Arnold Schwarzenegger: Hercules in America (Superstar Lineup) - Softcover
A biography of the Austrian-born world champion bodybuilder who went on to become a Hollywood star and active in the politics of his adopted home
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From School Library Journal:
Grade 6-8-Lipsyte avoids the overly adulatory tone that mars many biographies of contemporary stars written for young people. Instead, he presents an evenhanded account of the life of the champion body builder turned movie star. Questionable aspects of Schwarzenegger's background (his steroid use, his father's possible Nazi involvement) are mentioned. The early chapters are the most interesting, exploring the subject's complex relationship with his father, who pitted his two sons in a series of endless competitions. Because he was younger, Arnold frequently came out second best, and it isn't hard to see how all this built the psychological framework for the drive that led to his achievements as an adult. Much of the book recounts his career as a body builder, as he almost single-handedly transformed the image of these competitions, which Lipsyte points out involve more showmanship than sport. Unfortunately, the athlete's movie career gets less attention than many young fans might want. The final few pages of the book offer a highly critical assessment of what could loosely be described as Schwarzenegger's worldview, including his political beliefs and his thoughts on personal discipline. Lipsyte's ambivalence about his subject comes through in these final pages, but this is fitting given the complex character of Schwarzenegger himself. The large print and black-and-white photographs will make this appealing to reluctant readers.
Todd Morning, Schaumburg Township Public Library, IL
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews:
Todd Morning, Schaumburg Township Public Library, IL
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
A hard look at the youth and career (up to Terminator 2) of ``the most famous real strong man in history.'' Lipsyte draws connections between the contempt with which young Arnold was treated by his father and the ruthless, bullying competitor he grew to be: fear of being thought weak has fueled his determination to win at any cost. His success has been spectacular, both in bodybuilding (which he almost single-handedly invested with a new, macho popularity) and in films--the author compares him to Elvis and Muhammad Ali as someone who has boosted himself to the status of cultural icon. Lipsyte closes with a discussion of the conservative politics of ``Conan the Republican'' and his marriage into the American aristocracy. A revealing, fluidly written picture of a charming, manipulative, driven man. Lipsyte's new Jim Thorpe (ISBN: 0-06-022988-8; PLB: 0-06-022989-6) is another unconventional biography in the SuperStars Lineup series. No index or bibliography; profusely illustrated with b&w photos (not seen). (Biography. 11-13) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherTrophy Pr
- Publication date1750
- ISBN 10 0064461424
- ISBN 13 9780064461429
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages80
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