Rating: 
Summary: A Top biography
Review: I'd managed to drag myself through about a quarter of "Last Train to Memphis" when Peter Guralnick droped yet another superfluous detail about a Memphis DJ (Pete, you already told us twice that Bob Neal did the noon "hillbilly" show) and I just couldn't take it no more. Away went the King and out came the incomparable Cole.Where Guralnick's bio is dense and chewy, William McBrien's treatment on the serious work of being Cole Porter is a melt-in-your-mouth delight. And not without sustenance. McBrien's business is to give analysis of Porter's lyrics through insights into the man's background, actions and relationships. And then comes a cornucopia of society gossip and backstage anecdotes. The juicy stories are not overdone, in fact I would have liked a few more as well as more pictures. A nonchalant reference to a love letter to another man is McBrien's introduction of Cole Porter's homosexuality. I thought I missed an earlier more formal reference. From there it is treated no more nor less seriously than his marriage, wealth or manners--a major factor in his life that molded his work. Porter's crippling riding accident is handled in the same fashion-a clear report uncluttered by romance or irony. "Cole Porter" shows that it is possible to write a critical biography that weighs less than a toddler and is a real pleasure to read.
Rating: 
Summary: WELL RESEARCHED BUT AWKWARD
Review: This is one of the most comprehensive biographies of Cole Porter out. There are few stones that are not looked under but the detail becomes cumbersome and the prose style is awkward and often confusing. The cast of characters reads like a list of the "rich and famous" of the 20th century but the story gets lost in "who knows who", "who is related to who" and "who is doing what to whom". Still, the book is invaluable for its information and well worth the read.
Rating:
Summary: Heard the taped version and liked it
Review: What a creative genius Porter was! How one guy could turn out such amazing music is truly amazing. Very interesting biography. Now I want to see the film, night and day, despite the lousy reviews--just to hear the music!
Rating: 
Summary: READ IT!
Review: WILLIAM McBRIEN has done it;he has given all the PORTER fans of this world the biography they were waiting for for thirty-four years.What this book gives us is an accurate account of the composer's life including his well known homosexuality, even if he married for respectability.PORTER's early years were quite different when compare with the other composers of his generation;he had a millionnaire grandfather and a rather aloof father with whom he didn't really communicate.He led a rather easy going life until he finally decided at the age of 37 to let his talent bloom on BROADWAY.There is considerable irony to the fact that from his riding accident in 1937,that man who had everything suffered a great deal until his death in 1964.You end up knowing what was this thing called love.
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