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My Life from Scratch
by Gesine Bullock-PradoA former Hollywood insider trades the Hollywood Hills for Green Acres—and lives to tell about it in this hilarious, poignant treat of a memoir. As head of her celebrity sister’s production company, Gesine Bullock-Prado had a closet full of designer clothes and the ear of all the influential studio heads, but she was miserable. The only solace she found was in her secret hobby: baking. With every sugary, buttery confection to emerge from her oven, Gesine took one step away from her glittery, empty existence—and one step closer to her true destiny. Before long, she and her husband left the trappings of their Hollywood lifestyle behind, ending up in Vermont, where they started the gem known as Gesine Confectionary. And they never looked back. Confections of a Closet Master Baker follows Gesine's journey from sugar-obsessed child to miserable, awkward Hollywood insider to reluctant master baker. Chock-full of eccentric characters, beautifully detailed descriptions of her baking process, ceaselessly funny renditions of Hollywood nonsense, and recipes, the ingredients of her story will appeal to anyone who has ever considered leaving the life they know and completely starting over. From the Hardcover edition.
My Life for the Book: The Memoirs of a Russian Publisher
by Ivan D. SytinAvailable at long last, this volume is the posthumous memoir of a peasant from the depths of old Russia who rose to great wealth and influence as his country's most successful publisher. Though never fully literate, Ivan Dmitrievich Sytin (1851-1934) was a shrewd businessman who made millions by publishing books for all manner of readers. My Life for the Book makes available the full text of Sytin's unpublished memoir, along with various writings by those who knew him. Through sharp and unremittingly ironic observations, Sytin describes with insight and amusement or dismay Tsarist Russia's bureaucracy, the Orthodox Church, the Imperial court, and a number of the country's most renowned writers, including Anton Chekhov, Leo Tolstoy, Maxim Gorky, and journalist Vlas Doroshevich. Sytin's memoir, a tale of Great Russian society voiced by a parvenu, depicts a pre-Revolutionary Russia of small shops, churches, convents, deep religious faith, and flawed rulers. While the Revolution eventually deprived Sytin of all means to continuing publishing, his resilience and enterprise remain a lasting legacy.
My Life, Deleted: A Memoir
by Scott Bolzan Joan Bolzan Caitlin RotherMy Life, Deleted—part love story, part medical mystery, and part inspirational memoir—is the true story of Scott Bolzan, the 46-year-old former pro football offensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns who suffered permanent amnesia after a tragic accident.Co-written with his wife Joan Bolzan, this riveting account details Scott's courageous fight to build a new life after losing all memories of his past, his wife and children, his likes and dislikes, and even how to navigate the fast pace and technology of the 21st century.Readers of In an Instant by Bob and Lee Woodruff, Jill Bolte Taylor's My Stroke of Insight, and Richard M. Cohen's Blindsided will be profoundly moved by My Life, Deleted, a remarkable story of tragedy, hope, love, and perseverance.
My Life Behaving Badly: The Autobiography
by Leslie AshThe full and honest story from one of the UK's favourite celebrities, including her astonishing fightback from the superbug that nearly killed herLeslie Ash has been one of Britain's most popular actresses for many years now, having made her big break in the film 'Quadrophenia'. In the 1980s she starred in 'Cat's Eyes', but it is as Deb in 'Men Behaving Badly' that she is best known. Yet this hugely successful career is only a part of the story.Her marriage to Lee Chapman has been turbulent, as they lived (and partied) the celebrity lifestyle to the full. Viewed as a 'beaten' spouse, a blonde bimbo and the 'victim' of plastic surgery, she has been pigeon-holed by many but understood by few. Now, in her long-awaited memoirs, she tells the whole story from the day she first appeared on TV at four to advertise Fairy Liquid, through to her battle to recover from the superbug that nearly killed her and how it transformed her life and made her understand what is really important. Leslie now campaigns for better hygiene in hospitals. This is an astonishing, moving and yet very funny memoir.
My Life Behaving Badly: The Autobiography
by Leslie AshThe full and honest story from one of the UK's favourite celebrities, including her astonishing fightback from the superbug that nearly killed herLeslie Ash has been one of Britain's most popular actresses for many years now, having made her big break in the film 'Quadrophenia'. In the 1980s she starred in 'Cat's Eyes', but it is as Deb in 'Men Behaving Badly' that she is best known. Yet this hugely successful career is only a part of the story.Her marriage to Lee Chapman has been turbulent, as they lived (and partied) the celebrity lifestyle to the full. Viewed as a 'beaten' spouse, a blonde bimbo and the 'victim' of plastic surgery, she has been pigeon-holed by many but understood by few. Now, in her long-awaited memoirs, she tells the whole story from the day she first appeared on TV at four to advertise Fairy Liquid, through to her battle to recover from the superbug that nearly killed her and how it transformed her life and made her understand what is really important. Leslie now campaigns for better hygiene in hospitals. This is an astonishing, moving and yet very funny memoir.
My Life at the Wheel: Toward a Memoir
by Lynne Sharon SchwartzFrom an &“American literary treasure&” comes this humorous collection of essays on writing, friendship, family, and aging in an increasingly complex world(Publishers Weekly). In this diverting anthology, National Book Award finalist Lynne Sharon Schwartz explores the connections and complications of a life rich with travel, fascinating people, and writing. Her body of work includes acclaimed novels, poetry, essays, memoirs, and English translations of Italian books. With biting wit, My Life at the Wheel dissects the trials of Schwartz&’s recovery from major surgery; reveals her quest for hope and healing in the wake of the 9/11 attacks; comically muses on her fear of driving and her discovery of an &“unknown&” book by Henry James; and weaves colorful stories of hours spent arguing, drinking, and smoking with friends in a neighborhood bar in her native New York City. Her personal narratives range from riotous reflections on finding her calling to be an author, to the challenges of writing while raising children, and from a daughter struggling to understand her parents through adolescent eyes to an aging woman grappling with her own mortality. Relentlessly candid and often painfully funny, Schwartz fearlessly probes life&’s most difficult truths, as she willingly confronts the complexities of growing older in a rapidly changing world.Praise for the writing of Lynne Sharon Schwartz &“[Schwartz&’s]insights are at once sympathetic and drenched with irony.&” —The New York Times &“Reading Schwartz is like a pleasurable visit with a thoughtful and articulate friend.&” —Kirkus Reviews &“I can think of no other contemporary writer who writes so well.&” —Los Angeles Review of Books
My Life As A Small Boy
by Wally CoxThis heartwarmingly funny book provides an idealized depiction of American comedian and actor Wally Cox's childhood. In the author's own words, "Nothing has been left to the imagination. The raw truth about such things as catching colds, geography class, and box tops is laid out in embarrassing detail.""As in the best of books, you are torn between tears and laughter in many places in this gently-written but nevertheless powerful book."--Worcester Telegram
My Life, as I See It
by David F Wooley Dionne WarwickDionne Warwick made her singing debut in church at the request of her grandfather, the Reverend Elzae Warrick, when she was six years old. No one knew then that she would become an international music legend, but what she knew--as words of wisdom passed down from her grandfather--was that "if you can think it, you can do it." And she did it. Dionne released the first of more than fifty-six charted hits in 1962 with "Don't Make Me Over," followed by "Anyone Who Had a Heart," "Walk On By," "I Say a Little Prayer," "Alfie," and "A House Is Not a Home," to name a few. She received her first Grammy in 1968 for "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" and later recorded the classic hit "That's What Friends Are For." She was considered the voice of Burt Bacharach/Hal David compositions, and the rest is here, in her first autobiography. Dionne tells the stories of her life from her childhood in East Orange, New Jersey, in a two-family home with her parents, brother, and sister, to now, as she celebrates her fiftieth year in show business. She came by her musical gifts honestly. Her mother, Lee Drinkard Warrick, was a founding member of the legendary Drinkard Jubilairs, which included her mother's siblings Cissy, Marie, Annie, Nick, and Larry. Cissy went on to become a celebrated recording artist in her own right; she lived in the Warrick household, got married, and later gave birth to one of the most popular singers of our time, Whitney Houston. Dionne went on to start her own gospel group with her sister, Dee Dee, called the Gospelaires. Her father, once a Pullman porter, became an accountant, went on to promote gospel records for Hob Records, and wrote a book on gospel music. She attributes her strong family, who are faithful and industrious Christians, for keeping her grounded and giving her the fortitude, as well as the talent, to earn her place among world-class performing artists without losing herself or her soul.
My Life as Eva: The Struggle is Real
by Eva GutowskiFrom the popular YouTube tastemaker Eva Gutowski comes a unique lifestyle and advice book on the ups and downs of life in her hilarious and earnest voice.What’s up guys? It’s me, Eva! You may know me from my YouTube channel, MyLifeasEva. If that’s the case, then you might also know that I have a munchkin cat named Paris, a weird obsession with patterned sock collecting, and the tendency to say “HOLY SCHNITZEL!” at all the wrong moments. Like...embarrassing moments. I’m so lucky to have my fans—over seven million besties and counting! It has been amazing to meet so many of you since I started making videos. Growing up, books are what got me through life—a lot of the good times, and the really really bad times. And no matter how challenging life got, I promised myself that I would get through it, in hopes that someday I’d have the chances to help people who need that one piece of great advice, at just the right time. So here’s a book by me, totally for you. I’ll tell you a ton of my secrets, a lot of fail stories, and how I made it through—and you can too! Think of my book like a best friend you can turn to at any time. Xo Eva
My Life as Author and Editor
by H. L. MenckenSealed in a vault for 35 years--upon the direction of Mencken himself--this account of the writer's early career is so telling and uproariously opinionated that it might have provoked a storm of libel suits, had it been published immediately after his death.
My Life as Author and Editor
by H. L. Mencken Jonathan YardleyH. L. Mencken stipulated in his will that the manuscript not be read for thirty-five years so that no one mentioned in its pages would still be alive on publication, thus giving the author the freedom to write what he pleased. The narrative contains many profiles and reminiscences covering Mencken's years in the magazine world, particularly with the "Smart Set", which he co-edited with George Jean Nathan. The heart of the book, however, lies in the descriptions of the relationships - rivalries, feuds, friendships and mentorships - that Mencken carried on with many of the significant writers of the twentieth century, including Theodore Dreiser, James Joyce, Willa Cather, Ezra Pound, Eugene O'Neill, Frank Harris, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Aldous Huxley and Sinclair Lewis. Full of wonderfully revealing anecdotes and biting observations, these pages are spiked with his trademark outrageous and pugnacious wit, as well as his alarming frankness. Although the memoir breaks off in the early 1920's because of a stroke he suffered in 1948, it contributes significantly to our understanding of the legendary literary era of which he was at the center. It also makes abundantly clear -- if proof were ever needed -- why he was our greatest social commentator, and why he has had an enduring impact on American society and letters.
My Life as an Explorer: Autobiography of the First Man to Reach the South Pole
by Roald Amundsen"My Life as an Explorer" by Roald Amundsen is a riveting autobiography that chronicles the life and adventures of one of history's greatest explorers. Published in 1927, this work provides an intimate glimpse into the experiences and achievements of the first man to reach the South Pole.Roald Amundsen, a Norwegian explorer renowned for his polar expeditions, narrates his journey from a young boy fascinated by the Arctic to becoming a pioneering figure in polar exploration. The book delves into Amundsen's early life, his inspirations, and the rigorous training that prepared him for the formidable challenges he would face.The heart of the autobiography focuses on Amundsen's historic 1911 expedition to the South Pole. Through vivid storytelling, he recounts the meticulous planning, the selection of his team, and the innovative strategies that set his expedition apart. Amundsen details the harsh conditions, the relentless cold, and the immense physical and mental endurance required to traverse the Antarctic landscape.Amundsen's narrative is not only a tale of adventure but also a study in leadership and resilience. He provides insights into the decision-making processes and the camaraderie among his team members that were crucial to their success. The autobiography also reflects on the scientific contributions of the expedition and the impact it had on our understanding of the polar regions."My Life as an Explorer" is an inspiring and engaging read, offering a firsthand look at the triumphs and tribulations of one of the most celebrated explorers of the 20th century. Roald Amundsen's autobiography is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of dreams, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the history of exploration and the indomitable human spirit.
My Life as a Villainess: Essays
by Laura LippmanNew York Times bestselling author Laura Lippman, a journalist for many years, collects here her recent essays exploring motherhood as an older mom, her life as a reader, her relationships with her parents, friendship, and other topics that will resonate with a large audience. Her voice is wry and relatable, her takes often surprising. Meet the Woman Behind the Books… In this collection of new and previously published essays, New York Times bestselling author Laura Lippman offers her take on a woman's life across the decades. Her childhood and school years, her newspaper career, her experiences as a novelist—Lippman finds universal touchstones in an unusual life that has as many twists as her award-winning crime fiction. Essays include: · Men Explain The Wire to Me · Game of Crones · My Life as a Villainess · My Father’s Bar · The 31st Stocking These candid essays offer long-time readers insight into the experiences that helped Lippman become one of the most successful crime novelists of her generation.
My Life As a Traitor: A Story of Courage and Survival in Tehran's Brutal Evin Prison
by Zarah Ghahramani Robert HillmanAt the age of twenty, an Iranian student named Zarah Ghahramani was swept off the streets of Tehran and taken to the notorious Evin prison, where criminals and political dissidents were held side by side in conditions of legendary brutality. Her crime, she asserts, was in wanting to slide back her headscarf to feel the sun on a few inches of her hair. That modest desire led her to a political activism fueled by the fearless idealism of the young. Her parents begged her to be prudent, but even they could not have imagined the horrors she faced in prison. She underwent psychological and physical torture, hanging on to sanity by scratching messages to fellow prisoners on the latrine door. She fought despair by recalling her idyllic childhood in a sprawling and affectionate family that prized tolerance and freedom of thought. After a show trial, Ghahramani was driven deep into the desert outside Tehran, uncertain if she was to be executed or freed. There she was abandoned to begin the long walk back to reclaim herself. In prose of astonishing dignity and force, Ghahramani recounts the ways in which power seduces and deforms. A richly textured memoir that celebrates a triumph of the individual over the state, My Life as a Traitor is an affecting addition to the literature of struggle and dissent.
My Life as a Toasted Time Traveler (The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle #10)
by Bill MyersAfter a future version of himself travels back in time to warn Wally of an upcoming accident, he is confronted by multiple future Wallys arguing that he must not try to rewrite God's plan for his life.
My Life as a Russian Novel: A Memoir
by Emmanuel Carrère Linda CoverdaleAn unsparingly truthful account of love, betrayal, and the traps we set for ourselves, by France's master of psychological suspenseIn work after work, the critically acclaimed author Emmanuel Carrère has trained his unblinking gaze on the lives of others as they fight a losing battle with that most fearsome of adversaries—the self. Now, determined to escape the bleak visions of his narratives, he takes on a film project in the heart of Russia while also embarking on a new love affair back home in Paris. But soon enough, the diversion he seeks eludes him, intimacy proves too arduous, and Carrv®re is left peering into the dark mirror of his own life.Set in Paris and Kotelnich, a small post-Soviet town, My Life as a Russian Novel traces Carrère's pursuit of two obsessions—the disappearance of his Russian grandfather and his erotic fascination with a woman he loves but cannot keep from destroying. In prose that is elegant and passionate, Carrère weaves the strands of his story into a travelogue of a journey inward. Road trip, confession, erotic tour de force—this fearless reckoning illuminates the schemes we devise to evade ourselves and the inevitable payment they exact.
My Life as a Mankiewicz: An Insider's Journey Through Hollywood (Screen Classics)
by Tom Mankiewicz Robert Crane“A treasure trove of observations and anecdotes about Hollywood from the 1960s to the 1980s and the people who made the movies back then.” —Associated PressThe son of famed director and screenwriter Joseph L. Mankiewicz and the nephew of Citizen Kane screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz, Tom Mankiewicz was genuine Hollywood royalty. He grew up in Beverly Hills and New York, spent summers on his dad’s film sets, had his first drink with Humphrey Bogart, dined with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, went to the theater with Ava Gardner, and traveled the world writing for Brando, Sinatra, and Connery. Although his family connections led him to show business, Tom “Mank” Mankiewicz forged a career of his own, becoming a renowned screenwriter, director, and producer of acclaimed films and television shows. He wrote screenplays for three James Bond films—Diamonds Are Forever (1971), Live and Let Die (1973), and The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)—and made his directorial debut with the hit TV series Hart to Hart (1979-1984). My Life as a Mankiewicz is a fascinating look at the life of an individual whose creativity and work ethic established him as a member of the Hollywood writing elite.My Life as a Mankiewicz illuminates his professional development as a writer and director, detailing his friendships and romantic relationships with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars as well as his struggle with alcohol and drugs. With the assistance of Robert Crane, Mankiewicz tells a story of personal achievement and offers an insider’s view of the glamorous world of Hollywood during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
My Life as a Hooker: When a Middle-Aged Bloke Discovered Rugby
by Steven GaugeSteven Gauge’s response to an impending midlife crisis didn’t involve piercings, tattoos or a red sports car – instead, he decided to take up rugby. What he found on the pitch was a wonderful game, far removed from the professional televised glamour of international rugby, where ordinary blokes with ordinary jobs (and some extraordinary bellies) get together once in a while and have a great time rolling around in the mud. By the end of his first few seasons, Steven had cracked his nose and various other parts of his anatomy – but he had cracked the game too, and found a place in the club as Captain of the Fourths.
My Life as a Hooker: When a Middle-Aged Bloke Discovered Rugby
by Steven GaugeSteven Gauge’s response to an impending midlife crisis didn’t involve piercings, tattoos or a red sports car – instead, he decided to take up rugby. What he found on the pitch was a wonderful game, far removed from the professional televised glamour of international rugby, where ordinary blokes with ordinary jobs (and some extraordinary bellies) get together once in a while and have a great time rolling around in the mud. By the end of his first few seasons, Steven had cracked his nose and various other parts of his anatomy – but he had cracked the game too, and found a place in the club as Captain of the Fourths.
My Life as a Goddess: A Memoir through (Un)Popular Culture
by Guy Branum&“Smart, fast, clever, and funny (As f*ck!)&” (Tiffany Haddish), this collection of side-splitting and illuminating essays by the popular stand-up comedian, alum of Chelsea Lately and The Mindy Project, and host of truTV&’s Talk Show the Game Show is perfect for fans of the New York Times bestsellers Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling and We Are Never Meeting in Real Life by Samantha Irby.From a young age, Guy Branum always felt as if he were on the outside looking in.From a stiflingly boring farm town, he couldn&’t relate to his neighbors. While other boys played outside, he stayed indoors reading Greek mythology. And being gay and overweight, he got used to diminishing himself. But little by little, he started learning from all the sad, strange, lonely outcasts in history who had come before him, and he started to feel hope.In this &“singular, genuinely ballsy, and essential&” (Billy Eichner) collection of personal essays, Guy talks about finding a sense of belonging at Berkeley—and stirring up controversy in a newspaper column that led to a run‑in with the Secret Service. He recounts the pitfalls of being typecast as the &“Sassy Gay Friend,&” and how, after taking a wrong turn in life (i.e. law school), he found stand‑up comedy and artistic freedom. He analyzes society&’s calculated deprivation of personhood from fat people, and how, though it&’s taken him a while to accept who he is, he has learned that with a little patience and a lot of humor, self-acceptance is possible.&“Keenly observant and intelligent, Branum&’s book not only offers uproarious insights into walking paths less traveled, but also into what self-acceptance means in a world still woefully intolerant of difference&” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review). My Life as a Goddess is an unforgettable and deeply moving book by one of today&’s most endearing and galvanizing voices in comedy.
My Life as a Furry Red Monster
by Kevin ClashHello, Everybody!The furry red monster known as Elmo has charmed his way into hearts and homes throughout the world with his unmistakable laugh, over-the-top enthusiasm, and boundless love. Elmo's appeal is nothing short of magical. Kids adore him, and parents find him irresistible. What is it about this little monster?Meet Kevin Clash, the man behind the Muppet and the unassuming heart and soul of Elmo. At last, the puppeteer who has performed Elmo for nearly twenty years comes out from behind the stage to share his story. Weaving together his memories of growing up with the life lessons gained from his furry red alter ego, Kevin reveals himself to be as caring, and as eager to grow and learn and love, as the very special character he brings to life.You will discover how young Kevin honed his talent entertaining the kids in his mother's home day care with puppets he made from slippers and coat liners; how, as a struggling young artist, he realized his dream to meet and then work for his idol, Muppet creator Jim Henson; and how each and every day of performing Elmo reinforces for him what is most important in life.As Kevin has been inspired by Elmo, now we can all learn from his furry red ways. Kevin's (and Elmo's) thoughts on love, creativity, friendship, and optimism remind us of life's simple truths and ultimately encourage us all to be a little bit more like Elmo--to live with joy, to love more easily, and to laugh more often.
My Life as a Furry Red Monster: What Being Elmo Has Taught Me About Life, Love, and Laughing Out Loud
by Kevin ClashFrom the Book Jacket: Hello, Everybody! The furry red monster known as Elmo has charmed his way into hearts and homes throughout the world with his unmistakable laugh, over-the-top enthusiasm, and boundless love. Elmo's appeal is nothing short of magical. Kids adore him, and parents find him irresistible. What is it about this little monster? Meet Kevin Clash, the man behind the Muppet and the unassuming heart and soul of Elmo. At last, the puppeteer who has performed Elmo for nearly twenty years comes out from behind the stage to share his story. Weaving together his memories of growing up with the life lessons gained from his furry red alter ego, Kevin reveals himself to be as caring, and as eager to grow and learn and love, as the very special character he brings to life. You will discover how young Kevin honed his talent entertaining the kids in his mother's home day care with puppets he made from slippers and coat liners; how, as a struggling young artist, he realized his dream to meet and then work for his idol, Muppet creator Jim Henson; and how each and every day of performing Elmo reinforces for him what is most important in life. As Kevin has been inspired by Elmo, now all learn from his furry red ways. Kevin's (and Elmo's) thoughts on love, creativity, friendship, and optimism remind us of life's simple truths and ultimately encourage us all to be a little bit more like Elmo-to live with joy, to love more easily, and to laugh more often. KEVIN CLASH began making his own puppets and performing for live audiences when he was a boy. He turned his childhood obsession into a professional passion, forging a career in television and making an indelible mark on children's imaginations. Kevin has been with Sesame Street for twenty-six years and is coexecutive producer of "Elmo's World." He has won three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series and six for his work as coexecutive producer of an Outstanding Pre-School Children's Series. He has a daughter, Shannon, and lives in New York City.
My Life as a Foreigner in the 1950s
by Bruno VartuliAs a young man in Italy's Southern Calabria, Bruno Vartuli dreamed of starting a new life in a new land. On his arrival in Australia in the 1950s Bruno struggled to understand the language and culture, but with tremendous strength and perseverance he overcame each adversity and achieved amazing results. This personal story of assimilation and integration highlights the importance of equality in society and inspires us to embrace the differences between people with dignity and compassion.
My Life as a Foreign Country: A Memoir
by Brian TurnerA war memoir of unusual literary beauty and power from the acclaimed poet who wrote the poem "The Hurt Locker." In 2003, Sergeant Brian Turner crossed the line of departure with a convoy of soldiers headed into the Iraqi desert. Now he lies awake each night beside his sleeping wife, imagining himself as a drone aircraft, hovering over the terrains of Bosnia and Vietnam, Iraq and Northern Ireland, the killing fields of Cambodia and the death camps of Europe. In this breathtaking memoir, award-winning poet Brian Turner retraces his war experience--pre-deployment to combat zone, homecoming to aftermath. Free of self-indulgence or self-glorification, his account combines recollection with the imagination's efforts to make reality comprehensible. Across time, he seeks parallels in the histories of others who have gone to war, especially his taciturn grandfather (World War II), father (Cold War), and uncle (Vietnam). Turner also offers something that is truly rare in a memoir of violent conflict--he sees through the eyes of the enemy, imagining his way into the experience of the "other." Through it all, he paints a devastating portrait of what it means to be a soldier and a human being.
My Life as a Filmmaker
by Chia-Ning Chang Satsuo YamamotoIn his posthumous autobiography, Watakushi no eiga jinsei (1984), Yamamoto reflects on his career and legacy: beginning in the prewar days as an assistant director in a well-established film company under the master Naruse Mikio, to his wide-ranging experiences as a filmmaker, including his participation in the tumultuous Toho Labor Upheaval soon after Japan’s defeat in World War II and his struggles as an independent filmmaker in the 1950s and 1960s before returning to work within the mainstream industry. In the process, he established himself as one of the most prominent and socially engaged film artists in postwar Japan. Imbued with vibrant social realism and astute political commentary, his filmic genres ranged widely from melodramas, period films from the Tokugawa era, samurai action jidaigeki, social satires, and antiwar films. Providing serious insights into and trenchant critique of the moral corruption in Japanese politics, academe, industry, and society, Yamamoto at the same time produced highly successful films that offered drama and entertainment for Japanese and international moviegoers. His considerable artistic distinction, strong social and political consciousness, and filmic versatility have earned him a unique and distinguished position among Japan’s world-class film directors. In addition to detailed annotations of the autobiography, translator Chia-ning Chang offers a comprehensive introduction to the career and the significance of Yamamoto and his works in the context of Japanese film history. It contextualizes Yamamoto’s life and works in the historical and cultural zeitgeist of prewar, wartime, and postwar Japan before scrutinizing the unique qualities of his narrative voice and social conscience as a film artist.