Swifty

by Irving Lazar

In this long-awaited book from one of show business’s most notorious, beloved, and legendary figures, learn of the life behind the man who elevated the deal to an art form.

Irving Paul Lazar, known to the world as Swifty, reigned supreme as the agent and deal-maker extraordinaire on both coasts.

Lazar shares vivid anecdotes and details fo the past as he recounts his move to Hollywood, his interactions with studio moguls, his war service, and his emergence in book publishing.

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published March 23, 1995

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd always heard the name "Swifty Lazar" associated with a must-attend Oscar party. I never knew anything about him. This book is a fast reading memoir explaining "Irving's" rise (he never liked the Bogart-given nickname) from New York tenement to Big Band agent to theatrical agent to movie agent to publishing agent. This book is delightfully dishy - there were very few names that I didn't recognize from Count Basie to Ira Gershwin to Bogie and finally Richard Nixon. My only complaint is that not all the photos were tagged.

[Frank Palardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

He was an interesting character.