The son of a deranged Italian immigrant; Joseph Grimaldi (1778-1837) was the most celebrated of English clowns. The first to use white-face make-up and wear outrageous coloured clothes; he completely transformed the role of the Clown in the pantomime with a look as iconic as Chaplins tramp or Tommy Coopers magician. One of the first celebrity comedians; his friends included Lord Byron and the actor Edmund Kean; and his memoirs were edited by the young Charles Dickens. But underneath the stage paint; Grimaldi struggled with depression and his life was blighted with tragedy. His first wife died in childbirth and his son would go on to drink himself to death. In later life; the extreme physicality of his performances left him disabled and in constant pain. The outward joy and tomfoolery of his performances masked a dark and depressing personal life; and instituted the modern figure of the glum; brooding comedian. Drawing on a wealth of source material; Stott has written the definitive biography of Grimaldi and a highly nuanced portrait of Georgian theatre in London; from the frequent riots at Drury Lane to the spectacular excess of its arch-rival Sadlers Wells; from stage elephants running amok to recreations of Admiral Nelsons sea battles on flooded stages at the height of the Napoleonic Wars. Joseph Grimaldi left an indelible mark on British theatre and the performing arts; but his legacy is one of human struggle; battling demons and giving it his all in the face of adversity.
#1640694 in eBooks 2009-09-25 2009-10-13File Name: B002QHATKQ
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Not Anthonys bestBy BolterI read Slash by Anthony Bozza and loved it. I am not even a fan of Slash or GNR; however. I am fascinated about most things having to do with Rock musicians.I actually like AC/DC. yet this book was a letdown for me. Mr. Bozza kept repeating the same elements over and over (seemed that way to me at least).The reviewer who said this would make a better magazine article was absolutely correct in my opinion.Finally. it was too short a book for the price. yet rather conflicting for me was it was too long based on what was actually written - due to the subject matter repeating over and over.My feeling upon finishing the book was that I just read a (long) introduction and I kept expecting the actual book to start. A shortened version of the book would actually make a great introduction to an AC/DC history book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book! Anthony Bozza breaks it down as to ...By Jodine HammerandExcellent book! Anthony Bozza breaks it down as to why AC/DCs music is so important.Plus. just the bands methodology and the fact that their concerts are FOR the fans. andnot just for them to make $$. They play their hearts and souls out for three hours.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy AnoymousNailed it...
