Synopses & Reviews
This definitive biography sheds new light on the phenomenon that was Piaf, enlarging on and, in some cases, correcting the half-truths provided by Piaf in her two autobiographies. Piaf's rise to international stardom, her lifelong addiction to alcohol and heroin, and her turbulent love affairs are documented, as are her friendships with such stars as Jean Cocteau, Marlene Dietrich, Maurice Chevalier, Yves Montand, and Charlie Chaplin. This detailed account concludes with a moving description of Piaf's early death at the age of 47, when some two million fans followed the funeral procession through the streets of Paris to Pere Lachaise cemetery.
Synopsis
Margaret Crosland's definitive biography sheds new light on the phenomenon that was Edith Piaf, enlarging on and in some cases correcting the half-truths provided by Piaf in her two autobiographies, The Wheel of Fortune and My Life. Piaf's rise to international stardom, her life-long addiction to alcohol and drugs including morphine, and her many turbulent love affairs and friendships are documented.
About the Author
Margaret Crosland is a leading translator from the French and Italian. Her prize-winning biographies include books on Colette, Simone de Beauvoir, Jean Cocteau, Giorgio de Chirico, Madame de Pompadour, and Madame de Sade.