*Includes pictures. *Includes Douglas' quotes about his own life and career. *Includes a bibliography for further reading. “When you become a star; you don't change - everyone else does.†– Kirk Douglas A lot of ink has been spilled covering the lives of history’s most influential figures; but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? In Charles River Editors’ American Legends series; readers can get caught up to speed on the lives of America’s most important men and women in the time it takes to finish a commute; while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known. In 1996; Kirk Douglas was given an Honorary Academy Award “for 50 years as a creative and moral force in the motion picture community"; and a few years later; the American Film Institute ranked him the 17th greatest actor of the 20th century. About 15 years after the AFI compiled that list; Kirk Douglas is the only screen legend on the list who is still alive; the patriarch of an acting family that includes popular actor Michael Douglas as well. Of course; Douglas didn’t earn such honorary achievements merely because of the longevity that has seen him appear in movies over the course of 7 different decades. From the 1950s up until the end of the 1980s; Douglas starred in several classic movies; including perhaps his most iconic role as history’s most famous gladiator in Spartacus (1960). He also appeared in critically acclaimed movies like Out of the Past (1947); Champion (1949); Ace in the Hole (1951); The Bad and the Beautiful (1952); 20;000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954); Lust for Life (1956); Paths of Glory (1957); Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957); The Vikings (1958); Lonely Are the Brave (1962); Seven Days in May (1964); The Heroes of Telemark (1965); Saturn 3 (1980) and Tough Guys (1986). And in addition to playing strong lead characters; Douglas was also outspoken and not afraid to share his views when he thought something was wrong in the industry; including the notorious blacklisting done as a result of the Red Scare in the 1950s. American Legends: The Life of Kirk Douglas profiles the life and career of one of America’s greatest actors. Along with pictures of important people; places; and events; you will learn about Douglas like never before; in no time at all.
#3556225 in Books 2013-11-07Original language:English 9.00 x .12 x 6.00l; #File Name: 149369360352 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Underground RailroadBy C. YatesThe best thing about this book is the pictures of important people connected with the Underground Railroad. Having the pictures with names helps one see more character than just the names. Fredrick Douglass; once a slave himself; and Harriet Tubman are the most noted names but there are many others in out country who brought about the need for the Railroad and its assistance to the slaves. Warning: the book is short and will leave you wanting more personal information regarding this period in our history but there are listings in back that assist in getting to more of that information. Charles River Editors does a great job in peaking your interest. The routes are given on a map for the Underground Railroad and you may be surprised to find it not only lead to Canada but to Mexico and into the Caribbean. It was too far a journey for those in the deep south to go north when the could easier go to Mexico. This book makes the escapes come alive and you will want to read more personal accounts. I recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about this concept of a way to escape with a name that has nothing to do with actual railroads. I got my book downloaded on my Kindle from . You can start reading this today so gets yours right now.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Good readBy TomHCharles River Editors - what can I say ! Short books containing a lot of information . Great bibliographies for sources in each book . Sometimes the book satisfies me and at times leads me to more books . BEWARE - this one leads you to wanting to read more about the Underground Railroad ! Try Charles River Editors ; most are short books that fill you in on the subject . With the movie '12 Years a Slave' out this year this is a good background for the period .2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Underground Railroad saving lives is still remembered.By Amanda J. EdwardsAnyone who loves civil rights history will love this book. It brings the Underground Railroad in ways that teach us how the network could survive. Why going north to Canada was the option. But not the only option. Yes; some slaves went into Mexico and into the Caribbean. Read for yourself and check the exhaustive reference. Recommendation warranted.
