[.ca] Oliver Reed (ISBN 0753505193)

Workmanlike Bio:
For any avid Oliver Reed fan, this book doesn't contain anything new. However, for the cinema fan who admired Ollie's filmwork, it's a good intro to his life. When Ollie died, I was surprised to see that those of us in the American film industry viewed him more as a god of cinema, whereas the Brits viewed him as a god of debauchery. Since this book was written for the British audience, it focuses more on Reed's flamboyant side, but then Ollie was a one-of-a-kind rogue. Compared to the hypocritical stars of today, Ollie stands out as a true individual with a set standard of living. A great man, but the true story is still being written.

Outta here:
Although the writing and story in general did not flow particularly well and it seemed to be a bit jerky with respect to the sequence of events, just reading about the sheer audacity, madness, debauchery, depravity, and wickedness of Oliver Reed's life makes for an adventure well worth \othe money\c. The book in itself is not, nor will it ever be recognized as a literary pinnacle, however as a means to record several snap shots in the life of Oliver Reed, it is truly remarkable as simply a documentary writ of a life which was full of excess. This is the story of which legends are made, however despicable the behavior, and regardless of how one apply there respective terms of morals, no one remembers mediocrity or exemplary behavior. However, one seldom forgets tossing a chair through the pub window, or helping your friend off the side of a balcony, sexual advances and behavior of which most people fantasize about. In the great dichotomy of life one also is privy to a man who maintained his personal and emotional loyalty to friends and family of which few in this world can demonstrate, albeit left of center. Absolutely brilliant!!