THE LIFE AND TIMES OF NICK CROWSON

Paul Newman: A Life by Shaun Levy

Book Review, April, 2017

This work was first published in 2009. It contains 490 pages, which includes six main sections, a bibliography, an index and a good spread of photographs covering his life story; though these are only in black and white.

The introduction could equally be a summary, in which Newman's various successes in life are mentioned. It works well in giving an overview of the ground that will in part be covered. However, there are no headings to indicate what is in store, applicable to both the six parts and 27 chapters of the book.

Whilst I found this a readable rendition of Paul Newman's life, it lacked the intimacy of personal acquaintance with the man or his wife. Neither made themselves available to assist in this account. And therein lies the problem. Information is put together from third party sources, such as friends and work acquaintances. All the interviews he ever gave were studied and added to the mix of content, but whilst it gives a good chronicle of his trials and tribulations in life, it is not a personalised account and little is quoted from the famous celebrity film world in which he became part.

A flavour of life in his successful roles as actor, businessman and racing car driver comes through. Newman is presented as a man who is strongly driven, but also as somebody who slowly built up confidence and skills, both as an actor and a racing driver. Latterly, he was regarded as one of the slowest drivers on the track in his early days, whereas, in due course he was trumpeted for the highest level of achievement in Indie car racing.

I would see this book as an overview to Newman. It lacks a curriculum vitae of his many film roles and award nominations. Similarly, there are no statistical records of his racing career. The success of his food business lacks financial figures to evaluate his rate of growth and riches ensuing. Ultimately, it lacks the personal contact, with a man only recently departed.