Puttin' On the Ritz: Fred Astaire Biography
Puttin' On the Ritz is Peter Levinson's biography of Fred Astaire, following his career from vaudeville and Broadway through Hollywood films and television. Its 793-page Kindle edition combines career history with discussion of Astaire's dance partners, collaborators, and personal life.
At a glance
- Covers Astaire's work from early vaudeville through Broadway, Hollywood, and television.
- Discusses dance partners, songwriters, choreographers, and Astaire's personal life.
- The listing describes interviews with more than two hundred people who worked closely with Astaire.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Broad career scope connects Astaire's stage, film, and television work.
- Includes context on collaborators and dance partnerships, not only a film-by-film account.
- Kindle listing indicates enhanced typesetting, Word Wise, Page Flip, and screen reader support.
Cons
- The long 793-page length requires a substantial time commitment.
Technical specifications
11 specifications| Publisher | St. Martin's Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | July 28, 2015 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 793 pages |
| File size | 4.7 MB |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1250091499 |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
|---|---|
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Page Flip | Enabled |
What to know before buying
- Customer feedback reports varied reactions to the pacing, with some finding the book boring. Consider this alongside the extensive career coverage and length.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers seeking a detailed Fred Astaire biography spanning vaudeville, Broadway, film, and television.
- Readers interested in classic Hollywood musicals and the collaborators behind Astaire's career.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a brief overview or a fast-paced short biography.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
60% 60% - 4 stars
22% 22% - 3 stars
11% 11% - 2 stars
3% 3% - 1 star
4% 4%
Customer feedback describes the biography as informative and well-researched, and praises the writing style. Reactions to pacing are mixed, with some finding it boring. The reported breadth may appeal to readers seeking a thorough account, while the substantial length and pacing concerns may matter to readers who prefer brisk biographies.
Positive themes
- Readers describe the content as informative and well-researched.
- The writing style receives positive feedback.
Negative themes
- Some readers report that the pacing feels boring.
Mixed feedback
- Feedback praises the breadth and prose but differs on whether the pacing holds interest.
Frequently asked questions
What does this biography cover?
The listing describes a career-spanning account of Fred Astaire, from vaudeville and Broadway to Hollywood and television, including his collaborators and personal life.
How long is the Kindle edition?
The listing gives a print length of 793 pages and a file size of 4.7 MB.
What Kindle reading features are listed?
Screen Reader is supported, enhanced typesetting, Word Wise, and Page Flip are enabled, and X-Ray is not enabled.
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