Elizabeth: The Life of Elizabeth Taylor
by Alexander Walker
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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Elizabeth was loved by not just her public but within the entertainment industry too. She earned her respect and survived much harsh press throughout her life. Such professional longevity is a rare and special thing in this game.
Of course, no biography would be complete without the obligatory affairs and broken marriages, but Walker at least tries to focus on Taylor's career (putting her relationships into context with that).
Here was a great star, tagged the world's most beautiful woman (how many people have worn it?) which is always tough to live up to after a while, when yet another 'the world's most beautiful woman' steps into the spotlight and winks at you to stand aside. Then everyone scribbles furiously about you in the tabloids when you try to get the odd, discrete chin tuck or eye lift.
When self-preservation became more than just being about looking gorgeous, Taylor's gruelling work ethic extended to her addiction rehabilitation efforts. Here she nobly led the way for many a diva. The Betty Ford must have benefited immeasurably.
Her earlier life, heyday and many media controversies gradually turned her into a more private person, as if compensating for the over exposure. She nevertheless remained a generous soul, one who cared deeply for friends and gave of herself freely when she saw fit.
From a young age, Elizabeth developed a devil-may-care streak. She had the capacity to shock and impress simultaneously. She made remarkably few enemies - ultimately, not even Debbie Reynolds. Her later off-screen work was admirable, as she balanced her perfumery juggernaut with needy, worthy causes few of her contemporaries would touch.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and would consider almost any Alexander Walker book well worth a go.
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