Product Description
The circumstances surrounding the death of legendary star Rudolph Valentino have been a constant source of fascination for admirers worldwide. This work examines every aspect of his passing, analyzing the circumstances and gathering information into one convenient source for the Valentino scholar and enthusiast.

The first part examines every moment of the last days of Rudolph Valentino, his illness and operation, the reactions of such intimates as Pola Negri, and all controversy such as riots, suicides, and fights over his funeral and estate. Part two gives tours of Valentino-related sites in New York, Hollywood and West Hollywood, downtown and suburban Los Angeles, and Beverly Hills, explaining each site’s part in Valentino’s history, giving quotes from the star and his associates about the place, and describing its present state. Part three consists of eleven appendices giving such information as the infamous "Pink Powder Puff" editorial and Valentino’s responses, the medical diagnosis, operation on and treatment of the idol, tributes and eulogies, the list of mourners attending his funerals, his last will and testament, the summation of his estate, quotes about his death, references from newspapers, and a complete filmography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Rudy's Last Days
At first i was disappointed because it was a paperback book and it WAS a little expensive. But it is a great book for the Valentino fan. Great lists!! I'd recommend it for Rudy fans. It concentrates on the last few days of his life.

Nothing New Here
I have no clue as to how to classify this book.I do not know what it is.I am not sure what I read.Is it a reference book?Is it a tour book?Is it a travel guide?Is it a book of lists?I cannot say.The author discusses the last dying days of Rudolph Valentino and has some rather interesting pictures.That comprises Part One.OK, but nothing new,nothing other books do not have.Then the author, or researcher,goes into a travelogue and takes the poor reader on a tour of Valentino's old haunts in various cities in Part Two.It was intolerable.Boring.Dull.Lists and more lists.Then he gives pages and pages and more pages of references to newspaper articles about Valentino.Then he throws in quotes after quotes about what people said about Valentino upon his passing.It is as if you are present at Valentino's funeral. I have read many a Valentino book, have reviewed several here, see my reviews,but I am so sorry I ever bought this book--a waste.A total waste.Nothing new and for us Valentino fans, a big disappointment.I will not keep this book--either I will throw it out, or donate it.I felt I was reading a college term paper with lists and facts and quotes.Please don't buy this book!!!

Exploring Valentino's Mystique in Death and In-Depth
I read "The Valentino Mystique: The Death and Afterlife of the Silent Film Idol" after purchasing it from author Allan R. Ellenberger at one of his insightful and visually entertaining speaking engagements on the topic.Having visited Valentino's crypt at nearby Hollywood Forever Cemetery several times, I was definitely drawn to the "mystique" of his afterlife and Mr. Ellenberger left no stone unturned satisfying my curiosity.The book is constructed in three parts: the first focusing on the last days of the screen legend's life, the controversial events surrounding his death, right on through to the subsequent funeral, which can only be described as Hollywood's premiere bi-coastal fan frenzied media circus.Even if you have read other Valentino biographies, I still highly recommend this book not only for the compelling writing style but also because it also offers details in the last two sections that you wouldn't necessarily find in print elsewhere.I especially enjoyed reading the Valentino-related site tours (part two) and the numerous information-packed appendices (part three) which cover the gamut from Valentino's medical diagnosis, operation and treatment to his Last Will and Testament and highlights from the estate sale including item descriptions and prices they sold for, to detailed newspaper references.
... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

All of these classic Hubbard stories are a 'must' for his legions of fans
Galaxy Press is dedicated to publishing the huge volume of literary works written by L. Ron Hubbard. Their latest titles offer a new generation of appreciative readers long out-of-print stories that first appeared in the Golden Age of pulp magazines. "The Crossroads" is a science fiction yarn that first appeared in the February 1941 issue of 'Unknown' magazine. "Destiny's Drum" is a thrilling action/adventure story taken from the March 1935 issue of 'Five Novels Monthly', while "Sea Fangs" is one of Hubbard's signature sea faring adventures from the June 1934 issue of 'Five Novels Monthly'. Hubbard, a master of every form of genre fiction, is perhaps best known as an author for his science fiction stories such as 'A Matter of Matter", originally published in the August 1949 issue of 'Astounding Science Fiction'. All of these classic Hubbard stories are a 'must' for his legions of fans and an impressive tribute to his storytelling skills in the heyday of pulp magazine fiction!

Great satire from the Golden Age!
The Crossroads is a satire dating from the February 1941 issue of "Unknown" magazine. Hubbard was no stranger to satire. Portions of Battlefield Earth were satirical representations, i.e., characters like Rogodeter Snowl and Roof Arsebogger are cut from the fabric of satire while The House of Plunder is Hubbard's satirical reference to a Tolnep legislative center. His final work, Mission Earth, is a satire. The Crossroads is written in the same style as Mission Earth. Farmer Eben Smith, encountering a military officer at a crossroads in a future where gold is banned, is told simply: "...you do not realize that a totalitarian state is far too powerful to be overthrown. You have seen what happens to the enemies of the Greater Dictatorship." Throughout his career Hubbard was consistent in lampooning corrupt public officials and warning of the dangers of a totalitarian society. Such warnings were not merely the imaginative work of a pulp writer, but rather the raw perception of a man who witnessed the polemics that resulted in socialism and communism. And that Hubbard recognized the manifestation of these elements in American culture is a telling point. Readers of fantasy will enjoy this satirical and humorous tale. Included in this reprinting are the stories "Borrowed Glory" which is an acknowledged classic; and "The Devil's Rescue" which deserves a wide audience. As always, I also recommend the audio book. Each audio book features a multicast performance with music and sound effects reminiscent of radio's golden age. ... Read more