Judy Garland: A Portrait in Art and Anecdote    by John Fricke Order:  USA  Can Bulfinch, 2003 (2003) Hardcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Melissa Parcel Judy Garland's career spanned over five decades. The beautiful, golden star of stage and screen lit up the world like no other performer. According to actor Robert Stack, 'Judy Garland would today be a show business legend if she had only played Dorothy in the 1939 film classic, The Wizard of Oz.' The author reveals how Garland's career and life encompassed so much more than that. John Fricke, a leading historian and authority on Judy Garland, has compiled a gorgeous book in tribute to this phenomenal woman, telling us that 'Decades of Garland's accomplishments have often been overshadowed by the media's disproportionate concentration on her consequent personal travail.' His book offers loving stories and exquisite pictures to help provide a detailed look at more than just the Judy in the public eye. It will help current and future fans to see pictures of the highs and lows of her all-too short life. Judy Garland : A Portrait in Art and Anecdote is divided by decades. Starting with the 1920's, Mr. Fricke introduces her growing up years and early career. Anecdotes from friends and family members, as well as from Garland herself, accompany photographs and other memorabilia from each stage of her life. I was fascinated by every one of the stories and the descriptions accompanying the pictures. By the end I truly felt like Judy Garland was a friend, or a member of my own family. The portrayal of Garland as a mother brought tears to my eyes. According to Alan King, 'She was the most loving mother I have ever seen. She just worshipped the three children--even more than you would expect of a mother.' Her adoration for her children glows from each photo. The Encore at the end provides quotes about the legacy she left behind and the mark she made on those still touched by her life - 'So, thanks to the gods above / For letting me fall in love / With Judy Garland' (Jerry Herman). The only thing missing from this book is Garland's music playing in the background. Judy Garland : A Portrait in Art and Anecdote is a must for Judy Garland fans everywhere. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews