Publish Date |
September 16, 2014 |
Category |
Biography & Autobiography / Cultural, Ethnic & Regional Performing Arts / Comedy |
Price |
$35.99 |
ISBN: 9781451697971
Format: Hardback
Pages: 544
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: September 16, 2014
“A smart, revealing biography of an iconic American funnyman. . . . A fascinating look at a complicated genius.”“Whitaker’s wonderfully thorough biography of America’s most accomplished comedian provides context and depth as he analyzes Bill Cosby’s work.”Fluid, admiring, packed with detail and anecdotes.”“Invaluable . . . Whitaker makes a convincing argument that issues of race and politics have preoccupied Cosby throughout his life.”“Whitaker’s clear-eyed, fair-minded and deftly written book takes up all the momentous stops of Cosby’s life’s journey . . . by allowing us to see Cosby’s tumultuous life in full, Whitaker’s book makes it possible to imagine Bill Cosby being regarded as one of the first prophets of what optimists of all colors believe will someday be a “post-racial America.”“Absorbing . . . makes a persuasive case for Cosby as a groundbreaking comic and a quiet but far-ranging pioneer of black advancement.”“Readable, thoughtful life of the brilliant comedian and . . . an eye-opening book and a pleasure to read.”“Provides an in-depth look at the triumphs and tragedies of a man who has kept America laughing for decades.”“This is a compelling look at a man who has had a major impact on American race relations and television and whose “Cosby effect” helped prime the nation for its first black president.”“An insightful, well-researched exploration . . . a generous portrayal of a complicated yet ultimately compassionate man.”Editor’s Picks“Written with the entertainer’s cooperation, it is admiring but not fawning, honest but not lancing, with a narrative drive that matches the soaring arc of Cosby’s career . . . [Whitaker] has a masterly command of detail . . . a must-read for the comedian’s fans, and a book that will reward anyone interested in comedy, television or the wellsprings of popular culture.”“A solid, well-researched reminder of Cosby’s impact on the pop-culture landscape.”“Cosby: His Life and Times tells a quintessentially American tale of adversity and triumph, influence, betrayal and—yes—lots and lots of laughter.”“The book is at its strongest when the author puts Cosby’s comedy and to education into a broad social and cultural context.”“The biography examines the non-comedic side of Bill Cosby, and features interviews with 60 of his closest friends and associates. The author calls Cosby ‘entertainment’s Jackie Robinson, smashing racial barriers and teaching hard truths to the black community.’”