Stefan Kanfer Books

The vibrant Yiddish theater, rooted in ancient traditions, comes alive through Stefan Kanfer's exploration of its role in the immigrant experience. He captures the energy, belief, and determination that fueled its establishment and success, revealing the behind-the-scenes drama along with the onstage performances. The book introduces the diverse cast of characters—actors, playwrights, and directors—who contributed to this influential cultural phenomenon. It serves as both a tribute and an elegy for a brief yet dazzling chapter in American theater history.

This definitive biography of one of the world’s greatest comedians unflinchingly yet affectionately uncovers the man behind the cigar. Here is the amazing career of the man the world recognized as Groucho: the improbable disasters of the vaudeville years; the Marx Brothers, an act so funny W.C. Fields refused to follow it; the unprecedented Broadway success of The Cocoanuts and Animal Crackers; the cinematic triumphs of Duck Soup and A Night at the Opera; and the marvelous come-back career as king of the game show hosts with You Bet Your Life. Here, too, is the man himself: a lonely middle child who aspired to be a doctor; a man who sabotaged three marriages; a father alternately indulgent and cruel. Intelligent and thorough, hilarious and sad, Groucho is a spectacular biography of the century’s most influential comedian.

'Easily the year's best Hollywood biog.'Independent on Sunday'Ball Of Fire reveals all about house- wife superstar Lucille Ball. Kanfer portrays Lucille Ball as insatiably anxious and insecure, a woman whose search for a father figure would only ever find the unlikely and unholdable Desi...

Lucille Ball's journey from a struggling movie actress to a television superstar is vividly explored in this biography. Stefan Kanfer delves into the origins of her comedic brilliance while examining the complexities of her personal life, marked by conflicts and challenges. The narrative not only highlights her significant contributions to television but also reveals the deeper struggles that shaped her character and career. This insightful portrayal captures both her professional triumphs and personal tribulations.

Exploring the rich history of Manhattan's theater scene, this book highlights influential figures who shaped Broadway into a cultural epicenter. Notable personalities like Irving Berlin, the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, and Stephen Sondheim are featured, alongside the vibrant Yiddish theater and vaudeville stars. The narrative also delves into the remarkable life of Lorenzo Da Ponte, Mozart's collaborator, who transitioned from European fame to an unexpected life in New York, showcasing the diverse tapestry of talent that defined American theater.

A Humphrey Bogart comes along only once in a century. This biography includes Bogey's love affair with the 19-year-old Lauren Bacall, who stole To Have And Have Not - and his heart - by lolling in a doorway, tossing insolent remarks and teaching him to put his lips together and whistle.

The biography explores Marlon Brando's complex life, starting from his troubled childhood to his iconic Broadway debut in A Streetcar Named Desire. Kanfer provides a thorough analysis of Brando's film career, examining his performances from The Men to The Score, highlighting both his brilliance and baffling choices. The narrative delves into Brando's self-destructive tendencies, his conflicted relationship with acting, and the personal tragedies that marked his later years, offering a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of the legendary actor.

"Timely corporate history--as exciting and poignant as any good tale of derring-do against great odds by all-too-flawed giants. " - Kirkus Reviews With a scholar's precision and a novelist's eye, Stefan Kanfer tells the inside story of De Beers Consolidated Mines - from the nineteenth century diamond rush that transformed Johannes De Beer's humble South African farm into an exotic klondike, to the Oppenheimers' shadow empire that has achieved umatched global reach.

Kanfer expertly examines each of Brando's films - from The Men in 1950 to The Score in 2001 - making clear the evolution of Brando's singular genius, while also shedding light on the cultural evolution of Hollywood itself.

Humphrey Bogart's life and career are vividly explored through a critical appraisal of his iconic films, including The Maltese Falcon and Casablanca. Stefan Kanfer, known for his biographies of other Hollywood legends, delves into the cultural significance of these masterpieces while sharing engaging behind-the-scenes anecdotes. The narrative also highlights the enduring romance between Bogart and Lauren Bacall, culminating in a rich portrait that underscores Bogart's unique legacy in cinema and why he remains an unparalleled figure in Hollywood history.