From Library Journal
With The Penguin Encyclopedia of Popular Music (Viking, 1991) on his roster of publications, Clarke is a creditable author in the pop music field. This latest, masterfully written effort--well researched and exemplifying an easy-to-follow style--should extend his reputation. Sinatra grew up the spoiled only child of Italian immigrants in Hoboken, New Jersey, and his mother predicted he would turn out to be a bum. Singing was his only aspiration, and he chased this dream with all he had. Sinatra remains one of the best-selling entertainers of the 20th century, but Clarke does not gloss over the singer's dark side--his involvement with the mob and his numerous, stormy love affairs, for instance. As evidence of his enduring popularity, about a dozen biographers have honored him in only the last two years, including his daughter. This work, however, is among the best and should circulate well in most public libraries. --Regina L. Beach, Mississippi State Univ. Lib, Starkville
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
