From playing Desdemona opposite Laurence Olivier's Othello through her highly acclaimed role as Violet Crawley on the TV series Downton Abbey, Maggie Smith's achievements have continued to shine through the passing decades. Here, Coveney {Ken Campbell; Cats on a Chandelier) tells Smith's story, tracing her rise as an actress of exceptional talent, magnetism, and vitality, working with notable costars. He covers her award-winning stage performances in London, on Broadway, and beyond (The Way of the World; Hedda Gabler, Private Lives) as well as her diverse screen appearances ranging from The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie to the Harry Potter films. Coveney's research, a blend of interviews and archival sources, is impressive; he skillfully weaves this information into a thorough examination of all aspects of Smith's career within the context of the productions as well as the larger framework of stage and screen culture. Although there are ample details about her family, friends, children, and marriages to fellow actor Robert Stephens and playwright/screenwriter Beverley Cross, the primary emphasis here is on Smith's professional life. VERDICT This well-written, valuable resource on Smith's career is an infor- mative read for fans and those interested in the performing arts. For both large academic and public collections.-Carol J. Binkowski, Bloomfield, NJ.
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