Rating: 
Summary: An Unsung Classic
Review: This book is a true must-read for anyone, Marxist or not. Full of good humor, incredible experiences, an amazing childhood, and life in vaudeville, its message is one of warmth and hilarity. I first read it at 18 years of age, and still revisit its pages twelve years later. I hope that's always the case, for each time, I find something new.As you read through this book, you'll find yourself thinking, "There just aren't people like this guy anymore" - Harpo Marx was the cheerful, resourceful product of turn-of-the-century New York, and vaudeville, at that. His childhood of scrapping out a survival of relative destitution (the jobs he took are hilarious, and fascinating, to read about), in a loving, albeit quirky, family couldn't be found in fiction - it's too wacky to have been invented. And his introduction to life on the stage - well, you'll have to read for yourself. Harpo Marx's life seems never to have had a dull moment - from a hugely successful life on stage and screen, to his intimate friendships with members of the legendary Algonquin Round Table (the croquet fixation among those folks is a book in itself) - it's practically a life worthy of fairytale status. His stories about Alexander Woollcott are absolutely hysterical, and a great treat by themselves. And don't even get me started on the section about Oscar Levant - just thinking about it makes me laugh out loud. Finally, we read about Harpo's marriage to Susan Fleming, and their adoption of five children. The warmth and humanity that were such a huge part of Harpo can be summed up by the reason he chose to adopt five children - so that when he came home every day, there would be a face in each window to greet him. What a great, great man. My review only skims the surface of this great book's content - it's a fascinating read, and will definitely open your eyes to a new way of seeing the world. It's worth every penny, and chances are you'll want to hold onto your copy for a good, long time. I sure have.
Rating:
Summary: A Window to the Past
Review: "Harpo Speaks" is, quite simply, the finest book by or about a member of the Marx Brothers.
While it is true that it is not the best source of information about the Brothers' films, it is a terrific window into turn of the 20th century New York, the Vaudeville era, the roaring 20's, to the Golden Days of Hollywood, and even to Stalinist Russia.
Harpo and his co-author present the book as a series of anecodets, and very amusing anecdotes at that. I found the sections on Harpo's legendary friendship with Alexander Wollcott to be moving and inspiring. He paints vivid portraits of many of his close friends with tenderness and humor. He loved his friends dearly and it shows in print.
Of particular interest is the inclusion of Harpo's Rules, a set of house rules for his large adopted family. Harpo really seemed to know about parenting and, as far as I can tell from what research I've done, created a family that absolutely adored him and that went on to be happy, succesful adults. In other words, there is some excellent insight into parenting in the latter chapters as well.
All in all, a fast, fun read and one I will be enjoying again and again.
Rating:
Summary: I love Harpo!
Review: This book is awesome. I fell in love with Harpo Marx last New Year's Eve while watching a Marx brothers marathon. I know, a little late in the game but I'm here now:-)
This book is so wonderful. I can't say enough about the stories inside that made me laugh, made me cry, and made me want to know more about this funny, funny man.
Harpo speaks and Harpo lives in the words of this book. A very enjoyable read.
Rating: 
Summary: And high time too...
Review: It might some people who have not read this book as to how in the world Harpo Marx made his way from the slums of New York to become the darling of literary New York. Surely Groucho could be counted upon to make such a leap. Such is a testamony to the enduring popularity of the movie personnas of the Marx brothers.
While not as good a wisecracker, at least on stage, Harpo probably was the nicest of the Marx brothers. Lacking Groucho's interest in cleaver word play, which should have made him a natural for the Algonquin roundtable, Harpo nevertheless became the darling of not only New York's smart set, but also dabbled in pre-Cold War espionage, serving as an unofficial diplomatic currier following an engagement at the Moscow Art Theatre.
Harpo's memoirs are interesting in not only what they discuss, but in what they omit and actually this serves to define Harpo as the nicest of the Marx Brothers. This is not a tell all book and Harpo apparently had only one significant emotional envolvement in his life (his wife) outside that of his immediate family.
Turning to the family, the main person here is Minnie, the mother of the Marx Borthers, both the act and the siblings. The way he handles this fireball of energy is particularly interesting, particularly when contrasted with the way she appears in Groucho's numerous memoirs.
This book covers a great deal of ground, anyone interested in the Marxes or the surroundings in which they came of age will find this book an absolute delight.
Rating:
Summary: An Unsung Classic
Review: This book is a true must-read for anyone, Marxist or not. Full of good humor, incredible experiences, an amazing childhood, and life in vaudeville, its message is one of warmth and hilarity. I first read it at 18 years of age, and still revisit its pages twelve years later. I hope that's always the case, for each time, I find something new. As you read through this book, you'll find yourself thinking, "There just aren't people like this guy anymore" - Harpo Marx was the cheerful, resourceful product of turn-of-the-century New York, and vaudeville, at that. His childhood of scrapping out a survival of relative destitution (the jobs he took are hilarious, and fascinating, to read about), in a loving, albeit quirky, family couldn't be found in fiction - it's too wacky to have been invented. And his introduction to life on the stage - well, you'll have to read for yourself. Harpo Marx's life seems never to have had a dull moment - from a hugely successful life on stage and screen, to his intimate friendships with members of the legendary Algonquin Round Table (the croquet fixation among those folks is a book in itself) - it's practically a life worthy of fairytale status. His stories about Alexander Woollcott are absolutely hysterical, and a great treat by themselves. And don't even get me started on the section about Oscar Levant - just thinking about it makes me laugh out loud. Finally, we read about Harpo's marriage to Susan Fleming, and their adoption of five children. The warmth and humanity that were such a huge part of Harpo can be summed up by the reason he chose to adopt five children - so that when he came home every day, there would be a face in each window to greet him. What a great, great man. My review only skims the surface of this great book's content - it's a fascinating read, and will definitely open your eyes to a new way of seeing the world. It's worth every penny, and chances are you'll want to hold onto your copy for a good, long time. I sure have.
Rating:
Summary: How could you NOT love this man?!!!
Review: After reading this book, all I can say is..........AMAZING!!! Harpo led such an unbelieveable life, and I feel so gratified that I could share in it by reading his life story. I was hooked from the first page, and I just couldn't put it down. This man went through so much adversity in his childhood, but he was neither bitter nor cynical about it. He just accepted whatever life threw at him, and we are all the better for it. He has (or should I say had) a magnificant way of telling a story. I loved reading about the early days and his adventures of being "Exapno Mapcase" when he was in Russia. And the way he told the story of how his wife Susan courted him. She sounded like a great lady. Also, how Harpo and Susan told the "The Story" to their kids about how they were adopted. Harpo truly was a gentle man, and I for one, am glad he was able to achieve peace and serenity in his life. His story is uplifting, and I really and truly wish I could have met this sweet, funny, and adorable man. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: "...and in conclusion"
Review: That line use to crack Harpo up! This book is like sitting down and hearing your best friend tell you the story of his life, and WHAT a life! Harpo lived through the toughest of times full of bigotry, proverty and a world torn by war, yet the love of his family and friends provided him a safe haven that few people ever experience. Harpo's outlook on life, his gentle nature and true love of people served him well. This book takes you to Harpo's world and seats you at the Algonquin Round Table for a 10 year lunch with some of the most famous people of the 20's and 30's. It's a trip back in time and an insider's veiw of the world of vaudeville and life on the road. All of this history is told with warmth and humor that makes you want to read it over and over. I found this book in the 1970's and I've read it many times. I have two copies, one a well worn paperback and the other a treasured first edition with a perfect book jacket! I've spent many hours in Harpo's company and with each time the telling just gets better. In these pages you'll find a man who was a success at his craft, his family and with his friendships. I think his greatest acomplisment was the family he and Susan created with four adopted children late in life and "The Story" about how each child came into the family is too wonderful to be missed. The greatest gift he had was himself and he gave it generously to everyone he met. And though this book he shares himself with you.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing book, amazing man
Review: "Harpo speaks" is easily the best book ever written by, about, or relating to the Marx brothers. In his sweetly conversational manner, Harpo tells his entire story from growing up to growing old, and its a delight to read. For someone who never went beyond the second grade, it is an impressive effort. Then again, Harpo Marx was not an ordinary man. And in conclusion....(injoke, read the book!) A wonderful read, one you will read several times and enjoy every time.
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