Elizabeth Taylor: The Grit and Glamour of an Icon

The first authorized biography of Elizabeth Taylor, the twentieth-century's most famous film star, includes unseen photographs and unread private reflections. It captures her as intelligent, empathetic, tenacious, volatile, and complex, from her rise to fame to her marriages and battle with addiction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2024
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Elizabeth Taylor, the legendary actress of the 20th century, was renowned for her captivating beauty, dramatic personal life, and magnetic screen presence. This authorized biography, featuring unseen photographs and unpublished private reflections, offers a fascinating and comprehensive portrait of the icon and her enduring legacy.

Born in 1932, Elizabeth Taylor embarked on a remarkable journey to fame. At the age of twelve, she made her debut in National Velvet, a film that marked her rise to stardom. Her talent and charisma soon propelled her to become the first actor to negotiate a million-dollar salary for a film.

Throughout her life, Elizabeth Taylor was known for her eight marriages and her enduring love affair with Richard Burton. Their tumultuous relationship, filled with passion and drama, captivated the public and media alike. However, their love was not without its challenges, including Elizabeth's struggle with addiction and her courageous efforts as an AIDS activist.

In her captivating memoir, Elizabeth Taylor: The Last Queen of Hollywood, author Kate Andersen Brower delves deep into the life and career of this iconic actress. Drawing upon unpublished letters, diary entries, and off-the-record interview transcripts, as well as interviews with 250 of Elizabeth's closest friends and family, Brower paints a vivid and unvarnished picture of the classic Hollywood star who continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Through her storytelling, Brower reveals Elizabeth Taylor's intelligence, empathy, tenacity, volatility, and complexity. She explores the various stages of her life, from her early years in Kentucky to her rise to fame in Hollywood, her marriages, and her battles with addiction. Brower also sheds light on Elizabeth's philanthropic efforts, her close relationships with notable figures such as Winston Churchill and Audrey Hepburn, and her impact on the fashion and beauty industry.

Elizabeth Taylor's legacy is profound, and her influence on the entertainment industry continues to be felt today. Her glamorous beauty, iconic hairstyles, and bold fashion choices have inspired generations of actors, actresses, and fashion enthusiasts. Her performances on the screen, particularly in films like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Cleopatra, have left an indelible mark on the history of cinema.

In conclusion, Elizabeth Taylor: The Last Queen of Hollywood is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the life and career of this extraordinary woman. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Brower offers a comprehensive portrait that captures the essence of Elizabeth Taylor's brilliance, resilience, and enduring legacy. This authorized biography is a fitting tribute to the legend and her remarkable journey through life.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008435868