Comments
ISBN-13 978-0-615-30912-5
ISBN-10 0-615-30912-7
Book Specifications:
10x8 softcover, 240 pages, 400 illustrations.
www.rudolph-valentino.com/silent-idol.htm
One of the most alluring, enigmatic, and simply irresistible movie icons of all time, Rudolph Valentino continues to inspire generation after generation of moviegoers. In Rudolph Valentino, The Silent Idol: His Life in Photographs, author Donna Hill retells the story of Valentino’s life using a treasure trove of rare photographs. Drawn from the author’s extensive collection and those of generous fellow collectors and archives, most of the images in this volume have not been seen since the 1920's; many have never been released publicly until now.
Rudolph Valentino was more than the “sheik” of one of his most famous films. He was more than the legendary star who died at a tragically young age. For long-time fans as well as curious newcomers, these remarkable images — candid snapshots at home, traveling, on film sets — reveal the glamour and charm of the man who continues to beguile and inspire movie lovers to this day.
Publish Date October 10, 2010
Dimensions Standard Landscape 240 pgs Standard Paper
Category Entertainment
Tags Rudolph Valentino, Silent Film
Comments (5) Write a comment
You know you want to comment.
Sign in or create an account to post a comment.
karenarb says
I cannot tell you how beautifully done I think this book is. I am so happy to be the proud owner of the limited edition copy. I didn't want to turn the page to leave each gorgeous image behind, only to find each page offered more and different aspects to wonder at. I was drawn in to each pose and the wondrous life Valentino made for himself in Hollywood in such a short period of time and then he was gone in the blink of an eye. A fairy tale that brought him to greater heights than any he could have imagined, that came with a heavy price and heartbreaking end. It's all there in the photos that Donna has painstakingly gathered and shown chronologically. I found it very moving, a loving tribute to the life of Rudolph Valentino.
posted at 07:23pm Aug 27 PST
fabrightside says
This book is absolutely fantastic.
posted at 04:17pm May 25 PST
ShaheenaNoor says
This is an absolutely beautiful book, well-organized and well-presented. At the very least, the photos are of historical importance, and for fans of Valentino, the book is both informative and some serious, serious eye-candy. As a library worker (Library Asst., SDPL), I would recommend the purchase of this book for any library looking to add to a film/history of film collection-- it is definitely worth the somewhat-hefty price tag of the book.
I also want to say 'Thank You Donna!' for sharing what you've so lovingly collected. The photos of Valentino with his horses and some of the heretofore unpublished portrait studies alone are worth the price of admission, in my estimation.
The bottom line is, if you are a Valentino fan, you n-e-e-d this book, right now!
posted at 05:18pm Dec 13 PST
cormorant42 says
Rudolph Valentino: The Silent Idol is an outstanding effort. Donna Hill has succeeded well beyond anyone's expectations, on all levels. Her prose is very much to the point yet abundant in details, many of which could be described as revelatory. And, she tells the tale in an especially engaging manner, drawing the reader in. Not only that, I really like the fact that she divides Valentino's lifetime into episodes, making the richness of it all easier to digest.
But the crux of the matter is in the photos, Mr. Valentino himself. In choosing which ones to use, I believe Hill made particularly wise choices. Although some are familiar and have been seen before elsewhere, the great majority are fresh, having been sourced from her own extensive collection, the vaults of other silent film buffs, various libraries and Valentino family archives. Simply put, they are all in some way spectacular, conveying, without words, the many facets of his personality, i.e. who Valentino really was. Bravo! This book is a must-have, an elegant and comprehensive look at the life of one of Hollywood's greatest legends.
posted at 06:57am Oct 16 PST
simonetta2 says
What a beautiful, touching tribute to an amazing man....I felt as if I was watching a silent film, filled with images I hadn't seen before and Rudy's life was unfolding before me. The simplicity of the pages showcases each photograph as a precious work of art....and captures his bittersweet life so poignantly, but more important, captures his vibrant essence that will carry on forever.
Well done, Donna!
posted at 01:37pm Oct 15 PST