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Sarah Giles
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Fred Astaire: His Friends Talk Hardcover – October 4, 1988

by Sarah Giles (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 41 ratings
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This is the personal side of a very private man who danced for us for seven decades with several partners. Many wonderful photo's. 11 By 8 1/2" 1988, 210 pages, many full page photos.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    210 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Doubleday
  4. Publication date
    October 4, 1988
  5. Dimensions
    11.5 x 0.8 x 8.7 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0385247419
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0385247412
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Friends of the late Astaire talk but have little insightful to say in this handsome photo album assembled by Giles, editor-at-large at Vanity Fair . Perhaps the Duke of Devonshire got it right: "He had great charm, but, to be slightly unkind, he wasn't frightfully interesting. But, then, why should he have been?" Born Frederick Austerlitz in Omaha in 1899, the self-effacing Astaire established an unequaled standard of dancingyet few voices here discuss his work with perspicacity. Compared to the generally unenlightening comments from family (daughter Ava: "Daddy always drank Heineken"), the words of Astaire's doctor and housekeeper stand out as the most detailed and intelligent. Conspicuous by their absence are reminiscences by the dancer's sonwho was not approached by Gilesand his second wife, who chose not to cooperate. Despite the disappointing text, the photographs do full justice to a man whose incandescent face rivaled the impeccable optimism of his feet.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Expanding a Vanity Fair article, Giles presents snippets taken from some 75 interviews with Astaire's friends, relatives, colleagues, and admirers, with the intent of providing the reader with a broadened sense of this man who was perfection on screen. The collection of quotes addresses aspects of the public and private man. Those interviewed include some expected namesHermes Pan, Ginger Rogers, Ava Astaire (his daughter), Irving Berlinand some unexpected namesTwiggy, Jerry Hall. Barrie Chase, a favorite partner, and Robyn Smith, Astaire's second wife, are noticeably absent. The quotes are light, chatty, and sometimes informative. They will appeal to gossip column fans. Joan Stahl, Enoch Pratt Free Lib., Baltimore
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Doubleday; First Edition (October 4, 1988)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 210 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0385247419
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0385247412
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 11.5 x 0.8 x 8.7 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 41 ratings

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Sarah Giles

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
41 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Nipfan
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Fred Astaire
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2014
Verified Purchase
Lovely book. Great pictures and a peek into the life of this genius through the eyes of the people who knew him, both in and out of show business. There are also lots of family photos which I hadn't seen before.

I was also delighted with how quickly it arrived and in such good condition. I've had hours of pleasure going through it and it'll be a highlight of my book collection. Highly recommended.
2 people found this helpful
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Gene Cisco
5.0 out of 5 stars Classiest Star
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2015
Verified Purchase
Fred Astaire defines 'star' just in his name, but he embodies what it means to achieve self-perfection to such a degree that his genius stands alone. Seriously. This is part of the immediate appeal of this book by Sarah Giles. Most of Astaire's admirers have all his movies on film, but here, she captures him so many times in wonderful stills from his private life enough that I can savor for many years. His simplicity, generosity and thoughtfulness come through the candid remarks of Hollywood insiders page by page. Although he had the 'English look' about him, this is remarkable for an Omaha, Nebraska boy. When you see his family photos you will understand the reach of his understated elegance goes much beyond fashion. His self-control, modesty and conservative ways shaped his family into one self-confident, close-knit family. Beyond that is speculation and that is how Astaire would want it in a book about himself. It was surprising, to me, to see mention of Barrie Chase, finally getting her due, and a bonus to see this wonderful dancing partner in motion with her soul-partner in dance. There is something to say about a society that was once class-conscious,which produced the likes of Cary Grant and Fred Astaire, both from the lower, working classes who rose to prominence through hard work and struggle. With Fred Astaire, his stylish panache was just a patina to his wonderfulness and unrivaled talent.
8 people found this helpful
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T. Ruppenthal
5.0 out of 5 stars Fred Astaire fan!
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2023
Verified Purchase
I devour any thing that is written about Fred Astaire. Thought it might be a little more interesting. Read a similar book about Bette Davis and her friends did not pull any punches. These friends seemed to almost try too hard to say nice things.
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R.JORDAN
5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT. This is a great piece of work.
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2019
Verified Purchase
Pages of interviewees and contributors--must total 100+ of top names in entertainment business. Photographs are the best to find of Fred and anything related. Impressive book. Great detail. Rich in every way (so far)..
2 people found this helpful
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J. Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars insightful and fresh...
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2012
Verified Purchase
Most books on Astaire are filled with boilerplate copy.
This book allows the reader to come to their own opinion by comparing and conntrasting the quotes and commentary.
I mistakenly sold my first copy...but his recent purchase is in pristine condition
I recommend this book highly!
3 people found this helpful
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Steven T.
5.0 out of 5 stars Memories of Fred's many friends
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2020
Verified Purchase
Intimate details of friends memories of the great generous man.
2 people found this helpful
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Barby S. P.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2016
Verified Purchase
Amazing look into the life of this talented man. Wonderful book in perfect co
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Donna
3.0 out of 5 stars Seller great as usual!
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2023
Verified Purchase
The seller was great! Have ordered many from this seller. Came in condition as described! The book content itself is disappointing. Not as many pics as you would think. The ones that are in it are not so great. Mostly it quotes his friends talking about weird not very flattering stuff. Not the kind of stuff anyone cares to know . I don’t want to elaborate. As an Astaire fan the book does not do any justice at all. Not at all!! I may give it to a used book store or goodwill.
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Top reviews from other countries

K R Spencer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 18, 2017
Verified Purchase
classy like fred astaire
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