I bought this book because Elsa Maxwell was mentioned in a new play entitled, Dial 'M' for Marlene, which was showcased recently in Hollywood. She was one of several guests (along with Marlene Dietrich and Richard Rodgers) attending Marilyn Monroe's January 7, 1955 press conference, announcing her break from Fox studios and relocation to New York (to study serious acting). Elsa's book is entertaining and bears the style of someone who is knowledgeable and well read. Her phrases are varied and interesting. Her vocabulary is extensive. Her humor is at times delightful, and her tips on party giving are thoughtfully expresed. Although she claims to shun formality, she emerges as being inflexible, strongly opinionated, and downright snobbish, when it comes to social position, favoring nobility, political figures, as well as selected writers, musicians and entertainers of the day. She is a product of her times, in so much as she writes that intelligent women shouldn't reveal their ability at parties. Evenso, her thoughts are enough to arouse my interest in learning more about her and I look forward to reading the new biography, Inventing Elsa Maxwell (by Sam Staggs), which comes out later this year. But, oh, what a pain it is to endure her disdain for so many of her contemporaries! I couldn't put it down, but there were moments when I wanted to throw it across the room in disgust. The passage about cleaning up elephant manure (with Lady Peal) shortly before one of her parties is amusing and distinguishes her among the herd.Read full review
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