Synopsis: Differing from other biographies and studies devoted to the life and accomplishments of American actress, singer, dancer and vaudevillian, Judy Garland (June 10, 1922 - June 22, 1969) is that "Garland: That's Beyond Entertainment - Reflections on Judy Garland" by Lawrence Schulman isn't a traditional birth-to-death biography. Rather, it aims to remove her from the simplistic realm of such epithets as "world's greatest entertainer" and "Miss Show Business" and reconsider her as one of the greatest singers of the 20th century's Great American Songbook, as someone who took us beyond entertainment to a level of artistry unique in classic American popular music.
The importance of Judy Garland is amply highlighted in this detailed and richly-illustrated study covering Schulman's writings on Garland between 1993 and 2023 that concentrate on her recordings, and not all the hoopla, hagiography, and tragedy usually attached to her short 47-year life.
Utilizing published articles, reviews, liner notes, interviews, program notes, talks, and prefaces, the Schulman opus (which includes a Foreword by John H. Haley and an Afterword by James Fisher), took thirty years to write, and revolutionizes the trite take on Garland as having had just "a talent to amuse." A seminal study which meticulously includes all the facts but does not exclude amusing anecdotes and unsettling stories that shed light on this complicated artist, "Garland: That's Beyond Entertainment - Reflections on Judy Garland" resembles Garland in that it is indeed entertaining, but it also spotlights an artist whose frightening talent takes us over the rainbow to a reality in song that is devoid of complaisance or artifice.
Critique: An absolute 'must read' for the legions of Judy Garland fans, "Garland: That's Beyond Entertainment - Reflections on Judy Garland" is exceptionally informative, insightful, groundbreaking, well written biography that features B/W illustrations throughout. Throughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "Garland: That's Beyond Entertainment - Reflections on Judy Garland" will prove an immediately welcome and enduringly popular addition to personal, community, and academic library 20th Century American Entertainer Biography/Memoir collections and supplemental American 20th Century Popular Culture curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for Judy Garland fans that "Garland: That's Beyond Entertainment - Reflections on Judy Garland" is also available in a paperback edition (9798887711843, $28.00) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.95).
Editorial Note: Founded in 2001 by Publisher Ben Ohmart, BearManor Media is known for publishing books on Movies, Television, Old Time Radio, Theater, Animation, Circus Performing Arts and previously unpublished scripts. The BearManor Media catalog now features more than 900 outstanding subjects from the obscure to the eminent. BearManor Media is also considered a leader and innovator in publishing rare autobiographies and biographies of African-American show business legends, famous voice actors, well-known sitcom stars, and celebrated producers, directors, and screenwriters.