What people are saying about this book...
Media Reviews
"If you seek a smoothly told, vividly detailed precis of Lanza's life, you'll find a 'good read' here."
— David McKee, Opera Quarterly
, Summer 2000
"The writing is entertaining and enthusiastic . . . the quality of the author’s research [is] undeniable."
— Zachary Woolfe, Opera Journal
"A carefully researched and fluently written book."
— Joseph Cooper, The Oldie
"A picture of Lanza, more complete and understandable than heretofore available—and a surprise ending."
— Rona Commins, Mu Phi Epsilon Bookshelf
, March 7, 2001
"[Bessette] captures the inherent tragedy of the singer's life and the contradictory facets of his personality, thus shedding light on one of history's great voices."
— Book News
"Bessette carefully portrays the dualities in Lanza's life, and he presents many surprising incidents and telling anecdotes."
— Milasso, American Record Guide
, January/February 2000
"Here is an author who has obviously researched Lanza’s life and career with the keen depth of a born scholar... and is able to discuss Lanza’s qualities with the authority of an informed, very musical listener.
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— Musical Opinion
1999
"Bessette, a lawyer and Lanza fan, does an admirable job of unearthing a great store of anecdotes and opinions about the controversial singer.
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— Publishers Weekly
, January 25, 1999
"Bessette has written a thorough and entertaining story.
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— Library Journal
"This is a fine biography, judicious in its evaluations and well documented in its facts, giving Lanza his due and, yet, also presenting the dark other side.
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— Observer & Eccentric
"Bessette strikes an admirable balance between revealing the person and acknowledging the achievements... Absorbing and well-written.
"
— BBC Musical Magazine
"The main positive element of this book is that it goes into detail about the qualities and flaws of Lanza’s voice every step of the way... This exploration... is extremely interesting and worthwhile, and offers this amazing voice the legitimate analysis that it is usually denied in favour of more scintillating discussion of Lanza’s private life and character.
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— Opera Now
"Bessette explores Lanza’s tragically short, self-destructive life in a smoothly flowing narrative similar to a novel that’s hard to put down... To Lanza fans, it’s self-recommending. To the others (like me) who hear in Lanza a potentially great but essentially untrained voice, the book is a fascinating read.
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— Bill Russell, Operaphile
, February 2, 1999
"A compulsive, yet often harrowing read.
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— Ian Lace, Film & Classical Music on the Web
"His compelling story of a unique talent sheds new light on one of history’s great voices."
— The Bookwatch
Customer Reviews
A Great Fan Writes a Great Book! | July 23, 2002
Reviewer: Anonymous from Buena Park, CA (eharvath@prodigy.net)
I enjoyed this book very much. Mario Lanza's music was a part of my growing up years, and his beautiful voice and the great songs he sang...
I knew Lanza | February 4, 2003
Reviewer: A. W. from Santa Monica, CA
I was Mario Lanza's nurse from 7am-7pm for five weeks in 1956. It was an amazing experience. Good book.
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