Madonna: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)

Madonna: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Mary Cross

Madonna: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
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Book Summary Information

Author: Mary Cross
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-05-30
ISBN: 0313338116
Number of pages: 152
Publisher: Greenwood

Book Reviews of Madonna: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)

Book Review: Unearthing the Real Madonna
Summary: 5 Stars

While it's a formidable task to unearth the real Madonna, Mary Cross gets as close as any journalist or writer has to date to penetrating Madonna's multiple reincarnations. Cross offers up a full sketch of Madonna's life in all its complexities and outrage.


Cross suggests that Madonna's bad girl teen years, where she learned the power of shock, gave her the instincts for making it and the confidence to succeed--traits which have served her to good advantage throughout her long career. At age 20 she was cocky enough to take herself to Manhattan where she didn't know a soul. Even a series of failed artist ventures didn't dissuade Madeonna. She stayed the course, always with the ability to be on the cutting edge. She was among the first big names to use MTV to her advantage. Madonna was also in the forefront of milking publcity through the power of shock. She shoved her panties in David Letterman's face as a guest on his late night show,and later took delight in the outrage caused by her photographic book, "Sex." Her last concert took aim at political leaders and conveyed an erotic relatinship to horses.


Cross is in awe of Madonna's capacity to keep us guessing as she pushes 50. Madonna can still create some of the most imaginative and entertaing concerts around while positioning herself as a loving mother and wife.


Maybe the real feminist message here is never to lose faith in what you believe in and to be willing to try the new. "Truth or Dare" is the Madonna story and Cross tells it with juicy details, balance and even respect. This is a well-written (Cross is a seasoned journalist) guilty pleasure supreme. The perfect summer vacation read. I read it over a rainy weekend and, much to my surprise, found myself admiring Madonna in ways I hadn't counted on.





Pat Taub


Tenants Harbor,Maine





Summary of Madonna: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)

As the Material Girl, Eva Perón in Evita, and most recently, queen of the disco floor, Madonna's transformations and assumed identities keep her fans wanting more. She has inspired university professors and cultural critics to enshrine her as a postmodern icon. Known for her persona as much as for her music, Madonna has stirred controversy through her use of religious and sexual depictions in her songs, music videos, concerts, and in one notorious publication. This biography traces Madonna's ambitious journey from a Midwest upbringing as part of a large family to achieving fame on a global scale. It also brings readers up to date on her latest incarnation as a wife and mother, living on a country estate in England. Students researching cultural studies topics will accurate information on the musician's life and body of work, as well as critical commentary on her impact and lasting significance as one of the most influential female entertainers of our time.

She has been the subject of countless magazines and newspaper stories around the world, whether for her sold-out concerts or as an advocate for Kabbalah, the spiritual movement rooted in Jewish mysticism. This book shares her story and provides a way to consider the influence Madonna has had through her ever-evolving career in shaping our popular culture. A timeline of significant events and a bibliography of print and electronic sources for additional research round out this volume.

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