for their 41 films; complete music lists by J. Peter Bergman, biographies of the two stars, complete discography, and 591 photos from the Golden Years of Hollywood musicals.

Customer Reviews:

The Films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy by Eleanor Knowles.......2007-08-29

This book is a rich banquet of details about the films that Jeanette and Nelson made together. Beyond that are wonderful details about the stars themselves, the making of the films, tne circumstances and the other stars involved. It is the personal information which so enriches this book. Eleanor brings them to life in detail and with hundreds of wonderful pictures.. Eleanor is a fabulous writer who has brought these two to life for the reader to remember or learn about for the first time.
This is a must for every movie buff and for all those who remember the Golden Years when these two Stars ruled the musical screen.

wonderful.......2007-05-07

There are no words to describe this wonderful book and Jeanette Macdonald and Nelson Eddy I always enjoy to have any thing that reminds them.

A book for all true movie buffs!.......2006-12-17

Eleanor Knowles' book on the films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy is the sort you keep coming back to. Each time you walk past it on your coffee table, you open at a page, read and are transported back to the Golden Era of movies. For someone who loves to find out all the little "behind the scenes" bits and pieces, this book is ideal. There is so much of interest. All the backgound information on the two stars, the cast of their films, how the films evolved - makes for interesting reading. Too many people have the misconception that once MacDonald and Eddy's film careers finished that they "disappeared off into the sunset of retirement". Not so. Eleanor presents two people who worked in various fields as long as they were able. If possible, Eleanor has improved on her original book and presents an intelligent, well-researched and lovingly crafted tome that should be on any serious movie buff's book shelf!

A magnificent document of a Golden Era in film musicals.......2006-12-10

The original edition of this authoritative book provided me with many happy memories during my childhood and I was delighted to learn of its recent expanded and updated reissue. My glossy new copy has pride of place in my home!

Eleanor Knowles passion for these immortal personalities is obvious and shines on every page. She delivers a thoroughly detailed document leaving no stone unturned. The splendid THE FILMS OF JEANETTE MACDONALD AND NELSON EDDY is a landmark book in this genre and deserves to be in every public and private library. It is something one returns to to learn from the past. Profound thanks!

The Films of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, 2006.......2006-10-30

In the midst of all the wonderful detail every movie buff relishes, Eleanor Knowles never forgets a constant focus on Nelson and Jeanette, both as real people and Hollywood icons. Never bogging down in academic language, she writes with intensity, accuracy, and humor, in a direct style everyone can understand. If you are looking for definitive reference material or reflective insight on MacDonald and Eddy and those who surrounded them, it's all here. This re-edited edition is chock full of new information, and Ms. Knowles is THE authority to put it all together. Wow!

Firestone : A Legend. A Century. A Celebration. The Firestone Centennial 1900-2000

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Firestone : A Legend. A Century. A Celebration. The Firestone Centennial 1900-2000
Paul Dickson , and William Hickman
Manufacturer: Forbes Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0828113386

Nelson Eddy, America's Favorite Baritone: An Authorized Biographical Tribute

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Closer to the Truth
Don't be so hard on this book
Sad. Save your Money.
SAVE YOUR MONEY...DON'T BUY THIS BOOK
Ludicrous and lame bio of a lusty and great singer!

Nelson Eddy, America's Favorite Baritone: An Authorized Biographical Tribute
Gail Lulay
Manufacturer: Authors Choice Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0595138799

Book Description

When MGM paired Nelson with Jeanette MacDonald in "Naughty Marietta", America's Sweethearts were born. They became a source of frenzied curiosity for years to come. Rumors of their feuds and love affairs abounded. Nelson was fiercely protective of his private life, even aloof at times, but always captivating, always charming and always, always...a gentleman. Little known anecdotes and stories of Nelson the concert singer, the radio personality, the motion picture idol, and the multitalented painter and sculptor bring him to life. Then when movies lost their gilded edge, he risked his career by bypassing the wave of the future, television. He and his partner, Gale Sherwood, became the hottest nightclub act of the fifties. From opera to the nitery crowd, Nelson did it all. It is all here...his triumphs and his private heartbreaks, his insecurities and dreams. His sister Ginny says, "It's Nelson to a tee".

Customer Reviews:

Closer to the Truth.......2004-07-16

While Ms. Lulay's book has been described by those who knew Mr. Eddy as being a superficial biography, I can't help but feel it is much closer to the truth of this talented man's life than the "Sweethearts" biography. I would recommend this book for anyone seriously interested in learning more about Nelson Eddy, his life and his career.

Don't be so hard on this book.......2004-06-12

Certainly Ms. Lulay isn't the best author ever, but one has to admire her for portraying Nelson as a more believeable person than another author has done.

It's nice to read a book about someone by someone who isn't out to unearth the sins and scandals of a Hollywood person. It's nice to know that out there there are other people who agree with me on the point that Nelson was a gentleman who loved his wife - not some abusive, alcholic, obsessive person out to rape his leading lady. Nelson's reputation as a person while he was alive so contradicted this odd view that one has to believe Lulay is much closer to the truth.

What's wrong with a man who likes to read and spends a quiet life at home, shut away from the world when not performing? Nothing. I think that's rather normal. It's certainly far more admirable and more refreshing to think about than illicit affairs and the like.

This book is easy to read and I recommend it far above the other book out there that (sadly) most people run into first.

I'm sure I'll receive flack from people for having said a good word for this book, but that's OK. It's my opinion, and I'm not going to force it on anyone.

Sad. Save your Money........2003-07-28

1. If you are already a fan of Nelson Eddy, you can read everything in this biography elsewhere, or you've already heard it in a dozen places. This book says nothing about him that gives you any insights into HIS life, HIS work, HIS interests. It paints an obviously whitewashed portrait of a thrillingly unconventional man. Nelson was anything but bland, square, and conservative, but the author seems to want him to be so, and portrays him in this fashion to suit her taste.

2. If you are not already a fan of Nelson Eddy, and are ignorant about his life, you will not be able to read this at all. The writing is incoherent, to say the least, and laden with grievous errors of the worst kinds throughout. Basically, it reads like it was pieced together, mix 'n' match, from fan journals, news clippings, and the like. Nelson Eddy still needs a talented writer who really understands him, one with an analytical mind, to do justice to any discussion of his career and life achievements.

3. The pictures (many of which are more than a little obviously selected to portray Nelson's relationship with the Eddy side of his family in the most friendly, chummy light possible), are indeed very poorly reproduced here. Don't buy this edition for the pictures. (The first edition is expensive and hard to find, by the way, but those pictures are acceptable in reproduction quality)

SO, to sum up, this book will neither give new insights to old fans, nor will it be readable or enjoyable to new fans. Sadly, it's not of much use at all.

SAVE YOUR MONEY...DON'T BUY THIS BOOK.......2002-08-02

Anyone who claims to be a Nelson Eddy/Jeanette MacDonald fan, then writes a tepid 'sugar coated' biography deserves to have scathing reviews heaped upon the book.

This is one of the worst biographies I have ever read. Almost everything in here has a false note to it. Any Eddy fan knows that the love of his life was Jeanette MacDonald and that Ann Eddy only used him for his name and stature.

Aside from all the untruths in this book, the rest of it is all mish/mash and fodder. This book does a great injustice to a great singer and a fine actor.

If you want to get the real Nelson Eddy story...read "Sweethearts" by Sharon Rich. There you will get the real truth and I wonder why biographers continually support the myth that both Eddy and MacDonald were happily married to others. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Save your money folks....this book is not worth it, believe me!

Ludicrous and lame bio of a lusty and great singer!.......2002-03-10

Nelson Eddy met his future wife Ann Franklin in 1933 and fell madly in love with her...but didn't marry her till 1939? Isn't it kind of suspicious that in another well-documented book, "Sweethearts," we learn that Nelson was going hot-and-heavy with his co-star Jeanette MacDonald and got her pregnant twice during those years? The second time was in 1938 when RELIABLE SOURCES like The L.A. Times and Look Magazine repeatedly talk about Jeanette getting a divorce from Gene Raymond and place her in the hospital toward the end of 1938 and Hedda Hopper all but comes out and says that she had a miscarriage? But then, Jeanette's divorce doesn't happen...and then suddenly, shortly after, Nelson elopes with Ann? Doesn't Gale Lulay smell anything fishy about this? Isn't she interested in what drove Nelson into his marriage? Obviously not. Nor is she interested in the unusual living arrangement Nelson had in his last decade of life--leaving his wife at home and traveling on the road with his nightclub partner, Gale Sherwood. Forget the comments of opera star Robert Merrill and other people who don't make any bones about the fact that Nelson and Gale were "an item." Yet once again Gale Lulay denies, denies, denies, even using Gale Sherwood as a source to claim that there was NEVER anything between her and Nelson, or Jeanette and Nelson. Don't insult our intelligence!

The Rosary: New Introduction by Sharon Rich, comments by Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy

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The Rosary: New Introduction by Sharon Rich, comments by Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy

Manufacturer: Bell Harbour Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0971199876
Release Date: 2005-06-22

Product Description

In 1948 Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald hoped to make a film of THE ROSARY. The original novel plus a new introduction explains the MacDonald-Eddy connection. Includes love letters and rare photos.

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Not just a movie star.
Excellent book of early career of our Greatest Baritone!

Nelson Eddy: The Opera Years

Manufacturer: Bell Harbour Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0971199809
Release Date: 2001-11-26

Product Description

The most complete and accurate coverage of Nelson Eddy's early career ever published! Before becoming a movie star, Nelson was an opera star. This photo-filled book is a study of that career and a compilation of virtually every review written about him from 1922 until 1935, when his success in the MGM musical "Naughty Marietta" convinced him that his future was in Hollywood. Included are clippings from his personal scrapbooks with his handwritten notations and many rare photographs, all his operas (including some tenor and bass roles), his oratorios, radio, earliest interviews and insight into his youthful romances. A bonus chapter includes Jeanette MacDonald's opera career (1943-45), plus coverage and rare photos of their operatic scenes in the lost "Tosca" Act II from Maytime. Also, there are excerpts from an unproduced movie script written by Nelson on the life of Feodor Chaliapin, in which he had planned to play dual roles--Chaliapin and himself.

This book was the #2 Best Seller on Booksurge.com for 4 weeks in March 2002.

Reviews:

"For those who think, like I do, that Nelson Eddy was America's Greatest Baritone, this book is a must. You see how hard Nelson worked to get to the top of his profession, starting with his first professional performance. Sometimes he sang 2 or 3 times a week, and all the reviews and interviews are here. If he had a cold or was flirting onstage with his singing co-star, it's all here. I liked the reproductions from his scrapbooks with his personal comments. After reading the excerpts from Nelson's Chaliapin screenplay, I'm sorry he never had a chance to make that movie. The coverage of Jeanette MacDonald's opera career was equally thorough and interesting, since people tend to diss her (apparently unfairly) as an opera singer. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in either star or in the history of 20th Century American opera."

"Nelson Eddy was the lead baritone for the Philadelphia Opera Co. for over a dozen years before he made a film. It is regrettable that he is remembered for 16 motion pictures rather than the operas he sang so beautifully in. This book has all the reviews, showing how the critics loved him, and the responses of the audiences who could never get enough of the young, multi talented baritone. The book covers those first 12 years of his opera career, and shows him to be the first successful cross over artist, going smoothly from opera to popular music without missing a beat."

Customer Reviews:

Not just a movie star........2003-07-12

Nelson Eddy was the lead baritone for the Philadelphia Opera Co. for over a dozen years before he made a film. It is regretable that he is remembered for 16 motion pictures rather than the operas he sang so beautifully in. This book has all the reviews,showing how the critics loved him,and the responses of the audiences who could never get enough of the young, multi talented baritone. The book covers those first 12 years of his opera career, and shows him to be the first successful cross over artist, going smoothly from opera to popular music without missing a beat.

Excellent book of early career of our Greatest Baritone!.......2003-01-09

For those who think, like I do, that Nelson Eddy was America's Greatest Baritone, this book is a must. You see how hard Nelson worked to get to the top of his profession, starting with his first professional performance. Sometimes he sang 2 or 3 times a week, and all the reviews and interviews are here. If he had a cold or was flirting onstage with his singing co-star, it's all here. I liked the reproductions from his scrapbooks with his personal comments. After reading the excerpts from Nelson's Chaliapin screenplay, I'm sorry he never had a chance to make that movie. The coverage of Jeanette MacDonald's opera career was equally thorough and interesting, since people tend to diss her (apparently unfairly)as an opera singer. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in either star or in the history of 20th Century American opera.

Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy Paper Dolls in Full Color

Average customer rating:

very nice
Nelson and MacDonald
This is a "must have" for the collector...
This is a "must have" for the collector...

Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy Paper Dolls in Full Color
Tom Tierney
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Sweethearts:The Timeless Love Affair -- On-Screen and Off -- Between Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, updated edition

ASIN: 0486271412

Book Description

Famed film couple — "America's Singing Sweethearts" of the 1930s and '40s — represented by 2 dolls and 25 authentic and beautifully rendered costumes from 8 films, including "Naughty Marietta," "Bittersweet," "Maytime," "The Girl of the Golden West," "Sweethearts," "Rose Marie," "New Moon," and "I Married an Angel."

Customer Reviews:

very nice.......2007-05-07

Who love Jeanette Macdonald and Nelson Eddy will accept them in any shpe.

Nelson and MacDonald.......2005-04-13

These paper dolls are not up to Tom Tierney's usual standard. The dolls themselves are well drawn, but some of the costumes are too bright in color and look as if they've been drawn by someone else (eg the lace gown from "Maytime", the ballgown from "Naughty Marietta", to name just two). It would have been good to include more of the wonderful contemporary costumes designed by Adrian for Miss MacDonald, instead of focusing almost exclusively on the period/theatrical pieces.

This is a "must have" for the collector..........2001-11-23

The Jeanette MacDonald & Nelson Eddy paper dolls are a collectors dream. So artistically beautiful and in brilliant magnificent color. I reccomend purchasing several just in case you might want to actually cut one up for playful purposes. It's truly a fun collectable item to have.

This is a "must have" for the collector..........2001-11-23

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