Thomas Crawford (1813–1857) was the first American sculptor to study in Italy for an extended period of time. There, along with other artists—Greenough, Story, and Powers—he was part of a group that made prolific contributions to American neoclassical art. He is best known as the sculptor of much of the statuary and bas-reliefs of our nationÆs Capitol: the pediment figures over the Senate and of the House of Representatives, and the bronze Freedom atop the CapitolÆs dome. In writing this biography, Robert Gale was given exclusive access to all of CrawfordÆs personal papers by the sculptorÆs granddaughter. An appendix lists extant works of Crawford and where they are found, and several plates illustrate his sculpture.

Bob Thomas tells the fabulous truth of how Joan Crawford rose from a Kansas City telephone operator to one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in this compelling biography. Few Hollywood careers have been more fabulous, more scandalous, or more glaringly in the spotlight than that of Joan Crawford. Born Lucille Fay LeSueur in 1906, or 1908 according to her own press releases, Joan Crawford changed her name and rewrote her life story when she left her job as a telephone operator and grew into one of the most well-known film and television actresses in America. Now, pulling back the curtain on a breathtaking tale of rags to riches and triumph to tragedy, Bob Thomas takes readers into the life of Joan Crawford, sharing stories of her famed life filled with glamour, glitter, romance, and ultimate stardom.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1858.

Thirty-three illustrations bring the legend to life: clashing armies in full battle dress, Arthur and his miraculous sword Excalibur, Lancelot's battle with a fire-breathing dragon and more. Text included.