Orson Welles - (Bio-Bibliographies in the Performing Arts) Annotated by Brett Wood (Hardcover)

About the Book

This new work contains the most comprehensive bibliography of Orson Welles' work and material written on Welles. It presents a concise history of Welles' life and career, paying special attention to the ways he was presented by the media. At different points in his career, he was portrayed as a young genius, a spoiled brat, a European playboy, a political rebel, and both a consistent failure as well as a consistent master of the arts. The book examines the material which led to such public impressions and determines how and why these materials presented him in such a way, while comparing it to the truth of Orson Welles: the man, the artist, and the showman.

Following the biographical sketch on Welles in the opening section, the next section of the book presents a brief yet precise analysis of each of Welles' projects, with particular emphasis on the works he was unable to complete and those which have been diminished by outside editing or since lost. The third and final section is a comprehensive bibliography of Welles' writings, productions, and appearances. It also includes a complete listing of material devoted to Welles, with notes determining which are of greatest value in the study of Welles' life and career. This book is an indispensable tool in the study of Welles' career. It also serves as a valuable reference source for use in courses in broadcasting, theater, and especially film.

Book Synopsis

This new work contains the most comprehensive bibliography of Orson Welles' work and material written on Welles. It presents a concise history of Welles' life and career, paying special attention to the ways he was presented by the media. At different points in his career, he was portrayed as a young genius, a spoiled brat, a European playboy, a political rebel, and both a consistent failure as well as a consistent master of the arts. The book examines the material which led to such public impressions and determines how and why these materials presented him in such a way, while comparing it to the truth of Orson Welles: the man, the artist, and the showman.

Following the biographical sketch on Welles in the opening section, the next section of the book presents a brief yet precise analysis of each of Welles' projects, with particular emphasis on the works he was unable to complete and those which have been diminished by outside editing or since lost. The third and final section is a comprehensive bibliography of Welles' writings, productions, and appearances. It also includes a complete listing of material devoted to Welles, with notes determining which are of greatest value in the study of Welles' life and career. This book is an indispensable tool in the study of Welles' career. It also serves as a valuable reference source for use in courses in broadcasting, theater, and especially film.

Review Quotes

?Orson Welles: A Bio-Bibliography covers much the same territory for its subject as did the previous volume on Ann Sothern. Obviously, Welles is a somewhat more important film personality than Miss Sothern, and so his volume is considerably lengthier. He doesn't warrant a typeset book, but he does get a cleaner typewriter ribbon. The Sothern book is compiled with fervor. The Welles book with a scholarly attention to detail. Recommended.?-Classic Images

?This bio-bibliography gives us a close look at Welles' radio career. The compiler has a few comments about each series Welles tackled and how he interpreted his roles in those productions. Comments range from a few words to over two pages in a single program. Accurate logs, in chronological order, of all his series and his guest appearances (with very few omissions) are included. Meticulously researched for accuracy, and well presented.?-SPERDVAC Radiogram

?Well-researched and comprehensive . . . includes a lively biography, complete credits, annotated bibliography and other valuable source material.?-American Cinematographer

"Orson Welles: A Bio-Bibliography covers much the same territory for its subject as did the previous volume on Ann Sothern. Obviously, Welles is a somewhat more important film personality than Miss Sothern, and so his volume is considerably lengthier. He doesn't warrant a typeset book, but he does get a cleaner typewriter ribbon. The Sothern book is compiled with fervor. The Welles book with a scholarly attention to detail. Recommended."-Classic Images

"Well-researched and comprehensive . . . includes a lively biography, complete credits, annotated bibliography and other valuable source material."-American Cinematographer

"This bio-bibliography gives us a close look at Welles' radio career. The compiler has a few comments about each series Welles tackled and how he interpreted his roles in those productions. Comments range from a few words to over two pages in a single program. Accurate logs, in chronological order, of all his series and his guest appearances (with very few omissions) are included. Meticulously researched for accuracy, and well presented."-SPERDVAC Radiogram

About the Author

BRET WOOD is a freelance writer and a representative of Kino International Corporation, an independent film distributor. He is currently working on another book entitled, Madman's Genius: The Cinema of Erich von Stroheim.