Marilyn Monroe: The Personal Archive. Cindy de La Hoz

by de La Hoz

There is no more recognized actress of the twentieth century than Marilyn Monroe. She starred in some of the greatest films ever made and had relationships with some of the most famous men in the world. Even after death she has continued to be surrounded by interest and controversy. Through over 170 beautiful photographs and approximately 20 rare and removable facsimile documents, "Marilyn The Personal Archive" will uncover the private life of the star, revealing her crippling stage fright, insecurity, difficult childhood and her ambition to be the greatest actress the world had ever known.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

108 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as sort of an Xmas present from my boyfriend (belated but still adored present) who like anyone who has come within 500 feet of me knows that I adore and collect Marilyn (a life long job, let me tell ya). This book combines my adoration of Marilyn with my adoration of what I think of as adult interactive books (sort of like pop up books). I have seen this trend coming back recently, and I could not be more thrilled. I had originally found a Kurt Cobain book of this sort first and was madly in love with the format and then this!
The book is filled with gorgeous photos of Marilyn in various stages of her life (so begins most books about Marilyn). The twist here is that the book has little sections with reproductions of various articles from her life--and they are good reproductions--heavy paper--perfectly reproduced. There are copies of divorce decrees, telegrams, notes to Joe DiMaggio, canceled checks--every one a delight to the Marilyn fan who starts to feel they have seen everything. This book was at least as much fun as any pop up book I had as a child.
The one complaint I will register is that some of the photos in the book are badly mislabeled--pictures that are clearly from the 50's marked as '62 --things like that. I would normally be more put out over such obvious screw ups but the book is so charming I can forgive.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another pictorial biography. Nothing really new here for seasoned fans, but well-written & designed, with great photos and 20 facsimile documents that allow for a more intimate look at MM's fabled life. Suitable for collectors, new or casual fans.

A more detailed review from me here: http://tarahanks.com/2010/12/05/maril...

[Amanda Morsillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great and had lots of amazing pictures. However, there were so many spelling mistakes

[Gemma Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not so much a novel, as a quick flick through type of a book.
Personal copies of her scripts and drawings of her dress in 'Theres no business like show business', Hugo's dog registering papers.
Fantastic, you feel like you step back in time :)

[Khairul Zaman · Rating 4 out of 5]

superb and awesome book!