Strategic Assessment 1996: Instruments Of U.s. Power Book

This is a predecessor to the more recent volumes of notable volumes full of various reproductions of materials of their time periods. This appeared as large paperback books were appearing with printed reproductions of mostly those of the film era. One even of Fields. That one and others by Richard J. Anobile. I review this with all of those in mind.

Considering the publication date and the effort, this is a volume chock full of Fields items. Mostly letters and images of his advertising of his early performances. The images are very interesting and insightful. The letters tell much of who Fields was and mindset. For a Fields fan, this is an essential volume. I am glad grandson Fields ventured this as it seems it would not have otherwise been collected and published.

For those looking for a biography of Fields, this book is severely lacking. Though grandson Fields begins the book by claiming that which follows will clear up and correct earlier biographies, this book never actually does that. Having a firm grasp of Fields life is essential to trying to check one volume from another.

Grandson Fields has little written beyond the documents presented. Some of that writing is hard to connect to that which it is to connect. Many of the letters of Fields lead to more questions as to whys and what-happeneds. More of this would make sense if the layout wasn't broken up in sections involving the areas of life and entertainment he was part of. These aren't in timely order.

Bottom line: I do not recommend this book, except for real Fields fans. 5 out of ten points.