Fred E. Basten is de auteur van meer dan vijfendertig boeken, die zich vaak verdiepen in de wereld van de cinema en zijn iconische figuren. Zijn werken verkennen vaak de visuele kunstzinnigheid van het filmmaken en de persoonlijkheden die de gouden tijdperken ervan vormden. Bastens aanpak omvat een diepe duik in de filmgeschiedenis en de belangrijke individuen die deze bevolkten.
A treasury of retro Las Vegas of Rat Pack days, when Liberace's candles flamed and Elvis was an opening act. Readers learn how a dusty desert town became the world's favorite playground and entertainment capital. Filled with glamour and intrigue, this collection of anecdotes tells the true story of the town where gangsters and glamour mix -- how Sinatra got his break there, why Ann-Margret became a star -- the stories only insiders know, plus tourist photos, collectibles and remarkable celebrity photographs.
Hollywood's golden age is revealed from a different angle by this collection of advertising art. It depicts the posters created for promotion within the industry during the 1930s and 1940s, rather than the ones shown in the cinemas.
Early in the 20th century, as Americans climbed into their Model-Ts and took to the open road, American manufacturers and retailers discovered miles and miles of new advertising space, and the audaciously oversized billboard was born. For a century, billboards have recruited, congratulated, teased, sold, and seduced us, promoting everything under the sun, from hosiery to war bonds, presidential candidates to rock shows. GREAT AMERICAN BILLBOARDS not only offers a lively look back at changing styles, products, and tastes, but is also an important visual record of this largely unheralded yet ubiquitous American art form.Reviews"This slice-of-life compendium entertains and educates."-US Airways Magazine"Although the pictures are fascinating, Basten'¬?s text is quite a bonus."-Oklahoman"An illuminating guide to a country, its culture, and its people."-American Way"Beyond the irresistible nostalgia is a fascinating glimpse of the evolution of our consumer nation."-Dallas Morning NewsFeatured on Entertainment Weekly'¬?s "Must List"
Traces the life and influence of the cosmetics innovator, describing his early years as a beautician for the Russian royal family, role in developing the images of leading Hollywood stars, and contributions to the establishment of the retail cosmetics industry.
