Gail L. (divine-ms-m) reviewed Winchell : Gossip, Power, and the Culture of Celebrity on + 312 more book reviews
Although most of us remember Walter Winchell for his rapid-fire narration for the old "Untouchables" television show, he was much more than that. Neal Gabler chronicles Winchell's career and life, but it's his analysis of Winchell's effect on his times and culture that makes this book transcend routine biography. Winchell's became a powerful voice for a time: businessmen wanted to be his friend, celebrities needed him, and politicians feared him. In fact, most people feared him. But somehow, Winchell created a definition of celebrity that has endured even today. This is a stunning biography of a man who fought hard to get it all and fought equally hard to keep his fame and recognition as he lost it in a blaze of self-destructiveness. One of the best books I've read in years.
