Customer Reviews (2)

Johnny Depp (Today's Superstars: Entertainment)
My son used this for a report at school.He found it very imformative.

Excellent for its thin size
As a small-school librarian, I buy biographies/autobiographies for the library from time to time, but try to stay away from controversial people whose lives are not worthy of emulation. Am I judging? Perhaps, but I'm the keeper of fantasies and moral values. Johnny Depp falls into that category. Which category? He certainly has been controversial, but he has lived a life of his own choosing, following his own drummer, if you will, crossing and burning bridges of his own making, and certainly keeping fantasies alive for both himself and his fans. Moral values? Following his own dreams and not what is expected or expedient puts him down as morally steadfast. Being true to his calling, his wife and children also makes him steadfast.

So, can a 32-page book tell enough about Johnny Depp, especially for the fourth-grader who needs to create a report about a biography? Yes, he/she can. I now know quite a bit about Mr. Depp. His first famous role as an actor was "Edward Scissorshands," one of the strangest, most poignant movies ever made, with the actor in my favorite role for him. I oft wondered if he made only films which disguised his looks. This book tells the reader how adverse the actor is to photo-hounds and how they ruined his relationship with Winona Ryder.

From age 6 on, his family of two parents and four other siblings moved 30 times, making him the perpetual "new kid." Suffice it to say that these disruptions of his young life and education greatly impacted his life.

It was his nightclub where his friend, River Phoenix, died of an overdose of drugs. He, too, became troubled with drugs, alcohol, and wild life. The night he nearly died changed his life forever. That was in 1994.

Depp has a fantastic list of films to his name, including the two "Pirates of the Carribbean," "Nightmare on Elm Stree," "Finding Neverland," and "What's Eating Gilbert Grape."

He currently lives in the countryside in France with his wife and two children.

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Product Description
12 x 16 calendar ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Calendar
I was really impressed with this calendar. It even came with a set of 12 stickers of Johnny Depp. ... Read more

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ReadHowYouWant publishes a wide variety of best selling books in Large Print and Super Large Print formats in partnership with leading publishers. EasyRead books are available in 11pt and 13pt. type. EasyRead Large books are available in 16pt, 16pt Bold, and 18pt Bold type. EasyRead Super Large books are available in 20pt. Bold and 24pt. Bold Type. You choose the format that is right for you.

Johnny Depp has played many parts and taken some startling risks as an actor. His roles have ranged from a robot-man in Edward Scissorhands to the gentle author of Peter Panto a rascally pirate in the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Nominated for several Best Actor Academy Awards, Johnny delights fans with his humor, charm, and ability to play a broad range of characters.

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Customer Reviews (6)

Johnny in DEPPth
This book is wonderful in seeing the real Johnny Depp. I found this book to be so fascinating.He is an extrodinary person. It took you from his childhood all the way through to today. I would recommend it to anyone who is even slightly intrested in it. You will learn a lot.

Depply in love
Johnny Depp,by Kara Higgins, is a great nonfiction piece. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who LOVES Johnny Depp<3.
This book is very informative of Johnny Depp's past and present life.
The book has great information about his past marriages, his music career, and other milestones of his life.
Christina T.

Depply in love
Johnny Depp,by Kara Higgins, is a great nonfiction piece. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who LOVES Johnny Depp<3.
This book is very informative of Johnny Depp's past and present life.
The book has great information about his past marriages, his music career, and other milestones of his life.
Christina T.

A Look in Johnny Depp's Life
I highly recommend this book for people who like Johnny Depp and what he's done. This book pointed out that like a lot of hollywood stars some of them came from a hard childhood, to a hard teenlife and has turned into a well respected adult. This includes Johnny Depp. Most people wouldn't have figured out that he once owned a club, used to drugs, and even had a beautiful daughter. If you love some of the movies that Johnny Depp has stared in then you will find a new respect for Johnny Depp in this biography.
-Cathy C.

The best of Johnny Depp
I would recommend the book Johnny Depp, because if you like Johnny Depp this tells you all about his career. I wouldn't say it's the best because it does not tell you about his personal life or anything about him, except when he filmed in his movies.
And what movies he filmed in, and that his idol and who helped him start a career and his friends.

Nicole H. ... Read more

Product Description
Poster sized (12 x 16) 12 month calendar. 12 great photos of Johnny. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Not a great calendar!
I ordered this calendar expecting a regular calendar..but when i received it i found that it just had the days of the week written on the very bottom, then a line underneath it, then the numbered days of the month (1,2,3 etc.) there were no boxes to write things in..which is the whole purpose of a calendar! And the backround was black so you couldn't even write anything NEAR the numbers.

Nice To Look At.....But....
This review refers to the Johnny Depp 2005 Calender(by Streethassle)...

My two stars for this product is for the great pics of Johnny. Any fan would love a year's worth of these 16 1/2" long by 12" wide photos of the star to look at every day. Each picture depicts a different look of Depp and they are all great eye candy. However....

The Calender is very cheaply made. I confess I did not buy it to keep my appointments on ( I have plenty of places for that), but with only little numbers and letters for the days, on the bottom of each month, it's hard even to tell what day it is(I know, I know, who cares, when you're looking at Johnny, right?).
The paper it is printed on is not even as strong as the free calender I got from the bank. it is held together by a cheap spiral wire, that I cut my finger on due to poor craftmanship.(the end was sticking out).

So if your just looking for some great pin-ups..well maybe if you can't find Johnny anywhere else...but for the price, you can probably do much better elsewhere. Oh and BTW..on the back of the calender it states..
"This is not an official JOHNNY DEPP calender. Neither JOHNNY DEPP nor his representatives particpated in the production of this calender"

Nice to look at but not worth the price.
Have a great New Year!....Laurie

If you want a functional calendar, don't order this product
This so-called calendar is really just a set of 12 poster-like photos.Rather than providing spaces to write appointments for each day, it simply lists at the bottom of each page the days (S S M T W T F S S M T....) in one row and the dates (1 2 3 4 5 6....) in another row right below. Also, the pages are flimsier than those usually found in both calendars and posters.So if you want 12 Johnny Depp photos, you might like this product.If it's a functional calendar you're after, stay away. ... Read more

Product Description

Johnny Depp has played many roles. He has been a pirate, a detective, and a writer – to name just a few of his many screen characters. But what is the real Johnny like?

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Customer Reviews (1)

Well Written; Interesting
It is well written once you start it is not easy to put down. The pictures are terrific as well. I'm glad I got the book. ... Read more

Product Description
Johnny Depp has played many roles, on screen and off, over the course of his life musician, teen idol, Hollywood bad boy, night club owner, eccentric actor, devoted family man. But the role he ll be most remembered for is the most unlikely action adventure movie star . . . with a twist. As the foppish Captain Jack Sparrow, Depp is the force behind one of the most successful film franchises in history. Depp grew up wanting to be a musician. When his band broke up, he went on an acting audition because it sounded like more fun than taking a telemarketing job selling pens. His striking looks got him parts, but Depp quickly proved he was much more than just another handsome face. Thoughtful and unpretentious, Depp has created one memorable film character after another. Although he never set out to be a star and remains uncomfortable with the label he has become one of Hollywood s most respected and fascinating talents. ... Read more

Product Description
Traces the events and circumstances that have shaped Johnny Depp's career and propelled him from embryonic rock musician to serious and respected actor. It tells of his childhood drug problem and concentrates on his notoriety as one of Hollywood's bad boys and his role as co-owner of the Viper Room, revealing also the story of his numerous affairs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Competent but uninspired early bio of Depp
The author of this piece, Nigel Goodall, has gone on to write another Depp biography, this one titled "intimate."It must be better than this first opus.Without Depp's approval or participation, Goodall had to rely on a combination of observed factual data and reported quotes and actions by Mr. Depp. Since this was all public knowledge or opinion, we don't know how much of it needs to be taken with a grain of salt.It may be moot as the volume is out of print as of this writing - 9/05.

Mr. Goodall does make some glaring factual errors in his text:he refers to Kathy Baker as Kathy Bates; he reports Martin Landau winning a Best Actor Oscar -instead of a Best Supporting Actor Oscar- for ED WOOD; he announces that there were no films on the subject of Don Juan before DON JUAN DEMARCO, when there were several including an important early sound film with John Barrymore and a costume epic in the late forties with Errol Flynn; he misreports the number of Oscar noms PLATOON earned.

So considering the above, much of the book's content may be suspect as well.There are better books out there on Mr. Depp.Best not to invest in this one.

A True Story
I think the book was a good and well writen book. It mostly tells his true life story in a discriptive way. I would recomend this book for teens who are fans or just want to read!

Sweet Johnny Depp
I don't think it's fair when people write biographies about actors and whatnot. They portray Johnny Depp to be an evil person or some sort of crazy killer or something. He really seems like a sweet guy and who cares if he's made mistakes. Haven't we all? I'd just say... stick to his amazing movies and don't read exploiting books like this one. Also... whoever said his eyes look evil... they need to be put on medication. He has the BEST eyes ever. They're mesmerizing and gorgeous!

Johnny Depp:Nigel Goodall Bio
It's mainly a rehash of all the information we already know just by reading magazines and watching tv.There are some nice photos though.I read it in one day.Though not deep it's acceptable.

Note:Since Johnny Depp is a private man I don't think a good Biography would be possible, so this is the next best thing.

Disappointment for true Depp Fans
What was this author thinking writing an unauthorized bio on one of the most private men in Hollywood? Due to Depps refusal to contribute what this book actually ends up being is a movie/video guide on all Depp's movies. To top it off the info provided on these movies is not correct. In the movie "Whats Eating Gilbert Grape" Depp's love interest Becky in the movie is travelling with her grandmother not her mother as the author states in the book. Any avid Depp fan like myself would remember these details which makes me question the credability of other info in the book if this simple detail is incorrect.
Almost every page has relevance to Winona Ryder. Depp's bio surely doesnt just revolve around her. Kate Moss and Vanessa Paradis are short changed undeservingly so.There is no information on Depp in this book that you can not find on a Depp website. I also found the authors writing style to be poor without any pizzaz to keep the readers interest.Too much emphasis placed on the hotel trashing bad boy Depp that the tabloids try to present years back. More emphasis should be on the artist Depp truly is. A big screen genius who isnt even aware of the impact he has on his fans. It is true you cant judge a book by its cover because this book has a five star rating for its cover.It does have an amazing selection of black and white and colour photos of Depp which justifys the purchase of this book for true Depp fans. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

America's Sexiest Man?
Johnny Depp might be, could be the one. (I know for sure it's not Ben Affleck.) And this book has all sorts of info about Mr Depp.
It's difficult to believe Johnny Depp was born in Owensboro, Kentucky as his voice does not betray that location. And he's also the youngest of four children. And how about that really short marriage?
Want to know more? Read this well written biography to find out all you could want to know about Johnny Depp. ... Read more

Product Description
"Pomerance is the inimitable lyric poet of cinema scholars, bringing the imagination of a creative artist and the rigor of an exacting intellect to these masterly riffs on Depp’s complexities and conundrums. The protean actor could not have found a commentator more in tune with his mercurial career and elusive, mesmerizing self."—David Sterritt, author of Mad to Be Saved: The Beats, the ’50s, and Film

"Johnny Depp Starts Here offers an important contribution to the field of star studies. . . .Pomerance’s passion is highly contagious."—Michael DeAngelis, DePaul University

From beloved bad-boy to cool and captivating maverick, Johnny Depp has inspired media intrigue and has been the source of international acclaim since the early 1990s. He has attracted attention for his eccentric image, his accidental acting career, his beguiling good looks, and his quirky charm. In Johnny Depp Starts Here, film scholar Murray Pomerance explores our fascination with Depp, his riddling complexity, and his meaning for our culture. Moving beyond the actor’s engaging and inscrutable private life, Pomerance focuses on his enigmatic screen performances from A Nightmare on Elm Street to Secret Window.

The actor’s image is studied in terms of its many strange nuances: Depp’s ethnicity, his smoking, his tranquility, his unceasing motion, his links to the Gothic, the Beats, Simone de Beauvoir, the history of rationality, Impressionist painting, and other ambiguities. In a series of treatments of his key roles, including Rafael in The Brave, Bon Bon in Before Night Falls, Jack Kerouac in The Source, and the long list of acclaimed performances from Gilbert Grape to Cap’n Jack Sparrow, we learn of Johnny onscreen in terms of male sexuality, space travel, optical experience, Roland Barthes, nineteenth-century American capitalism, Orientalism, the vulnerability of performance, the perils of sleep, comedy, the myth of the West, Scrooge McDuck, François Truffaut, and more.

Both deeply intriguing and perpetually elusive, Depp is revealed as the central screen performer of the contemporary age, the symbol of performance itself. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

I'm sorry I bought this book!
This idiot believes he can write, but he is very good at using big words that makes him think he is intelligent, but he's not! He sounds stupid and he doesn't have a clue what he is talking about! Of course, none of his readers do either!!! He is obviously a fan of Johnny Depp's (aren't we all?), but that's the nicest thing I can say about Mr. Pomerance. Sorry.

Excellent Depp and film resource!
'Johnny Depp Starts Here' is definitely an excellent resource for the serious film scholar. Pommerance synthesizes multiple strands of theory with the multiplicity/performativity of identity and works of Johnny Depp in an engaging and accessible manner. Having done previous film projects on Depp, I tend to be skeptical about texts purporting to address the actor and his works as what I have found up to this date, for the most part, more resembles an extended issue of 'Teen Beat' than an address of film, theory, or any scholarly engagement. This book, however, does not disappoint -- easily the best book-length text on Depp theory and film I have found so far.

An Unusual Love Affair Revealed
Murray Pomerance's book is nothing one can be prepared for.It is not a filmography, not a biography.It's not an analysis of Johnny's films, nor of his characterizations. Yet it is partially all of these - Pomerance's book is a love letter to an illusion - the screen presence of Johnny Depp.Pomerance is in love with that elusive vision and raptures about the hidden and lyric meanings of that image.He could as well have written about Garbo's screen presence.

The book is not for everyone and definitely not for simple fans of Mr. Depp's screen work. It is a book written by and for film scholars, not film fans.The book is esoteric and complicated - Mr. Pomerance loves stringing descriptive words together (and the more obscure words the better).One is sent to one's dictionary almost at every paragraph.Sentences must be re-read (like poetry) to capture the images and meanings of Mr. Pomerance's words.

That said, it is a great book and Johnny -if he ever reads it - should be right proud that he has evoked such a serious, thoughtful and well felt tribute.

Tedious!
I was very disappointed in this book. I found it tedious, rambling, and disjointed. There were a few interesting facts thrown in for good measure, but you have to slog through so much drivel that the trip just isn't worth your time.

Excellent Study of Depps Acting, NOT intended as a biography
I highly recommend this unusual study of Johnny Depp's ability to disappear into character.By using specific examples from some of Depps finest roles (Gilbert Grape, Ed Wood..etc...), the author illustrates the art behind the mask, without destroying the mystery.Interesting reflections on Depps refusal to be catagorized or defined, combined with an innate talent, reminds me more of Bob Dylan everyday!! ... Read more

Product Description
Offering proof that cocaine memoirs and philosophy do mix, Blow By Blow explores the making of the Ted Demme-directed movie Blow, starring Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz and Ray Liotta.Using images from the film, Demme's own behind-the-scenes digital photographs, dialogue from Nick Cassavetes and David McKenna's script, and poetry and short stories from the film's real-life template George Jung, the book expands beyond the traditional boundaries of film spin-offs.The real and fictional worlds of its ex-coke-baron protagonist are played off against each other whilst the film's themes of destiny and drugs are examined from all angles.Demme met big-time 1970s dealer George Jung in 1995 at the Federal Penitentiary in Rhode Island and became fascinated by this former partner of Pablo Escobar's eulogies about fate.Compelled to bring Jung's silver-spoon metaphysics to the silver screen, Demme offered the part to Depp, who also developed a close relationship with the jailed poet.Combining intimate portraits of Depp and Demme with Jung, evocative stills from the movie's 70s dreamland and the overlapping narratives of screenplay and autobiography, Blow is an absorbing book in its own right as well as a rich souvenir for fans of the film. ... Read more

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The third and final collection of literary legend Hunter S. Thompson's previously unpublished letters bears witness to his final years (1976-2005). ... Read more

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This Issues Has 4 Covers, JOHHNY DEPP as Madhatter, Ed Wood, Edward Scissorhands and Willy Wonka. // 20th Anniversay Issue also Featuring, OSCAR Predictions // Q&A with Barbra Walters // First Look at Earthbound with Kate Hudson and much more ... Read more

Product Description
12 x 16 tribute wall calendar with 12 stunning pictures of Johnny Depp.

Johnny Depp II, (born June 9, 1963) is an American actor known for his portrayals of offbeat, eccentric characters such as Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, Raoul Duke in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and the titular character of Edward Scissorhands.

He has collaborated with director and close friend Tim Burton in seven films, the most recent of which include Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) and the upcoming Alice in Wonderland. Depp garnered acclaim for his portrayals of real life figures such as Edward Wood, Jr., in Ed Wood and plays John Dillinger in Michael Mann's Public Enemies. ... Read more

Product Description
Hailed everywhere as a brilliant biography, GONZO is a startling portrait of Hunter S. Thompson, the genius who spent a lifetime channeling his energy and insight into such landmark works as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas--and revolutionized the art of writing. In their own words, an incredible array of stars--Sonny Barger, Jack Nicholson, Ralph Steadman, Jimmy Buffett, Anjelica Huston, Marilyn Manson, Jimmy Carter, and many more--bring into vivid focus Thompson's creative frenzies, love affairs, drug use, and, ultimately, his tragic suicide. As Thompson was fond of saying, "Buy the ticket, take the ride."

"Gonzo...is no hagiography, and it is in its unflinching look at this singular character in American letters as fearless-if not more so-as anything Thompson ever dared write....The most comprehensive picture of Thompson so far, and...likely the best we'll ever get." --Patrick Beach, Austin American-Statesman

"A fond and exhilarating look back at the wild man of American journalism, put together by a couple of guys who were pretty close to him." --Billy Heller, New York Post ... Read more

Customer Reviews (42)

Scarf it - Quick!
Don't let these negative reviews, apparently written by candy-assed cretins with rose-colored contacts screwed into their eyeballs, keep you from inhaling this most excellent volume.
Wenner et. al. are in no way "bashing" Hunter, simply telling it straight - TAANSTAAFL, and Hunter was a hellacious buffet.
Also made me feel much better about his death - I was afraid he had, if you'll pardon the expression,"jumped the gun", but apparently not so much.
Selah.

A Life Less Ordinary
Hunter S Thompson was a true American original. His best works help define the "New Journalism" of the 1960s and 1970s. Hunter's colleagues at Rolling Stone attempt to explain the man in Gonzo, a 2007 "oral biography." While readers may disagree with some of the things that are said in the book, it is a true page turner.

The book contains a good overview of Hunter's life from his boyhood in Louisville through his 2005 suicide. Unsurprisingly, the strongest sections are on the middle and later years of his life, when the people at Rolling Stone knew him best. The reader leaves Gonzo with a good idea of just what it was like to try to work with Hunter. I think that Gonzo also does a good job of explaining Hunter's maverick appeal.

The negative reviews of Gonzo on this site surprise me. Many readers feel that this book is overly negative. While I admire Hunter, I think that only a pollyanna could believe that his lifestyle was costless. In my opinion, Hunter's contributions to journalism largely ended in the early-1970s. For the rest of his life, he was more of a performance artist, playing a version of Uncle Duke, than a writer.

Certainly, there is plenty of negative material in Gonzo. The reader learns that Hunter was an abusive husband, an absent father, and a narcissist. One of the surprises to me was that Hunter had actually made a one-week attempt at rehab in the 1980s. I don't think that Gonzo is a hatchet job, but Hunter does emerge as an ambivalent figure.

Gonzo is great reading. I tore through its 400+ pages in about 24 hours. Find a copy and read it.

Total coverage?
I picked this book up without reading much about it, and without reading what Anita Thompson had to say (wow).Yes...this is another book about Hunter S. Thompson, one of many to be released since his death, and one in a longer line to come.The Jann Wenner connection made it sound 'juicy' from the get-go.

Overall, having read most of the book (you don't have to go front-to-back since it breaks up the life and career of HST into succinct chapters of quotes), I don't get the real feeling it's a hatchet job through and through.Sure, Wenner and HST, after a glorious beginning, had problems, with Wenner trying everything he could to lure the writer back to Rolling Stone.But I found a lot of love and affection for HST coming from most, if not all, of those interviewed.Yes, Wenner is making another buck off HST, and will likely continue to pen something on the man here and there, or at least contribute forwards for years to come.But this is about perspective, and this summary of the writer's life is no more 'definitive' than any other.

The book is divided into periods---'Hell's Angels' or 'Fear and Loathing--Vegas' or 'Height of Gonzo' or whatever.The book is a collection of quotes from many people in the writer's life, including Wenner, of course, as well as neighbors, editors, other celebrities, his family, etc.Each chapter jumps from person to person and they provide a detail, a memory, a thought, etc, like a documentary, going from talking head to talking head with flashbacks and postcards.Yes, Wenner is the biggest talking head, but he has much to say (even if yes, some of it is hatchet work to put Hunter's legend in perspective).After all, following the successful adventures under the Rolling Stone flag, the Gonzo mania drove Hunter away from his earlier dreams of being a serious figure and into a 'role' for the rest of his life and career.

The book flows very well from thought to thought, and it goes way back, and way to the end.Especially insightful are the final two chapters, discussing the last few years of HST's life.While I think short-shrift is made of his later work---the ESPN writing and his collections and interviews---it does provide key insight intohis last few years of physical decline.Though his seemingly mind was still sharp (despite the Herculean chemical intake), his body was giving out on him and the resulting pain became too much to bear.These details, though obviously very personal and painful, do provide some welcome context and gravity to the author's suicide in early 2005.

Still recommending it for HST fans.Okay, it doesn't carry the seal of approval of everyone who ever knew him, but it's still people talking about Hunter, and providing some new insight, and should be read skeptically and with other bios and material on the legendary writer.Despite the criticism, it does not come off as a hateful Wenner screed that some have made it out to be.After all, why would Wenner want to totally destroy the man?He's still selling his books...

Take the ride
Some reviewers here seem to take exception to Jann Wenner's comments in this oral biography of Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson.Having been a fan of Hunter for years, I didn't find anything insulting or derogatory in what Wenner had to say.Let's be honest here, someone as wild as Hunter is bound to ruffle a few feathers along the way.

I thought GONZO presented a well-rounded picture of a talented artist who eventually became prisoner to his public persona.Somewhere along the way, the focus shifted off Thompson's writing and came to bare on his chemical-fueled lifestyle.It seems clear reading this that Thompson came to somewhat regret his public image, wishing instead to be known for his writing and not his diet of alcohol and narcotics.It makes for a tragic story and an interesting read.That is, of course, if you're interested in Thompson the man and not Thomopson the public image.

"I slept with all my assistants..."
For anybody who's read through H.S.T's entire library, for anybody looking for another part of the story, for anybody looking to add to their accumulated knowledge of Dr Gonzo...this book is for you...It's a great, extremely accessible book.

The only people that should stay away from this title are those that are so uptight & tightly wound, that are so concerned with preserving a myth rather than telling a story, that would rather read (or release or publish or allow) the same monotonous versions of the same rehashed stories time & time & time again...

(...monotonous is probably an exaggeration, especially in HST's case...)

I don't understand all this great decrying of this book based on the fact that HST's wife "disapproved".

Who cares?

There's many stories here from the people that knew Hunter Thompson best, & they each have the right to see & tell things as individually as the man they're busy describing....

When they each & all come out & say they were conned & baited & paid off, I'll change my humble opinion.....

Until then, I'll continue reading & laughing & cursing & waiting for releases of the next couple Hunter books to be allowed...or at the very least, morally approved of....

... Read more