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Charlie Chaplin: A Brief Life

(Ackroyd's Brief Lives #6)

Peter Ackroyd

3.60 · Rating details · 597 ratings · 111 reviews

A brief yet definitive new biography of one of film's greatest legends: perfect for readers who want to know more about the iconic star but who don't want to commit to a lengthy work.

He was the very first icon of the silver screen and is one of the most recognizable of Hollywood faces, even a hundred years after his first film. But what of the man behind the moustache? Pet ...more

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Hardcover, 304 pages

Published October 28th 2014 by Nan A. Talese (first published April 3rd 2014)

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Apr 28, 2015 Chrissie rated it really liked it

Shelves: usa, arts, switzerland, great-britain, bio, 2015-read, history, downpour

I have long wanted to read a book on Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977). I had discovered that there was a lot more to this man than I had previously known. I knew only that he was a very funny English pantomime actor famed for his slapstick humor of the silent film era. He was the "Little Tramp", with his sparkling blue eyes, and little black hat perched upon his tousled mane of dark curly hair. But who was this man?

I did not know he directed, produced, edited, and even wrote the music for the films i I have long wanted to read a book on Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977). I had discovered that there was a lot more to this man than I had previously known. I knew only that he was a very funny English pantomime actor famed for his slapstick humor of the silent film era. He was the "Little Tramp", with his sparkling blue eyes, and little black hat perched upon his tousled mane of dark curly hair. But who was this man?

I did not know he directed, produced, edited, and even wrote the music for the films in which he starred! More than 80 films. He was a worldwide icon, and he consistently got his message across without words. When the silent film era concluded he went into sound films. One can say perhaps with less and less success. And what a love life! Mistresses and four wives. Wives very much younger than himself. Quite a scandal for those times. His last wife was 36 years his junior. You must have heard of Oona O’Neill, Eugene O’Neill’s daughter, earlier involved with the young and not yet acclaimed J.D. Salinger! With Oona, Charlie had eight more children beyond the two from an earlier marriage. Sex is not explicitly described in this book but some readers may be upset by Chaplin’s sexual appetite.

There is more, the poverty and hardships of his childhood including an alcoholic and absentee father, life in workhouses and orphanages, a mother committed to an insane asylum. His experiences as a street urchin, his move to the States and all his years in the film industry. The McCarthy Era and why he moved to Switzerland. The book follows through to his death in 1977.

In a biography I want the facts, the good and the bad, and this book delivers. Not just comedy, but also controversy and scandal surround Charlie Chaplin. On completion of the book you have a rounded, balanced idea of Charlie’s personality, the events of his life, the times he lived through and a detailed description of very many of his films. I am totally satisfied with this book.

The narration of the audiobook by Ralph Lister was easy to follow. I have no complaints whatsoever on this account.
...more

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May 09, 2014 Nicki rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Have to say, it really felt as though Ackroyd dislikes Chaplin immensely.. He didn't have many words of praise for him, but was more than happy to point out all the terrible things he said or did. This was the 8th Chaplin biography I have read and unlike any other as it painted Chaplin in a bad light the entire way through the book. It astounds me how you can be inspired to write a book about someone who you clearly have no admiration for and put so much effort into writing a book which points o ...more

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Apr 22, 2020 Jim Dooley rated it it was amazing

On the recent birthday of Charlie Chaplin, I realized that I had never read a biography of his life. I knew many details from other books detailing interactions with the famous comedian, but what was it about his life that contributed to some of the most brilliant filmmaking I’d seen?

A detailed search soon exposed a new dilemma. Chaplin’s own autobiography was known for its glaring omissions and “reimaginings” of events. Other books focused on a specific aspect of Chaplin, frequently an analysi On the recent birthday of Charlie Chaplin, I realized that I had never read a biography of his life. I knew many details from other books detailing interactions with the famous comedian, but what was it about his life that contributed to some of the most brilliant filmmaking I’d seen?

A detailed search soon exposed a new dilemma. Chaplin’s own autobiography was known for its glaring omissions and “reimaginings” of events. Other books focused on a specific aspect of Chaplin, frequently an analysis of his completed films. Still others contained disputed accounts of their own or centered on their own agenda. Was there a well-balanced and accurate offering that didn’t over-praise or shy away from the less savory details?

I settled on CHARLIE CHAPLIN: A BRIEF LIFE, and it was a most satisfying read. It went into much more detail than most extended feature articles, although it was easy to follow with progressions that made a lot of sense.

It also presented a man who I would not have cared to know in person.

Several themes were presented that had recurring examples:

* Chaplin’s fears of poverty and that he might be prone to inherited madness;

* His limited formal education was often revealed in his beliefs that were either simplistic or ill-informed. (An example of the latter was his unfortunate endorsement of Joseph Stalin.);

* He was a person who often did not like or trust people. At the same time, he was always acting (even off-screen) and had an amazing gift for mimicry ... almost to the point that his true self didn’t exist.

Ackroyd’s analysis of Chaplin’s films is both sensitive and logical. He describes real life incidents that captured Chaplin’s imagination and inspired his storylines. He delves into Chaplin’s work process that frequently resulted in an astonishing number of “takes” of a scene before it was “right.” He explained why there is little camera movement in Chaplin’s films, and how the artist was adverse to any criticism.

At the same time, Ackroyd is also quick to acknowledge genius. Much of Chaplin’s work is exceptional with a timing and execution that is flawless. There is a reason why his films are still studied today.

Among the people I read about who intersected with Chaplin’s life were Stan Laurel, Buster Keaton, Winston Churchill, H.G. Wells, Orson Welles and ... my favorite ... Louise Brooks. Several of their stories I had read about before, although it was good to re-read them based on what was happening in Chaplin’s life.

I highly recommend CHARLIE CHAPLIN: A BRIEF LIFE. ...more

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Jul 01, 2015 Lara rated it it was amazing

With "Charlie Chaplin: A Brief Life", Peter Ackroyd adds another title to his excellent "Brief Lives" series. This is the perfect starting place for those who know little of Chaplin, or who only know that he was a silent film comic, or that he was the father of actress Geraldine Chaplin ("Doctor Zhivago"), or that his last wife Oona, was the daughter of Eugene O'Neill.

"Charlie Chaplin" is a lively introduction to a man who is arguably one of the biggest movie talents of the 20th century. His ear With "Charlie Chaplin: A Brief Life", Peter Ackroyd adds another title to his excellent "Brief Lives" series. This is the perfect starting place for those who know little of Chaplin, or who only know that he was a silent film comic, or that he was the father of actress Geraldine Chaplin ("Doctor Zhivago"), or that his last wife Oona, was the daughter of Eugene O'Neill.

"Charlie Chaplin" is a lively introduction to a man who is arguably one of the biggest movie talents of the 20th century. His early life, rife with poverty, shaded everything he did in his career (including his famed miserliness). His mother was in and out of asylums. Chaplin was never sure who his biological father actually was. Along with his mother and brother, Sydney, he often had to perform menial jobs to bring home money. Sometimes, the family didn't eat. Eventually, Chaplin took up the music-hall circuit (both his parents had done stage work for awhile) and touring theatre companies, learning and perfecting his craft. Eventually, he journeyed to the US to work with Mack Sennett, Fatty Arbuckle and Mabel Normand (who rejected Chaplin's advances - she was Mack Sennett's mistress). And of course, he formed United Artists some years later with Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.

Ackroyd does not idolize Chaplin, but his treatment is even-handed. This man does NOT create warm, fuzzy feelings in the reader's breast. To put it bluntly, Charlie Chaplin was an egotistical, self-absorbed, womanizing satyr, a top candidate for "Bastard of the 20th Century" (and there were a lot of contenders for that prize back then).

His ego knew no bounds. On more than one occasion, when he thought an actor was "overdoing it" on the set, he would scream at them, "The audience comes to see me, not you!" Whether onscreen or off, Chaplin ALWAYS insisted on being the center of attention. If he wasn't, he sulked and became irascible. His temper on movie sets (and in daily life) was legendary. Moody, depressive, then frenzied, he would today no doubt be diagnosed as manic-depressive. He terrified people - his wives, his lovers, his co-workers. A tyrannical dictator on the set, he drove himself relentlessly in his work with a frenzy that left many puzzled. As with his ego, his energy was constantly pumping at full speed.

But he made some of the most memorable silent comic masterpieces ever filmed. To this day, they are noted for their leading man's grace, timing, elegance and flawless execution. Once "talkies" arrived, and many people thought Chaplin's career was washed up, he resisted, making his last silent, "Modern Times", before attacking sound with "The Great Dictator" in 1940.

But the days for actors from his era were quickly coming to an end. After 1940, he made a few films but he never rose to the heights of fame he occupied during the silent era. His career seemed to gradually fade away. Despite the man's horrendous character flaws, it seems rather sad.

After reading this book, one can return to the films ("City Lights", "The Gold Rush", "Modern Times") to see in their story lines Chaplin's life-long obsessions with penury, the fear of being forgotten, the fear of failure. It is interesting that he always referred to his famous "Little Tramp" character as the "little fellow". Divorcing himself deliberately from his famous character, Chaplin made it clear that the “Little Tramp” was not him. Yet, it is so clear - then and now - that indeed the Tramp WAS this puzzling man’s alter ego. Essentially, the "little fellow" was Chaplin's shadow side - or perhaps it was the other way around. ...more

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Apr 19, 2015 Louise rated it really liked it

Shelves: biography, entertainers, film-directors

Peter Ackroyd shows how Charlie Chaplin was much more than a Keystone cop or a sad tramp in this overview of his full and difficult life. Chaplin was also a director, producer, distributor and the founder of United Artists. He even seems to be a crude pioneer of method acting. While famous for his silent roles, while others clung to the past, he was able to transition to "talkies". In his last film (1967) he embraced color, directing Marlon Brando and Sophia Lauren in the "Countess From Hong Kon Peter Ackroyd shows how Charlie Chaplin was much more than a Keystone cop or a sad tramp in this overview of his full and difficult life. Chaplin was also a director, producer, distributor and the founder of United Artists. He even seems to be a crude pioneer of method acting. While famous for his silent roles, while others clung to the past, he was able to transition to "talkies". In his last film (1967) he embraced color, directing Marlon Brando and Sophia Lauren in the "Countess From Hong Kong".

He never forgot his roots (for good and bad) as a London street urchin. He both educated and bootstrapped himself to international stardom. Ackroyd covers his turbulent personal life encompassing his early poverty, the mental problems of his mother, his marriages/principle affairs, his dictatorial demeanor with staff and children (perhaps his wives too), his paternity and Mann Act legal issues, the FBI interest in his "red" leanings, his "flight" from the US and more. Through all this, you see how paranoia, sentimentality, and self-absorption are constant throughout his life.

The films are described and a bit on their production is given. Three of them, previously unknown to me, stand out for taking on difficult issues. In Modern Times (1936) describes the plight of industrial workers, in The Great Dictator (1940) satirizes Hitler (played by Chaplin) before the full horrors of his rule were known and in Monsieur Verdoux (1947) he takes on the post-war military industrial complex.

There is a glimpse of his marriage to Oona (who lives on in crossword puzzles) O'Neill. Through what is available to the public, she seems to be an ideal 1950's style doting wife. Behind the scenes there is door slamming/locking, abuse of their children and plenty of alcohol. Not noted here is that she was also the object of J.D. Salinger's affection; he never forgot her. It is hard to say if she made the right choice between these two suitors.

There are good photos that match the text. There is an index and a bibliography. Both appear extensive but I didn't use either.

Do not expect a full scale biography. As defined by the title, Ackroyd condensed this immense life for a general reader. It can be considered an "Introduction to Charlie Chaplin". This life was so full that any of the films, aspects or time periods of his life could fill a book, and as time goes on, undoubtedly will. ...more

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Dec 18, 2014 Cailey rated it liked it

Shelves: bio-memoir, non-fiction, audio

Not knowing much about Chaplin prior to this book, I was impressed with Chaplin's life. The author doesn't shy away from his bad side, but I felt he made Chaplin more human. Chaplin didn't have an easy life, and he wasn't a great guy, but he was an innovator of film and acting.

In one way, I wish I'd been familiar with the movies that were described in detail, but I felt they were very well described without my knowing them. It's been a long time since I've seen a Chaplin movie, so now I am incl ...more

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Aug 29, 2015 Gregg Bell rated it really liked it

Charlie Chaplin. No doubt a genius. I figured there was much to be learned from this bio. I'd read Peter Ackroyd's novel, English Music, and so knew he is a fine writer. And I was right, there was much to be learned. But a lot of such learning was distasteful because of Charlie Chaplin, the man.

Ackroyd starts at the very beginning. Chaplin's days as a street urchin in London. Chaplin's paternity was disputed. His mother was insane. It was said he had gypsy blood. (And from Chaplin himself a ques Charlie Chaplin. No doubt a genius. I figured there was much to be learned from this bio. I'd read Peter Ackroyd's novel, English Music, and so knew he is a fine writer. And I was right, there was much to be learned. But a lot of such learning was distasteful because of Charlie Chaplin, the man.

Ackroyd starts at the very beginning. Chaplin's days as a street urchin in London. Chaplin's paternity was disputed. His mother was insane. It was said he had gypsy blood. (And from Chaplin himself a questioner might get a different answer when asking the same question.) One thing was certain though—Chaplin was immensely talented, and innately funny.

As a tyke he was part of an impromptu skit. He was playing his little part and the people watching were so delighted with his performance they threw coins onto the stage. Ditching his role, little Charlie hurriedly scampered to the coins and picked them up, which elicited even more delight from the crowd.

And voila a persona was born. The "little fellow" and "the little tramp." Such personas would remain with Chaplin his entire career. (And the few times he shed them, his fans were not pleased—a disgruntled fan wrote Chaplin saying, 'Your last film was not quite up to snuff. Charlie, always remember, you can be a slave to the public or the public can be your slave. And the public loves to be a slave!')

As the subtitle implies the book isn't overwritten. I would say it's just about right.

Chaplin himself was a trip. To say he was a monomaniac might be an understatement. He was driven by his art. And by whatever he wanted. Often he wanted teenage girls. Even in his fifties.

Scandals abounded but so did his art. He was a tireless worker. A major hurdle came with the "talkies" (motion pictures with sound). A hurdle—he had a weak voice and felt all his art was in his ability to pantomime—he never overcame.

It was quite a crazy life. I remember John Belushi saying that his comedy sprung from rage. This would certainly apply to Mr. Chaplin. (As well as several other demons driving him.)

I don't know that I learned anything particularly about genius, but I did learn a lot about what drives a human being to achieve great heights in art.

It's a very interesting book. And if you're interested in art, it's even more interesting. If you're interested in acting, you will learn a tremendous amount.

...more

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Nov 22, 2014 Chuck LoPresti rated it really liked it

There are many things to dislike about Chaplin but to not like this book about some of things is inappropriate. Ackroyd in no way goes out of his way to trash Chaplin as has been claimed in more than one review here. Chaplin did that himself. Writing in somewhat of a post-Stendhal manner that entails an emphasis on psychological insight, Ackroyd tells a fairly succinct warts-and-all biography that I found enlightening as can be expected from the seemingly 100th biography of Chaplin. It would be There are many things to dislike about Chaplin but to not like this book about some of things is inappropriate. Ackroyd in no way goes out of his way to trash Chaplin as has been claimed in more than one review here. Chaplin did that himself. Writing in somewhat of a post-Stendhal manner that entails an emphasis on psychological insight, Ackroyd tells a fairly succinct warts-and-all biography that I found enlightening as can be expected from the seemingly 100th biography of Chaplin. It would be impossible to write a biography of Chaplin that doesn't include the praise that his films certainly deserve and that praise is certainly here. What Ackroyd reveals is that like many great artists that pour their entire existence into their art - the private side of such humans often involves many seemingly necessitated oversights.

Does it really bother people so much to know that Chaplin sought juvenile partners to obey and thus excite him? I thought everyone knew that already...sure it's creepy but this is no revelation. Are people offended to learn that he was an ego-maniacal despot? This is also well documented and it is simply impossible to bifurcate the bad from the good. He put the good on the screen, for the most part, and the demons sat along side him to watch his amazing films with the rest of the world.

I might have liked a bit more details about his fellow actors as I am deeply interested in his peers that often obscured by the giant shadow the little fellow cast. I'll accept that as inevitable.

Chaplin was probably the greatest actor and greatest entertainer that lived. Do we need to call him the greatest human as well to accept a less than fan frenzied overlooking of his faults?

This book, and no book ever will diminish what Chaplin gave to the world. Great comedians are almost always born of great suffering and many times, and in equal measure they leave just as many scars as laugh lines. Ackroyd succeeds in making that very clear in a relatively brief 270 pages. ...more

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Mar 31, 2019 Tom Walsh rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

If you are in need to discover Chaplin’s life before he signed with Max Sennett, Ackroyd has the history, in great detail. Most bios are on shaky ground about Chaplin’s early life, but the author allows Chaplin’s sordid and pathetic childhood to blossom like a sad leaf on a hopeless tree. The first half of this beautiful bio alone is worth your efforts. Ackroyd shows us how he learned and sharpened his crafts, and how the training never left his consciousness. Five stars ⭐️

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Dec 16, 2015 Jeff Shackelford rated it it was ok

Mostly a list of dates, events, names, and quotes. I would hardly consider this book a biography.

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Apr 12, 2020 Glenn Hopp rated it really liked it

I have read and appreciated at least six books by Peter Ackroyd. He writes with care and precision and excels at finding the revealing detail or quote and in attaching a convincing interpretation to it. Many of the unfavorable reviews here refer to Chaplin’s seemingly detestable personality and question Ackroyd’s sympathy toward his subject. But the author shows considerable respect for Chaplin the artist (if less for the unhappy, self-absorbed man). Reading biography only to find role models is ...more

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Oct 06, 2014 Steve rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: review-requested, netgalley

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I am a Charlie Chaplin fan. While I'm mainly a fan of his life, his movies reach me and connect. And that reach is something I feel this book falls short on. Sure, it is packed full of information about the life of Charlie Chaplin. What it lacks is pizzazz, that spark that forms a bond between the reader and all the empathy that Charlie tried to pass on through his silent screen days.
This reads like a text book ...more

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Aug 10, 2015 Donna rated it really liked it

I finally had viewed The Dictator and was so impressed I had to know more about Chaplin. I felt this book did a nice mini overall view. Chaplin was a very complex man. With such a tough early life it’s a wonder he stayed on the right side of the law.

I may now have to check out Fred Karno, the inventor of slapstick. I did like how the author explained the film edits & speed changes that created the look of the Mack Sennett comedies. As well as how perfectly timed and rehearsed all that slapstick ...more

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Feb 21, 2015 Blake rated it really liked it

I have to admit, sorrowfully, that I never knew the amazingly huge influence Charlie Chaplin had on the genre of Movies I adore so much. To say the least, he was like "THE BEATLES", and had the same influence, but for music.

I was amazed also, how his movies that I love to watch, also were testimonies to his horrible young life in London, with his brother and his mother.

Amazing to me just how influential he was. Meeting Ghandi, H.G. Wells, and J.M. Barrie...when he returned to London after becomi ...more

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Mar 14, 2014 BookQueen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Well researched evidence-based material as usual from Peter Ackroyd! Warts and all. This is no fan book but gives many insights from the people who worked with him and also his family.

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May 11, 2014 Jbondandrews rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I was quite disappointed by this book. I had expected better from Peter Ackroyd. Didn't learn anything new. Wonder why he wrote it. ...more

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Jul 13, 2014 Tahrana rated it liked it · review of another edition

A summary of the various biographies done on Chaplin.

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Jul 30, 2017 Elizabeth (Liz) rated it really liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Discovered this book quite by accident. I remember my grandma talking about his movies, she was born in 1904 passed a good 20 years ago. I knew he was considered an icon but after this quick biographical recount I understand why and how he influenced the film industry. I am glad the book does not sugar coat the shortcomings of this figure. He was both a visionary genius at work and a despot or sadistic man with his family. Though I see how all his characteristics worked together to push through ...more

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May 10, 2019 Meredith Allard rated it really liked it

Shelves: nonfiction, biography

Recently, I watched Modern Times again for the first time in years and I had forgotten what a genius Chaplin was. Out of curiosity about Chaplin's life (it's been some time since I saw the film with Robert Downey Jr.) I picked up this biography. I chose this book because it's written by one of my all-time favorite biographers, Peter Ackroyd. I love Ackroyd's books. He wrote my favorite biography about Charles Dickens, and his book about London is fabulous.

It was interesting to me to see the para ...more

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Jun 04, 2018 Margaret Massey rated it it was ok

I had high hopes for this, given Ackroyd's reputation, but was somewhat disappointed. Ackroyd gives a fairly damning report of Chaplin, which in some ways is justified, but fails to provide a balanced picture by recounting the good things that his children said about him (which can easily be found with a quick internet search).

The chapter recounting Chaplin's heyday amounts to little more than a roll call of his films and the book comes to an abrupt conclusion with little information on Chaplin' ...more

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Nov 15, 2020 Mary Keen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audio-overdrive

Got interested as just saw his silent movie "Circus" on television. Most of his movies have short or long summaries so just ordered print version to review them. Some interesting details, such as that boot he cooked in the Klondike was made of licorice and caused illness when they had to keep doing takes. Also amazing how many takes he insisted on.

Definitely a Rags to Riches story, but thru his genius and hard work --and maybe timing on the eve of new technology. Almost stopped listening when it ...more

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Feb 16, 2018 Hayley rated it it was ok

Shelves: on-my-shelf

It took me a bit to reflect on this and decide what rating I was going to give it. I wanted to like it; I wanted to love it, really. I've always had a fascination with Charlie Chaplin and was really quite excited to finally read this biography, but in truth, I was quite disappointed. I think I was expecting more detail about his work, his impact on the film industry at the time, and the way he changed pantomime and comedy forever. Instead, this seemed to focus on speculation and gossip and rumor ...more

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Oct 13, 2018 Lynda rated it really liked it

The few Chaplin films I have seen impressed me, so I was curious to learn more about this famous filmmaker. I was unaware of the magnitude of his work, and was astounded to learn the enormity of his fame. I do not understand the reason for this book's title: his life was anything but brief! But since the second half of the title doesn't show on the book cover above, perhaps that was a mistake.

Charlie was a genius in his chosen profession, and as is common among highly intelligent people, he was ...more

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May 19, 2017 Bob Cooling rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The Life Story of the "Little Fellow"

I was never a real fan of Charlie Chaplin, but based on what I read in this book, I never fully realized how much he contributed to the art of cinema. A true genius in his line of work but his work was based on his tortured early life in London and in his attempt to rise above this crushing weight of horrific circumstances and memories. The Book showed that everyone has their unique burden to bear and that burden can drive you to great success despite shortco ...more

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Sep 14, 2017 Victor rated it it was ok

Sometimes evoking gossip and a nastiness that coats itself in the "truth" of Chaplin, this book is a condensed biography of the great artist that attempts to dive into the personal life of the filmmaker within the context of the works that have endured. Rather than focusing on the impact, the influence, and the legacy of Chaplin in creating his pictures, Ackroyd seems adamant in describing in great details the neuroses and the sensitivity of Chaplin's perceived flawed personality while dismissin ...more

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Aug 03, 2019 Rodrigo Quintanar rated it really liked it

At some point during his life, Charlie Chaplin was the most famous man in the world. He could be easily known as the perfect representation of "a life not running towards something but away from it". His struggles and tough childhood made him acquired a never-ending hunger for success. A lot of people describe it as an "always-on" actor...a huge price that he always loved to pay in order to become the greatest.

Totally worth reading, especially if you're interested in understanding the lives of ...more

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Mar 07, 2020 Ryan rated it liked it

Chaplin has always fascinated me, and this brief biography covers all the basics from cradle to grave. Growing up impoverished in London’s south side, Chaplin gained fame as a music hall performer and shot to superstardom as the world’s first movie megastar. As the length of the book confines the narrative to brushstrokes — tales of marriages, films made, struggles had — author Peter Ackroyd portrays Chaplin as a brittle genius of an art form who was also an insufferable butthead.

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Jan 24, 2017 Buckey Grimm rated it liked it

The title pretty much says it all, A Brief Life indeed, it seems to be the Cliff's Notes version of Chaplin's life. Nothing really new here,a lot of rehashing of well known events in his life. A bit of an attempt to analyze some of the personal pieces of Chaplin's life, but it still is pretty much a re-churn of previous stories and events.
...more

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Jul 19, 2018 Adam rated it did not like it

Shelves: cinema, movies

I've no idea why Ackroyd decided to write this book - he clearly has no affection for its subject. It is high on spite, low on compassion; snidey, prurient and chippy. Ackroyd's writing has something of the night about it, that vampirical side of biography where you sense a man feeding off the blood of far greater men. ...more

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Oct 05, 2018 Darcie Saunier rated it liked it

Shelves: adult-non-fic

This was a “brief” bio. Not too detailed, but detailed enough that you now “know” Chaplin. I thought the writing was from a neutral point of view. I did think it ended kind of quick— he died, end of book. Usually, there is conclusion and commentary about the subject. This wasn’t wrong, just different. The author left all that to the reader.

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About Peter Ackroyd

Peter Ackroyd

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Peter Ackroyd CBE is an English novelist and biographer with a particular interest in the history and culture of London.

Peter Ackroyd's mother worked in the personnel department of an engineering firm, his father having left the family home when Ackroyd was a baby. He was reading newspapers by the age of 5 and, at 9, wrote a play about Guy Fawkes. Reputedly, he first realized he was gay at the age ...more

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Ackroyd's Brief Lives (6 books)

Books by Peter Ackroyd

Foundation: The History of England from Its Earliest Beginnings to the Tudors (The History of England, #1)

Tudors: The History of England from Henry VIII to Elizabeth I (The History of England, #2)

London Under: The Secret History Beneath the Streets

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Curated Reads: Nonfiction Books to Intrigue and Inspire

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“somnolence, and on one occasion could not” — 0 likes

“Chaplin left the Keystone studios on a Saturday night in December after cutting his last film, without bidding farewell to any of his erstwhile colleagues; he spent Sunday in his room at the Los Angeles Athletic Club and on the following day he turned up for work at the Essanay Studios in Niles, California. Of course, everyone at Keystone knew about his imminent departure, but he could not bring himself to make a speech or shake hands. He just left. Sennett said later that 'as for Charles Spencer Chaplin, I am not at all sure that we know him'. He had never really been part of the team; he would never become a member of any group.” — 0 likes

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