Posted by NewYorkSinger on August 8, 2013, 5:24 am
Starting a new thread since the "The Films of Agnes Moorehead" was so long it could lose its prominence. I haven't finished this book (kindle) but already it's gotten me terribly upset. Too many snide remarks and assumptions. Could those he thanked in helping him with this book really feel "good" about it? And his profile states he's working on a BIO of A.M.?
I think it's better to keep the discussion of "The Films of Agnes Moorehead" all in one place, in its current thread even though it's long.
It would be better to use this new thread just for discussion of Nissen's second book on AM, which he announced yesterday in his profile on Amazon, to be a full biography.
I'm not looking forward to a second book on AM from Nissen, personally. To me, he presents himself as someone more interested in showing his self-perceived cleverness than in treating his subject fairly. Plus, since there's little information that's truly new in his current book, there's no reason to believe that his second book would contain much that hasn't already been published on AM. I'm sure there would be a little new info, but probably not enough to justify the cost of the book, nor to encourage his continued writing on this subject.
I found the author's response to the one review left on the "The Films of Agnes Moorehead" offputting. He does not realize that in the Internet age, any photos he has access to are already published hundreds of times over on the Internet and he should accept that fans are not willing to pay top dollar for them in the book format (or highway robbery for the Kindle version).
People want a good value for what they are buying. In this case, they didn't get it. And there is already a very reasonably priced biography on Agnes Moorehead that also serves as a film and radio guide for her performances. So, I personally, do not feel another one will hold much value.
For someone with such a sharp tongue, he sure has thin skin. It rarely works out well to comment on other people's reviews.
But back to your post, just because he thanked some people for working with him on the project, doesn't mean that they endorse the book, or for that matter even got an opportunity to read what he actually wrote. So, I wouldn't hold them accountable for any dissatisfaction that you may feel.
Overall, the sardonic wit and lack of new material may turn off the casual fans of the actress, but some people really enjoy it and will find a new book about their favorite actress a great addition to their collection Sow's ears are not made into silk purses by the addition of a few dandelions, Samantha!