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Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... Bayport Public Library | J 921 CHANEL | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
A biography of the innovative twentieth-century designer of clothing and perfume.
Reviews (2)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 6 Up-These two series entries serve a dual purpose by introducing readers to strong female figures as well as to consummate artists who made a lasting impression. Gaines seeks to uncover the truth about her subject's life, much of which was fabricated by Chanel herself. Her innovations in fashion along with her creation of her signature fragrance, Chanel No. 5, emblazoned her name onto the minds of a worldwide public. Jeremy Wallis's biography (Heinemann Library, 2001) gives some varying details on Chanel's life and includes an extensive glossary. Gaines doesn't cover any new ground, but her volume is for a slightly older audience. Silverthorne portrays the premier French stage actress of the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a tremendous talent with a passionate, fiery nature. Bernhardt's relationship with the "beloved monster," the name she dubbed her audiences, is shown to be perhaps the most significant one of her life. She drew upon the public's fascination with her and was named by reporters as "the greatest of French ambassadors." The author's comprehensive look at Bernhardt's life, loves, triumphs, and disappointments will appeal to anyone interested in the stage, theater history, and great actors. Both titles contain an array of vivid photographs of the women in their prime and glory. The volumes are well laid out, easy to follow, and visually attractive. Excellent additions to any collection.-Tracy Karbel, Glenside Public Library District, Glendale Heights, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
While informative, these success stories about actress Bernhardt and fashion designer Chanel are repetitive and oversimplified, although neither shies away from the less attractive aspects of these glamorous Frenchwomen. The accounts are enriched with cultural context and illustrations and appended with lists of achievements. Chronology, reading list, websites. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Women in the Arts titles: [cf2]Coco Chanel[cf1] and [cf2]Sarah Bernhardt[cf1].] (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Excerpts
Excerpts
Gabrielle Chanel, the orphan girl the soldiers called Coco, offered her boyish style to the ladies of Paris. The sleek lines, light fabrics, and casual elegance of her designs liberated a generation and defined the modern woman. Excerpted from Coco Chanel by Ann Graham Gaines All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
