Charles Higham

Charles Higham (1931-2012) was a British-Australian author and literary figure known for his numerous biographies of Hollywood celebrities, political figures, and members of the British royal family. His extensive body of work includes more than 35 published books, with many becoming bestsellers despite sometimes drawing criticism for sensationalized claims. Working primarily in the United States from the 1970s onward, Higham gained prominence for his unauthorized biographies of notable figures including Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, and Howard Hughes. His 1980 biography "Kate: The Life of Katharine Hepburn" became a notable success and established his reputation in the genre of celebrity biography. Throughout his career, Higham also focused on controversial historical topics, particularly relating to World War II and Nazi connections to prominent figures. His book "Trading with the Enemy: The Nazi-American Money Plot 1933-1949" generated significant discussion for its claims about American business dealings during wartime. Beyond biographies, Higham worked as a journalist and poetry editor for various publications including The Sydney Morning Herald. He received the Commonwealth Poetry Prize and was recognized for his early work as a poet before shifting his focus to biographical writing.

Readers consistently question Higham's credibility and research methods across his biographical works. Multiple reviewers point out factual errors and unsubstantiated claims in his books. Readers appreciated: - Engaging writing style that maintains interest - Coverage of lesser-known aspects of subjects' lives - Extensive details about Hollywood's golden age Common criticisms: - Reliance on anonymous sources - Sensationalized accusations without evidence - Documented inaccuracies, particularly in celebrity biographies - Focus on scandal over substance His Errol Flynn biography drew particular criticism, with readers citing proven falsehoods about the actor's alleged Nazi sympathies. One Amazon reviewer notes: "Higham's claims have been thoroughly debunked by multiple researchers." Ratings averages: Goodreads: 3.2/5 (across major titles) Amazon: 2.8/5 Library Thing: 3.0/5 Most books receive 100-300 reviews on major platforms. Recent reviews trend more negative as fact-checking has revealed issues with his research. Biography experts and academics frequently warn readers to approach his works with skepticism.

Trading With The Enemy (1983) Documents how major American corporations continued business dealings with Nazi Germany during World War II.

American Swastika (1985) Examines the rise of Nazi sympathizer movements in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s.

Howard Hughes: The Secret Life (1993) Explores Howard Hughes's life through declassified FBI files and interviews with associates.

Kate: The Life of Katharine Hepburn (1975) Chronicles Katharine Hepburn's career and personal life based on interviews and archival research.

Errol Flynn: The Untold Story (1980) Investigates actor Errol Flynn's life, including allegations of his Nazi sympathies and espionage activities.

Marlene: The Life of Marlene Dietrich (1977) Details Marlene Dietrich's career from German cabaret to Hollywood stardom and her work against Nazi Germany.

Elizabeth and Philip (1991) Documents the relationship between Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip from courtship through marriage.

Bette Davis: A Biography (1981) Traces Bette Davis's film career and personal life through Hollywood's golden age.

Sisters: The Story of Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine (1984) Chronicles the decades-long feud between the acting siblings and their parallel Hollywood careers.

Rose: The Life and Times of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy (1995) Examines Rose Kennedy's role in shaping the Kennedy dynasty and managing family tragedies.

Christopher Hitchens writes investigative biographies of public figures with a focus on exposing misconduct and challenging established narratives. His work shares Higham's interest in uncovering controversial aspects of famous lives, particularly in politics and entertainment.

Donald Spoto specializes in biographies of Hollywood stars and cultural icons, with detailed research into their private lives and careers. His examination of the film industry's darker aspects aligns with Higham's approach to celebrity exposés.

Peter Guralnick produces in-depth biographies of music industry figures based on extensive primary source research and interviews. His work documents the business and personal relationships in entertainment, similar to Higham's Hollywood chronicles.

Anthony Summers investigates historical figures and events through declassified documents and witness testimony. His focus on conspiracy theories and hidden connections mirrors Higham's investigative methods.

Neal Gabler writes about the entertainment industry's power brokers and the intersection of media with American culture. His analysis of Hollywood's social impact corresponds to Higham's exploration of the film industry's influence.