Errol Flynn

April 4, 2005
Without regret or apology, Errol Flynn documented his extraordinary life before writers could have their way with him as a dead man. Bret, however, takes on the Flynn mythology in this new biography. "Only the gods know what lies ahead of a fellow who makes good and becomes the greatest shot in the arm this town's had for years," wrote Photoplay journalist Warren Reeve of Flynn's arrival in Hollywood. More than a shot in the arm, the swashbuckling actor was a force of nature, often destructive to both himself and others, dying of a massive heart attack at age 54. The Olympic gold medal boxer and notorious anti-Semite arrived in Hollywood with the same arrogance and flair he exhibited as a child and teenage adventurer in the South Pacific and Asia. A vigorous lover of both sexes, the "Tasmanian Devil" enjoyed relationships with numerous stars, including David Niven and Tyrone Power. He was a robust conqueror of women as well, and his misogyny was reinforced by a platonic friendship with artist Diego Rivera, who approved of treating women "like dogs." With the same gusto and verve of his subject, Bret plows through Flynn's escapades and accomplishments. It may be difficult for some to reconcile Bret's assessment of Flynn as some sort of hard-living heroic figure, or an "essentially good man," after reading about the actor's deplorable treatment of women, his sexual voyeurism, his penchant for underage girls and his hatred of Jews. Yet Flynn was enormously talented and dynamic, and Bret's efforts result in a generally unprejudiced look at a man who left a lasting mark on the cinema and many in it.

Starred review from November 1, 2009
Hulsman (German Council on Foreign Relations, Berlin) argues that T.E. Lawrence's legacy as a thinker offers crucial lessons for would-be nation builders in the present. Having played a key role as a British liaison officer in the Arab revolt of 191618, Lawrence strongly believed in independent Arab statehood. Astute and observant, he felt that the less apparent one's interference, the greater one's influence. His extensive knowledge of the Arab world and his ideas about nation building served Britain well during World War I as it helped defeat the Ottoman Empire in that region. Unfortunately, his dreams were betrayed when Britain and its Western allies served their own interests, carving up the region and creating long-lasting instability. VERDICT Well written and engaging, this book provides a concise historical overview and much food for thought. The message is as urgent today as it was in Lawrence's era. Readers craving meatier reading on the Arab Revolt and insight into Lawrence himself should read Lawrence's own "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom".Patti C. McCall, Albany Molecular Research, Inc., NY

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