Sinatra: A Life Remembered

by Lew Irwin

Tracks Frank Sinatra from the early days in Hoboken, his turbulent marriages, his relationships with the "Rat Pack," and his award-winning career

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography

120 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[Spencer Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent coffee table book for fans. Doesn't dig in the dirt, but has lots of great details about his music and film career. Doesn't ignore the troubles with Ava and Mia but neither does it dwell on them. Likewise, the issues with the Mafia and the Kennedys.

[Dan Shonka · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a lot to like in Lew Irwin's bio about Sinatra. What will jump out at you initially will be the photos. Thanks to the book's format, they're large, crisp, and extensive. Don't get fooled into thinking this is a puff-piece coffee-table book. Irwin's description of Old Blue Eyes' life is mostly evenhanded and detailed. He doesn't smooth over Sinatra's character flaws (think the seven deadly sins minus sloth and to an extent, greed). He addresses Sinatra's mob ties, but your view on that part of the book will largely be colored by your preconceived notions in that area. I'm not sure how I process his take on that part of Frank's life. I tend to think if there's any glossing over in the book it may be there. Still, for a relatively short book, there's a lot information about the Chairman of the Boards, and with a ton of photos. So, if you want to know about Frank Sinatra's life, this is a great place to at least start.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this in a dollar store and couldn't believe my luck! I wish I'd gone back to buy a stack of them, just for the photographs alone.

I can't get through the story of his birth without shedding a tear. I must say, as much as I love the music of Frank Sinatra, reading the steamy and somewhat objectionable life that he led was a harsh reality check. I never would have guessed; and I'm not sure I really wanted to know all those things. But it's not something I regret, I keep it on the bookshelf and marvel at it every few months. It's a great coffee table book.

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sinatra was the icon of my times. It was during a peiod when people were allowed to have character flaws and Sinatra certainly had his share. However he had substantial talent. I loved his music, but loved much of his acting performances even more. His Academy winning performance as Maggio in From Here to Eternity was well deserved. This book gives an honest, mostly pictorial look at his life and if you are a fan, it is worth the visit.