All His Jazz: The Life and Death of Bob Fosse

by Martin Gottfried

Book Overview

""All His Jazz" practically dances off the pages.""Harper's Bazaar"

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 055307038X
• ISBN13: 9780553070385
• Release Date: November 1990
• Publisher: Bantam Books
• Length: 483 Pages
• Weight: 1.87 lbs.

Customer Reviews

For those who love jazz hands. . .

Detailing the life of Broadway's legendary choreographer, this book is a must if you've ever enjoyed a hip pop, jazz hand, or ice cream scooping. It sees Fosse for who he was, warts and all.

A Fine Biography of The Greatest American Choreographer That Ever Lived

Bob Fosse, in this reader's opinion, is, besides the greatest director\choreography of musicals, the greatest choreographer that ever lived. His brilliant, simplistic style has entertained millions and has shown an inpact in current pop culture. Mr. Fosse himself was a fascinating man. A slightly short, mumbling chainsmoker, his many demons included alcohol, drugs, paranoia, sex and women. Mr. Gottfried lets us know about those demons. However, he gives interesting accounts of all of Fosse's work for stage and screen. This book is excellent, but to truly learn about the genius that was Bob Fosse, this reader recommends Mr. Fosse's autobiographical film "All That Jazz."

Fascinating Guy, Fascinating Book

I'll tell you right off the top, I'm not a huge fan of Broadway musicals. Mostly I'm a fan of Fosse because of his films, which rank among my favorites. But regardless of any of that, Fosse's personality and his life make him a fascinating subject for biographical study.Gottfried's book is heavily detailed, describing the events of Fosse's life, exploring his work and his personal realtionships, and really getting inside the man's head, all the while maintaining a very readable, and appropriately jazzy style. There's also enough quoted dialogue to keep the book flowing almost like a work of fiction.A great read and an informative one. Highly recommended to fans of Fosse and his work, or those simply interested in one of the most intriguing of showbiz lives.

Pure Fun

Maybe I'm biased: I'm a shrink. I lived in New York in the early 80's. I knew some of the people mentioned in the book. But this was the most fun I've had reading since Letters from a Nut. Full of tidbits about a raft of celebrities. Another reviewer complained about the lack of pictures. Why stop there? We need all the films, too. Must watch All That Jazz again ASAP, AND try to get my hands on Sweet Charity and Cabaret. A great ride!

THE GREATEST BOOK ON EARTH!!

This book is one of , if not the, greatest books I have ever read. It reads so wonderfully. I read it in three days. It just flew off the pages. I can't give this book enough praise. FOSSE FANS READ THIS BOOK!!!!!

A fascinating biography of a remarkable artist

Martin Gottfried has done a superb job of illuminating Fosse's life and work; I cannot imagine a better biography. He shows a complete understanding of the issues that informed Fosse's creative genius and creates a fascinating narrative which intertwines his life and his work. I picked this book up after having seen and loved the revival of "CHICAGO" on Broadway and have been transfixed by the book. I am a great admirer of Fosse's film work as well -- most notably ALL THAT JAZZ -- and found Gottfried's behind the scenes accounts of the movies gripping. I cannot recommend this book highly enough for anyone who is interested in Fosse, choreography, or the development of an artist. I'd give it ten stars!