Buy new:
$20.99
FREE delivery Friday, May 3 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
List Price: $21.99 Details

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Save: $1.00 (5%)
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Friday, May 3 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 17 hrs 31 mins
In Stock
$$20.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$20.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$4.96 delivery May 6 - 7. Details
Used: Acceptable | Details
Sold by Rbookmark
Condition: Used: Acceptable
Comment: Dust jacket has shelf wear. Jacket is torn on spine Jacket: Fair.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Bob Thomas
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Joan Crawford Paperback – October 21, 2017

by Bob Bob thomas (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 75 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$20.99","priceAmount":20.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"20","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"4p9mcw0CEqNGIPbf3yXqikn5UABqy%2Fxeeu%2FICf8z6oOK6xNlYUIkCXwql%2BuNEhcKmoZzRrc%2BiOum3PeJPyIEBev26V4B2WfY4qisiCLFW9oKZf%2FunYTcK62AZxxoGIc8eVjvFAXP8pUH%2Bbb1NCGn9w%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$6.00","priceAmount":6.00,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"6","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"00","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"4p9mcw0CEqNGIPbf3yXqikn5UABqy%2Fxe1jVS0%2F3S5KiBmKb3Z2hEF4KeYCtukgjQhsGeqErCpDNjn9NsFZ6iL3UsgVF0C2YzAQnSvLVcYXRJLB0t%2FZU%2FUNg0pGfEOAQaf%2BfLGhc4726ToMmKgQTtT6cDJlXWuhGphHZZht4ZsrqXedIuiWEAcWqiObEKQbs4","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Bob Thomas tells the fabulous truth of how Joan Crawford rose from a Kansas City telephone operator to one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in this compelling biography.

Few Hollywood careers have been more fabulous, more scandalous, or more glaringly in the spotlight than that of Joan Crawford. Born Lucille Fay LeSueur in 1906, or 1908 according to her own press releases, Joan Crawford changed her name and rewrote her life story when she left her job as a telephone operator and grew into one of the most well-known film and television actresses in America.

Now, pulling back the curtain on a breathtaking tale of rags to riches and triumph to tragedy, Bob Thomas takes readers into the life of Joan Crawford, sharing stories of her famed life filled with glamour, glitter, romance, and ultimate stardom.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    352 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    October 21, 2017
  4. Dimensions
    6.14 x 1 x 9.2 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1501194356
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1501194351
  7. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bob Thomas was an American reporter and biographer known for his high-profile biographies of Hollywood celebrities. He was born in San Diego and grew up in Los Angeles. He was the first author-reporter to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Publicists Guild for sixty years of working for the Associated Press.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster (October 21, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1501194356
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1501194351
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.14 x 1 x 9.2 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 75 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Bob Thomas

Bob Thomas

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
75 global ratings
An Intimate but Shocking Portrait
5 Stars
An Intimate but Shocking Portrait
Reading this book last weekend,I was intrigued by the complexity that was Joan Crawford.The author details her very disturbing childhood, raised by a tyrant of a mother who whipped her causing bleeding welts across her legs, young 'Joan's'(real name Lucille LeSuer) had father had abandoned the family.Her brother Hal showed no sympathy for her.Her mother's second husband Mr.Henry Cassin was kind to her, but he also left the family.Sent to a catholic boarding school, ST. Agnes,she worked at waiting on tables, because her mother could not afford tuition.Finishing her curriculum at St Agnes, her mother found her Rockingham Academy, in Kansas, who took her on as pupil in exchange for her cleaning fourteen rooms of the mansion, bathing the young children and tucking them in bed. She got five hours sleep on average.Life was hard at the academy as the principal would also beat the child .She tried running away, but was returned and further beaten.Neither her home nor school allowed escape from beatings, while Joan was schooling, her mother had a new man installed at home and he too would beat Joan mercilessly.Boys began asking Joan out to dances in her last years at school and thiswas when she dreamed of becoming a dancer.She auditioned for the chorus of a traveling show and was hired.Beautiful, talented and very intelligent, Joan's most valuable trait was her determination. Severing a tendon and artery in her foot, she proved her doctor wrong in his prognosis"that she'd never walk again without a limp",Joan was dancing in just a few weeks.The book outlines her triumphant career where her professionalism and good instincts as an actress led her to notoriety.Unfortunately she too would abuse the four children she'd adopted, yet be affectionate and overwhelmingly kind to her fans. Seems she adopted a pattern of putting her faith in strangers rather than in her family.It is a good rags to riches story. I'm not a fan and I've seen just one of her films and yet found this book interesting, sometimes fascinating.Recommended to people who like reading weird non fiction.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

sisansis
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written biography
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2023
Verified Purchase
Well written, provided interesting information on Joan that helps explain some of her odd ways.
Helpful
 Report
chintz22
5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite Crawford biography
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2013
Verified Purchase
Although it is obviously whitewashed this is still my favorite Crawford biography. Solid research, page turning writing, a fascinating subject, good photo section. It may help that it was written pre-Mommie Dearest. I still hold out hope that my favorite Hollywood biographer, Barry Paris, will do a book on Crawford. Until then this is number one for me.
7 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Queen Karma
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book!
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2023
Verified Purchase
Very happy with my book. Fast shipping and book is in better condition that I expected. Worth the price and shipped great. Would buy again from seller.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
J. C. Mclee
4.0 out of 5 stars Joan Crawford - and interesting woman, fairly presented by Bob Thomas
Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2017
Verified Purchase
Super biography about Joan Crawford. Bob Thomas knew her and spoke with her over many years. This is a wonderful overview of her life, with many details. Not a nasty tell-all, but even-handed and well balanced. He writes about how she brought up her children, and quotes a number of friends who observed her as a mother. I am currently a member of a Joan Crawford FaceBook page, and the very, very rabid fans recommend this book as the #1 first read on Joan Crawford. The book also has pictures. If you know little to nothing about her, I think this book is the place to start.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Kim
5.0 out of 5 stars If you are a Joan Crawford fan, this book ...
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2017
Verified Purchase
If you are a Joan Crawford fan, this book is for you. What a complex woman! I could not put the book down. It shows all of her vulnerability, talent, and sometimes her nasty side. But in the end, you will still appreciate and understand her.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Ms P
5.0 out of 5 stars One of best actresses of all time!
Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2017
Verified Purchase
I loved the book, it was very informative with lots of great pictures! If you are a fan of Joan Crawford, you will not be disappointed with this book!
Helpful
 Report
David Burton Morris
3.0 out of 5 stars NOTHING NEW
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2022
Verified Purchase
THOUGHT IT WAS JUST OKAY. THE MOST INTERESTING PARTS WERE AFTER SHE STOPPED ACTING AND WORKED FOR PEPSI. AND THE SHE DIED WAS NEW TO ME. AFTER MAKING BREAKFAST FOR TWO FRIENDS.
Helpful
 Report
oldladyloomis
5.0 out of 5 stars Can't put it down
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2019
Verified Purchase
Not the Joan Crawford , Bette Davis wanted everyone to believe . She was a lot tougher and tenacious than Davis. I admire her coming from absolute nothing to the Icon she remains today
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Tânia
5.0 out of 5 stars tudo ótimo
Reviewed in Brazil on March 25, 2021
Verified Purchase
perfeito
Report
Kent Ackerman
5.0 out of 5 stars Good edition
Reviewed in Canada on September 12, 2019
Verified Purchase
Loved it.
Report
flowertoes
5.0 out of 5 stars Joan Crawford
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 23, 2019
Verified Purchase
An interesting biography
Report
JOAN PROCA
4.0 out of 5 stars Passionnant.
Reviewed in France on May 1, 2012
Verified Purchase
C'est une biographie (1978) qui se lit comme un roman.L'encart photos N et B au milieu du livre fait 64 pages.Je précise qu'il s'agit d'une édition de poche, dans mon cas. Mon exemplaire est un peu usé, surtout en couverture, et les 307 pages un peu jaunies, le prix en tenait compte. Il comporte une filmographie complète à la fin ainsi qu'un index.C'est un réel plaisir de le lire quand on est fan de J.CRAWFORD.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent transaction. Fast shipping.
Reviewed in Canada on February 16, 2019
Verified Purchase
Thank you !
Report