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Icon: The Life, Times, and Films of Marilyn Monroe Volume 1 1926 to 1956
Goddess...Legend...Icon... You thought you knew her...but never before like this. Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962) survived a childhood marked by abuse, neglect, & chaos to become a psychological, cultural, & spiritual phenomenon of the Twentieth Century. Her remarkable life, brilliant film career, & posthumous legend have been deconstructed in over 600 biographies. Psychotherapist & author Gary Vitacco-Robles reframes & redefines the fascinating woman behind the iconic image through an analysis of her psyche and an appreciation of her film & stage performances. After a decade of meticulous research, Vitacco-Robles offers a treasure trove of facts comprehensively documenting each year of Monroe's inspiring life within the context of her tumultuous times & through her relationships with literary, entertainment, & political figures. Monroe is resurrected a half-century after her tragic death in this detailed & sensitive biography which intelligently explores her passionate to be loved, become a serious actress, & have a family. Based upon interviews, diaries, & personal files--and void of The Life, Times, & Films of Marilyn Monroe dispels many myths & reveals the ultimate truth about Hollywood's most charismatic, beloved, & enduring star.
- GenresBiography
788 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 11, 2014
I have just finished reading Icon: The Life, Times And Films of Marilyn Monroe Volume I - 1926 to 1956, by Gary Vitacco-Robles and I can say with absolute truthfulness - it does what it says on the cover!
As a long term collector and reader of books about Monroe - I am always looking forward to a good new Marilyn read, unfortunately on many occasions I have been disappointed. I'm thrilled this has not been one of those occasions!
Firstly I will say what this book is not… this book is not a quick read, it's a hefty 634 pages, discounting notes and bibliography etc (I'm told Volume II weighs in at around 1,000!)
It's not a photo book - if you want a book with photos I suggest books such as Milton's Marilyn, An Evening With Marilyn by Douglas Kirkland, and the Last Sitting by Bert Stern. I could go on and on - there are many great photographic books out there - this is not one of them!
What this book IS, is a wonderful documentary of Marilyn's life, times and films. Accurately and painstakingly researched, the Author sets before us a chronological view of events, flirting on the periphery of the lives of other people who stepped into Marilyn's timeline. For example, I learned that George Sanders, who worked with Marilyn on All About Eve committed suicide in 1972, leaving behind a suicide note that actually made me sad but at the same time laugh out loud. He truly endeared himself to me, I just understood! His caustic wit was sharp to the end.
Whilst you read this book, you find yourself walking through Old Hollywood - step by step, experiencing not just Marilyn but Marilyn's experiences!
For me, what sets this apart from many previous biographies is that it is more 'whole' that the evidence is solid and traceable - this Author has done the leg work!
There is no over sentimentality in this book, whilst there will always be a bias when a book is written by someone who is so obviously also a fan of his subject, this is a book about a real woman who lived, breathed, made mistakes and achieved amazing heights both personally and professionally.
Unfortunately, there is one negative observation that I do feel I have to mention in this review - there seems to have been a serious issue with proof reading/copy editing - there are numerous typos, grammatical errors etc - I have heard via the grapevine that this has been addressed in reprint - but my book is absolutely peppered with copy mistakes.
Because Icon is such a worthwhile and enjoyable read for anyone remotely interested in Marilyn and Hollywood - I cannot give it less than 5 stars - despite the typos - the content is superior to many books out there that have almost no typo mistakes in them but as Billy Wilder once said in relation to Marilyn not being punctual
'My Aunt Minnie would always be punctual and never hold up production, but who would pay to see my Aunt Minnie?'
The content of this book is where the value is - it's a well thought out, well researched and well written honest book. I've already ordered Volume II and can't wait for it to arrive!
As a long term collector and reader of books about Monroe - I am always looking forward to a good new Marilyn read, unfortunately on many occasions I have been disappointed. I'm thrilled this has not been one of those occasions!
Firstly I will say what this book is not… this book is not a quick read, it's a hefty 634 pages, discounting notes and bibliography etc (I'm told Volume II weighs in at around 1,000!)
It's not a photo book - if you want a book with photos I suggest books such as Milton's Marilyn, An Evening With Marilyn by Douglas Kirkland, and the Last Sitting by Bert Stern. I could go on and on - there are many great photographic books out there - this is not one of them!
What this book IS, is a wonderful documentary of Marilyn's life, times and films. Accurately and painstakingly researched, the Author sets before us a chronological view of events, flirting on the periphery of the lives of other people who stepped into Marilyn's timeline. For example, I learned that George Sanders, who worked with Marilyn on All About Eve committed suicide in 1972, leaving behind a suicide note that actually made me sad but at the same time laugh out loud. He truly endeared himself to me, I just understood! His caustic wit was sharp to the end.
Whilst you read this book, you find yourself walking through Old Hollywood - step by step, experiencing not just Marilyn but Marilyn's experiences!
For me, what sets this apart from many previous biographies is that it is more 'whole' that the evidence is solid and traceable - this Author has done the leg work!
There is no over sentimentality in this book, whilst there will always be a bias when a book is written by someone who is so obviously also a fan of his subject, this is a book about a real woman who lived, breathed, made mistakes and achieved amazing heights both personally and professionally.
Unfortunately, there is one negative observation that I do feel I have to mention in this review - there seems to have been a serious issue with proof reading/copy editing - there are numerous typos, grammatical errors etc - I have heard via the grapevine that this has been addressed in reprint - but my book is absolutely peppered with copy mistakes.
Because Icon is such a worthwhile and enjoyable read for anyone remotely interested in Marilyn and Hollywood - I cannot give it less than 5 stars - despite the typos - the content is superior to many books out there that have almost no typo mistakes in them but as Billy Wilder once said in relation to Marilyn not being punctual
'My Aunt Minnie would always be punctual and never hold up production, but who would pay to see my Aunt Minnie?'
The content of this book is where the value is - it's a well thought out, well researched and well written honest book. I've already ordered Volume II and can't wait for it to arrive!
November 15, 2014
There have been countless biographies of Marilyn Monroe, and yet rather than clarifying her story, this intense scrutiny has only created more mystery.
In terms of sheer girth, 'Icon' is the most ambitious biography yet - a two-volume opus, with this first tome covering Monroe's first 30 years, and clocking in at 788 pages. Analogous to Peter Guralnick's works on Elvis Presley, or Victoria Wilson's ongoing study of Barbara Stanwyck.
'Icon' is in many ways an aggregate of 50 years of scholarship. Not only does the author comb each major biography, but also reams of archive documents and more recent media coverage. With a background in psychotherapy, the author is also able to provide his own perspective, and this is where 'Icon' comes into its own.
This approach gives a panoramic overview,and sheds new light on details hitherto ignored - although at times there is a risk of reader fatigue (I'm not sure we needed a detailed synopsis for every Monroe film, for example.)And at this point it is very difficult to bring genuinely new information to the table.
The second volume, due this summer, will cover the final 6 years of Monroe's life over around 1,000 pages. In many ways this is the most contentious and intriguing period, and I look forward to reading more of this author's take on the highs and lows of Marilyn.
In terms of sheer girth, 'Icon' is the most ambitious biography yet - a two-volume opus, with this first tome covering Monroe's first 30 years, and clocking in at 788 pages. Analogous to Peter Guralnick's works on Elvis Presley, or Victoria Wilson's ongoing study of Barbara Stanwyck.
'Icon' is in many ways an aggregate of 50 years of scholarship. Not only does the author comb each major biography, but also reams of archive documents and more recent media coverage. With a background in psychotherapy, the author is also able to provide his own perspective, and this is where 'Icon' comes into its own.
This approach gives a panoramic overview,and sheds new light on details hitherto ignored - although at times there is a risk of reader fatigue (I'm not sure we needed a detailed synopsis for every Monroe film, for example.)And at this point it is very difficult to bring genuinely new information to the table.
The second volume, due this summer, will cover the final 6 years of Monroe's life over around 1,000 pages. In many ways this is the most contentious and intriguing period, and I look forward to reading more of this author's take on the highs and lows of Marilyn.
December 29, 2014
This tome is for any person curious about Marilyn Monroe, or anxious for more details about her, or totally consumed by her, knowing that her whole story has yet to be told. Her life and all who knew her - even before birth - are revealed within the pages of this meticulously researched biography, and this is just the first of two books since the woman - as well as her life - are too massive for just 780 pages. The author will succeed in telling her whole story, in this Volume 1, followed by Volume 2.
Like a fly on the wall, the author reveals all, which is possible only after years of research and personal interviews with those who knew Marilyn. With each chapter, Marilyn Monroe is revealed in exquisite, objective details, becoming more approachable and beloved - more of a girl next door than the larger than life icon adored by the masses. The minute details revealed in this book about each person who knew her, the clothing and accessories, as well as the venues and behind the scenes activities, in addition to dissecting every film she made up to 1956, sent me searching library shelves and video venues for photographs and films, so that I could look at all of them with new eyes, appreciating every nuance - especially Marilyn Monroe's part in all of them.
Like fine cognac or a 24 layer chocolate cake, I savored each page of this book, taking my time so that I could process every detail of Marilyn's life. Now, on to the second volume, which I know will be as intriguing, fascinating, and densely packed with facts as the first. I, and all who read Volume 1 - and I will include, confidently, Volume 2 - will not be disappointed. With both volumes, her life will be complete.
One side note about happy endings, which I thoroughly enjoy - Volume 1 delivers, by ending on a high note. I do not look forward to the heartbreaking ending that surely awaits me in Volume 2.
Like a fly on the wall, the author reveals all, which is possible only after years of research and personal interviews with those who knew Marilyn. With each chapter, Marilyn Monroe is revealed in exquisite, objective details, becoming more approachable and beloved - more of a girl next door than the larger than life icon adored by the masses. The minute details revealed in this book about each person who knew her, the clothing and accessories, as well as the venues and behind the scenes activities, in addition to dissecting every film she made up to 1956, sent me searching library shelves and video venues for photographs and films, so that I could look at all of them with new eyes, appreciating every nuance - especially Marilyn Monroe's part in all of them.
Like fine cognac or a 24 layer chocolate cake, I savored each page of this book, taking my time so that I could process every detail of Marilyn's life. Now, on to the second volume, which I know will be as intriguing, fascinating, and densely packed with facts as the first. I, and all who read Volume 1 - and I will include, confidently, Volume 2 - will not be disappointed. With both volumes, her life will be complete.
One side note about happy endings, which I thoroughly enjoy - Volume 1 delivers, by ending on a high note. I do not look forward to the heartbreaking ending that surely awaits me in Volume 2.
September 21, 2024
Does not go into detail at all for a well-read fan of Marilyn. There are many other books that do a better job than this one. I also do not believe that much of this book was based on actual facts. Very poorly written.
September 3, 2016
Very good and informative. Added depth to a widely told story as it told the story more in terms of her physiological state of mind throughout her early years as a actress. The only fault I can find with this is that there were simple spelling mistakes occasionally which didn't halt the story, but could have been rectified before publishing to make this flawless.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews