From Publishers Weekly
This critical biography by a dean at Baruch College (and author of Marilyn: A Life of the Actress) is probably the fullest and fairest account yet of "America's finest radical playwright." Rollyson demolishes the Hellman legend and makes a good stab at evaluating the legacy. Based on letters, diaries, FBI files and interviews, this well-balanced book discusses Hellman's plays and other published writings, her work for Hollywood, political involvements and numerous sexual liaisons. Although he deplores her adherence to Stalinism and her frequent deceptions, Rollyson tries to understand Hellman's conceits and compulsions, her grande dame manner, her love of gifts, money, attention and celebrity. An authoritarian who professed to be a great democrat, she portrayed herself as "the genuine article"a feisty, tactless truth-teller. She "longed for a beauty she did not have and would compensate by sleeping around and by getting even with more attractive women." An incompetent director, she disliked actors, and many of those who appeared in her plays hated her, Rollyson contends, but her former lovers remained fascinated, and she could be generous to old friends. These contradictions enhanced Hellman's reputation and make this a compulsively readable biography. Photos not seen by PW. Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
Based on many new sources, Rollyson's detailed and balanced biography effectively argues that the playwright, self-centered and harshly authoritarian, orchestrated her life and writing to create the glowing but false image of grande dame and heroine of culture. Four years after her death, he corrects her carefully calculated versions of, for example, her marriage to Arthur Kober and her relationships with director Herman Shumlin, diplomat John Melby, and Dashiell Hammett. He shows the autobiographical basis of the plays and, using the testimony of Mary McCarthy and Diana Trilling, reveals the truth behind Hellman's three self-inflating but less than candid late "memoirs." Provocative reading. Charles C. Nash, Cottey Coll., Nevada, Mo.Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
Lillian Hellman was the most daring and original playwright of her time. In spite of her three volumes of highly acclaimed memoirs, Hellman has remained an enigma because of her need to conceal her real life and to invent a legend.

Carl Rollyson reveals - through newly discovered diaries, letters, interviews and state department files - the truth about Hellman's controversial political activities, her personal feuds, and her numerous tempestuous love affairs.

Learn the real story of how Hellman and Dashiell Hammett formed their liaison; new information about her lawsuit and feud with Mary McCarthy; and insight into how Hellman attempted to influence a circle of acolytes to defend her reputation.


About the Author
Carl Rollyson is Professor of English at Baruch College, The City University of New York. He writes articles on American literature, film and history and his books include lives of Lillian Hellman, Martha Gellhorn, Norman Mailer, Marilyn Monroe, and Pablo Picasso

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Lillian Hellman was the most daring and original playwright of her time. In spite of her three volumes of highly acclaimed memoirs, Hellman has remained an enigma because of her need to conceal her real life and to invent a legend. Rollyson reveals through newly discovered diaries, letters, interviews and state department files the truth about her controversial political activities, personal feuds and numerous tempestuous love affairs. Of particular interest are the real story of how Hellman and Dashiell Hammett formed their liaison, new information about her lawsuit and feud with Mary McCarthy and insight into how Hellman attempted to influence a circle of acolytes to defend her reputation.