Hope: Entertainer of the Century

Hope: Entertainer of the Century chronicles the life and career of Bob Hope, from his early days in vaudeville through his rise to become one of America's most recognized entertainers. The biography tracks Hope's evolution across radio, film, television, and his USO tours performing for military troops. Through extensive research and interviews, Zoglin examines Hope's business acumen and the innovative ways he built his entertainment empire. The book covers Hope's relationships with fellow performers, presidents, and the American public during pivotal moments in 20th century history. This comprehensive biography draws from archives, historical records, and firsthand accounts to reconstruct Hope's professional and personal life across nine decades. Zoglin addresses both Hope's achievements and controversies while documenting his impact on American entertainment. The biography explores themes of ambition, patriotism, and the changing nature of celebrity in American culture. Through Hope's story, readers gain perspective on how entertainment and politics intersected during the American century.

Readers appreciate the thorough research and comprehensive coverage of Bob Hope's career, with many noting this as the first biography to fully examine his impact on entertainment across vaudeville, radio, film, TV, and USO shows. Readers highlight the balanced portrayal - acknowledging both Hope's achievements and his personal flaws. Multiple reviews praise Zoglin's exploration of Hope's business acumen and work ethic. Common criticisms include: - Too much detail on Hope's early years - Dry writing style - Limited coverage of Hope's personal life and relationships - Repetitive descriptions of USO tours Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (389 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (234 ratings) "Finally a biography that captures Hope's massive influence on entertainment," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review counters: "Well-researched but reads like a list of career accomplishments rather than a life story."

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🎭 Though Bob Hope performed countless shows for U.S. troops abroad, his hawkish stance on the Vietnam War eventually damaged his reputation with younger Americans who saw him as a symbol of the establishment. 📚 Author Richard Zoglin spent over five years researching the biography, conducting more than 100 interviews and accessing Hope's personal papers at the Library of Congress. 🎬 The book reveals that despite his public image as a devoted husband, Hope had numerous affairs throughout his marriage to Dolores Hope, including a relationship with actress Barbara Payton. 🎤 Before becoming a star, Hope struggled for years in vaudeville under the name Lester Hope, and even briefly formed a dance act with his first wife, Grace Louise Troxell. 🌟 The biography was the first comprehensive look at Bob Hope's life and career, as he never authorized an official biography during his lifetime, despite living to be 100 years old.