Bettie Page: The Life of a Pin-Up Legend
by James L. Swanson, Karen Essex

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Book Reviews of Bettie Page: The Life of a Pin-Up Legend

Book Review: Pin - Up Legend Reveals the Inner Icon
Summary: 5 Stars

The authors, Karen Essex and James L. Swanson, render a definitive biography of one of the most enigmatic figures of our memory. Their slick 288 page paperback version lovingly portrays the images and life of Bettie page. You can take this book two ways:

On the coffee table, it presents a seductive collection of family photographs and pulp covers documenting the pin-up icon.

In bed, it seduces you to learn about the studious young woman who triumphed over family heartbreak to become a legend.

In the Fifties, I was one of the multitude of pre-adolescent boys who furtively witnessed her near-perfect body and impish smile - without knowing who she was. Now, more than forty years since her last session, Essex and Swanson answer some of the questions and heap on plenty of deja vu in the process.

The authors expose a life of someone who is noble and genuine. The "real" Bettie Page turns out to as fascinating as her ubiquitous image. Secretarial stints, jobs in Hati, persistent self-improvement and disappointing husbands propel her into a series of vicissitudes worthy of a Henry Fielding novel. Amid the rich and varied photographs, drawings and memorabilia, Essex and Swanson weave an engaging tale of someone quite surprising. Her guileless and genuine approach to life are almost Zen-like when viewed from our age of media hype and agents. Here is the story of a bright, beautiful, autonomous loner who deals directly with her life, shunning pretense, flattery and victimhood.

The Bettie Page you discover in this book, as her beautiful visage, is both accessible and mysterious.

Maybe I'll follow through with the gift idea my wife had last Spring.

Summary of Bettie Page: The Life of a Pin-Up Legend

Performing Arts Books

• Books > Subjects > Arts & Photography
• Biographies & Memoirs > Arts & Literature > Entertainers
• Historical
• Specific Groups > Women
• Humor & Entertainment
• Social Sciences