Dietrich fans, sit up and take notice. Marlene Dietrich: Photographs and Memories, compiled by Jean-Jacques Naudet and captioned by Maria Riva, offers hundreds of photographs of the pack rat's possessions (her dog tags, her cigarette case, her clothing and letters to and from lovers), and, of course, snapshots and publicity stills of the incomparable Dietrich herself (in her 'Eisenhower battle jacket' and in her gowns and jewels). Touching reminiscences from Josef von Sternberg and Jean Cocteau, among others, round out this valuable addition to the wealth of books dedicated to the German actress who became one of America's greatest icons.
~Publishers Weekly
Introduced by brief recollections from director Josef von Sternberg, Orson Welles (who worked with her in Touch of Evil), Ernest Hemingway, and others. The Film Museum of Berlin contains 25,000 objects and 18,000 images related to Dietrich, and this book is like a museum exhibition held expressly for Dietrich lovers. It is divided into sections such as 'Portraits,' 'Beads, Furs, and Feathers,' and 'Possessions' and displays her dresses and accessories in pristine condition, alongside excerpts from letters and diaries. Daughter Maria Riva provides extended captions to the many photographs of the actress and her belongings. Also included are a filmography, theatography, concertography, discography, and collection inventory with exhibitions. Recommended for film collections.
~Library Journal
For the neophyte, the book offers a thorough Dietrich filmography, plus complete histories of her theatrical appearances. And for anybody, it's a wonderful tribute to a remarkable woman.
~CNN
Simply put, this gorgeous book is like having a Marlene Dietrich museum at your beck and call. One that's never closed, you have entirely to yourself, and doesn't mind in the least if you browse through the collection in your pajamas with coffee in hand.
~Joi T. Sigers, hollywoodyesterday.com
A gorgeous tribute to (Dietrich's) aesthetic, which was a unique combination of the elegantly feminine and dapper masculine. An introduction provides context for the images to follow, and captions by Maria Riva lend a richness to the images, which consist of a healthy helping of classic Dietrich photos and color pics of several of her dresses and accessories. The garments are a marvel of style and construction and a visual treat for any fan of fashion.
~Kendahl Cruver, Watching Classic Movies
