Razzle Dazzle: The Life and Work of Bob Fosse

There is not much out there about Bob Fosse,only three books;two being biographies, and for many he may be someone whom they just might stumble upon accidentally by watching one of his four amazing films; like I did.This book is a wonderful introduction into his career and how revolutionary he was for his time, and even in today's world.For nearly thirty years Fosse was one of the greatest creative forces on Broadway, a man who embraced his roots beginning with a career in burlesque and vaudeville. As he moved onto Hollywood Fosse created a style of choreography that was dynamic and complex, as it was provocative.His contributions to film making cannot be overlooked either. To look back at his first film, Sweet Charity, you see how he revolutionized how dance looked on film. As with any gifted artist their work sometimes becomes an expression of their own personal struggles, as they can not be express them, or deal with them, normally in their own lives. As Fosse's career exploded, dark themes such as death,his unconventional and hedonistic sexuality, as well as his compulsion for drugs and alcohol marred his personal life. The irony, as well as the compelling theater, was how Fosse portrayed these struggles; especially sexuality in his work, which was nothing short of brilliance.The final " Death" number in his acclaimed film " All That Jazz" is a testament to that drive and passion to express his deepest emotions to his family and all the women he loved over the years.It is the ultimate show stopper.The piece marvels you with its technique and exaggerated reality as well as being a true artist confessional. In that respect it may be the best ever caught on film.Kevin Boyd Grubb's book presents an honest and compelling view of one of the Twentieth century's most gifted and compelling artists. A man who sadly may have been the last of his kind.This book is also filled with many insightful photographs and interviews that will you have you yearning for the time when Broadway theater was still one, if not the top driving force, of art expression and creativity in our country.

Razzle Dazzle: The Life and Work of Bob Fosse arrived in very good condition, with a plastic covering to protect it, and I was really delighted to have it. The book itself is a good read, with terrific photos throughout, and I'd recommend it to anyone interested in Fosse's work, the history of Broadway and dance in the US. The author reproduces a lot of Fosse's interviews given to newspapers/magazines over the years but I get the impression he did do his homework and interviewed a lot of people who knew Fosse. Interestingly, the two people closest to Fosse refused to be involved in the book for some reason. I'm not sure if those people ever put together their own book about Fosse.

An in depth look at the man and legend. A great gift for any Bob Fosse fans.

Great read,and fun to compare to ALL HIS JAZZ,the other Fosse bio I also purchased here. Filled with great stories and facts about all things Fosse!

An interesting but very sad story about the great Bob Fosse.Hope the book can teach people not to get involved with drugs.Nothing is worth that. Happy to hear more about his duaghter Nicole