Reviews for James A. Michener, a biography

The average rating for James A. Michener, a biography based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2020-01-04 00:00:00 Christopher Kelsey An evenhanded look at one of the best selling authors ever, the book doesn’t come close to the hagiography I thought it might be. It explores many of Michener’s faults and weaknesses, his ego (apparently he was miffed that he hadn’t won a Nobel prize), and other less praiseworthy aspects of his personality. The book also deals with Michener’s deep interest in politics (he ran for congress, and explored other political activities throughout his life), and the sometimes heavily political bent of some of his books. One of his observations noted in his short book ‘Presidential Lottery' (written regarding the Wallace effort to force the 1968 election into the Electoral College, of which Michener was later a member of) is especially prescient: 'Refusal to revise/abolish the Electoral College system is major proof of our stupidity...sometime within this century (it will) explode with dire consequences. In retrospect one day they’ll remember that (I) was right’. So Michener was a bit off on the timing, but ultimately correct in his fears. So the book is interesting . And though the last of Michener’s half dozen books are speedily compressed into one paragraph, and despite the bio being written about a dozen years before Michener’s death, it does seem to deliver on what it set out to accomplish - and that is to paint a realistic portrait of this best selling novelist/historian.

Review # 2 was written on 2020-08-23 00:00:00 Carl Baudoux I have always been fascinated with James Michener and how he managed to be so prolific, successful and interesting. This biography of him doesn't disappoint. Hard to put down and endlessly fascinating. Loved it