Book Description
“Noir’s first bombshell”
—Entertainment Weekly

Customer Reviews (10)

A Fascinating And Tragic Hollywood Tale
I knew very little about Veronica before I read this book and now I feel like I understand her a lot better. She was a flawed person and the author does not try to sugarcoat her life. He gives us all the details from her childhood, her rise to fame, her marriages, her battles with alcohol and mental illness, to her tragic end. Her mother was the main source for the book and maybe her memories are tainted but there's also a lot of Veronica's own words in here. There are quite a few unpublished photos too. This book has definitely made me a fan of Veronica and I hope more people read it to learn about her tragic story.

Hurtful rubbish ... the lady deserves better
I have the original hardcover edition of this book published in 1983 and it is one of the worst biographies I have ever read. It was virtually co-authored by Veronica's grasping stage-mother who used her as a meal ticket and who also sued her for support once the money dried up. Miss Lake's real problem was alcohol and this book's dubious (and central) theme that she was a paranoid schizophrenic does not seem based on medical fact. The authors provide no proof of this 'diagnosis' -- only hearsay -- with Veronica's redoubtable mother as the only reference. The real truth about this beautiful, tragic actress who was more sinned against than sinning remains to be told, and sadly, may never be. Miss Lake's own autobiography "Veronica", while glossing over a lot, gives a much better sense of her as a person -- flawed, alcoholic, but seeking only love and peace of mind in a much less enlightened world than today.

Peekaboo: The Story of Veronica Lake
Apparently some readers who previously reviewed this title must have read a different book, or were too blindsided by their own misinterpretations to realize what a great book this actually is. Lenburg has done a remarkable job in writing this authorized and harrowing story. What some readers have failed to take into account is the historical context of Veronica Lake's mental illness and the era (the 1930s) in which she was diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenic. Back then, people were often institutionalized, and medical treatment was far more limited than it is today. Throughout history, many other notable figures, also ravaged by schizophrenia when little was done for their condition, managed to hide their illness and separate their public and private lives. Certainly, Lenburg did not create or fabricate the circumstances that Veronica Lake lived, and the fact she was tormented for years by mental and was a self-professed alcoholic, he did not rely on her "fuzzy" memory of the truth. Every fact and story were carefully corroborated and substantiated by Lenburg by Lake's mother, family members, and over 40 of her closest co-workers and friends. This includes those accounts as told by Veronica in her own autobiography, each corroborated and verified by the author for inclusion. This also includes many new revelations about Lake that she never revealed in her book, such as a secret abortion, spousal abuse, a possible lesbian relationship, extramarital affairs, and much more. In addition, Lenburg uncovers the truth about other stories told the national press by Lake or Paramount's publicity department that, for many years, were believed true by fans and the media only to turn out false.Unlike other "tell-all" books that don't always attribute the source of their information in the text or throughout, Lenburg does an admirable job in this case. He consistently provides testimonial evidence with actual quotes from Lake's mother and the people he interviewed who knew her best about many of the instances and stories described in his book.Similarly, Lenburg presents a fair, balanced, fully fleshed, true and accurate portrait of Lake without exhibiting any bias toward Lake or her mother.Final judgment of both, whether they were each crazy, or who was at fault is at it should be, it's left up to the reader to decide. The bottom line: "Peekaboo" is a fascinating read, well worth the time and effort about a voluptuous vixen who's life was a disaster from beginning to end.

An erroneous "look" for Veronica Lake
Jeff Lenburg, the author of this horrific tome, dedicates his book to: Constance "Veronica" Marios, Veronica's absolutely terrible mother (her comments and interviews make up a great deal of the "misinformation" about Ms. Lake.In the first place, Veronica Lake could NOT possibly have been a "paranoid schizophrenic" as the author (and mother) claim:no one with that level of mental illness could possibly remember lines; perform in any way before a camera; much less create an "image" which her studio bosses at Paramount Studios embraced. In additon, someone with illness of this type (during the time frame when Ms. Lake was alive), would have been subjected to shock therapy (the strong psychiatric drugs were not developed until much later (early 1950's); if Veronica had any kind of mental illness, it is much more likely that she was possibly a manic-depressive (many people with THIS diagnois have in the past, prior to the drug, lithium, utilized alchol to keep them "level" between the highs and lows of their condition.This author takes the position that Veronica drank simply for the sake of drinking--if she had been a paranoid schizophrenic, she would probably put herself into a catonic state and never could have performed in any movie, or done any of the later work which she continually attempted after leaving her movie career.Instead of reading THIS book, try to find the autobiography of "Veronica" written by Veronica Lake with Donald Bain, published in 1977 by The Citadel Press. A reading of this book supports the many inaccurate "statements" put into "Peekaboo" that obviously the author and her estranged mother (her mother not only sued Veronica during one of her most financially difficult situations in Hollywood, this "stage mother" did not even attend her only daughter's funeral -- apparently no one did, except her son Michael.If any more pertinent information relating to Veronica could have been given in "Peekaboo" it should have been supplied by her surviving children (although Veronica did not have the usual maternal relationships with them, as her "career" and unfortunate choice of husband(s) (as the old standard goes, "she looked for love in all of the wrong places")-- but the reader is advised to by-pass this book completely, and try to find a copy (libraries use inter-loan procedures, or one can purchase a "used and out-of print" copy of the much more "accurate" autobiography.As I have read both books, I can promise anyone who has seen any of Ms. Lake's movies, and seen the levels of her performances, the information contained in "Peekaboo" is extermely inaccurate at best. Ms. Lake's story is extremely sad at best; as another reviewer remarked: where were the residuals (apparently, Veronica did not have adequate managerial or financial advisors); however, one would think that she would have been given SOME type of support from the Hollywood System (unfortunately, she did not have a support-system network in Hollywood during the time she worked there, except some minor acting characters -- but it is important to note, the she attempted to keep on working in television(as an actress; a hostess for classic films); tried her hand at the stage (most of these ventures were of the summer-stock variety, but at least she persisted -- and these activities took place during the various stages of her alcoholism. Hers is a cautionary tale, and best told through her autobiography (the earlier book referred above) than to this shoddy and erroneous depiction of Ms. Lake written by Jeff Lenburg--in fact, it is the MOST hateful "biography" I have ever had the displeasure to read about any Hollywood "star. By all means, AVOID this book by Jeff Lenburg at ALL costs, and search for the earlier out-of-print "autobiography" instead.

Good, but not perfect
The book is worth reading and the pictures are great. The writing is good, but not perfect. Not enough or maybe too much time is spent on her relationship with her mother and her mental illness. Overall, a sad, but interesting read. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Disagree with first review.......
I am almost finished reading this book which I got from the library.It was the only one on Veronica Lake.Well, I chose to read it even though I was not alive during her hay-day, but my mother was.She had always been a fan and admired Veronica Lake.When I was younger, my mother would say at times my hair looked like Veronica Lake's (it's thick and wavy), whomever that was, and like Veronica says in her book 'can't do a darn thing with it.'All I knew later is that she was an actress.

I think the book clearly expresses her alcoholism.She turned to drinking EVERY time she had a rough spot in her life--one of her marriages going bad, being out of money.In fact, she hung out with the merchant marinemen while dating Andy Elickson--and they all would drink for many hours.

I don't remember about the age thing, but I really think she was honest.She surprised me.She sounds tough, sarcastic and not real nice many times.So, I think you get a clear-cut view of a woman trying to make it from living with an over-bearing mother pushing her to be something she wasn't--she didn't really care about being a 'star'(her real father dying when she was very young).

There were a lot of 'honest' type remarks in there about herself and others, but it's not a show and tell like many other stars or biographers write about.Veronica knows when to name names and when not to.It's sad actually, her story.Her deepest love, Andy--she never married.She was a survivor and I admire her for many things she did even though she was a 'star'.It didn't go to her head at all.She went through a lot.She was a waitress at one time just to make ends meet.Fans sent her money after learning of this, but she returned all their money.A pride thing she said.

I'd like to know the rest of the story--this was written by her 2 years after I was born.I think it's very informative if you are a fan.I was more curious than a fan since I didn't know much about her and don't think I saw any of her films.Apparently, she had a natural gift for acting, especially in comdy, surprisingly.She tells it like it sounds as it was, that's for sure.And don't get me wrong---she seems nice enough, but seems to have a negative view of most things.I think her honesty speaks through loud and clear.Just reading the first chaper will tell you that!And she wasn't a fake.

Great book if you're a fan
Being a Veronica Lake fan will help you get past this book's so-so writing and sometimes obvious exclusion of facts/details.Her alcoholism is mostly denied, the rumors of schizophrenia are not even mentioned, and she listsher birth date in 1922, although many say it's 1919.

The book is stilla good read and offers a look at Hollywood as it was at the end of itsgolden era.Lots of behind the scenes stuff and interaction with otheractors/directors/producers of the day.

Although listed as an"autobiography", the title page says "By Veronica Lake withDonald Bain". ... Read more

Product Description
Two original beautiful 8" x 10" Paramount publicity close-up portraits of Veronica Lake. One is from 1943 and the other from 1945 both taken at the height of her popularity. Both are fine and are being sold as a collection only. ... Read more

Product Description
Polly, the youngest mosquito of the colony, learns to use her stinger wisely. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Hooray for Polly!!! You're The Best!!!!!
I would like to say "Polly The Mosquito" is a great book for the family.
I believe this book to be for all ages. While learning her habitat she teaches morales and self-discipline. This sweet, lovely, adorable, red
head ventures out on her first journey with the colony. It's amazing
she being the youngest and somehow the smartest. I urge anyone with
children to make this little character part of their book collection.
Hats off to "Polly The Mosquito" Thanks Veronica Lake for writing such
an interesting story about mosquitos. Thanks to Scott Merril for creating
such a cute character. ... Read more

Book Description
Surrounded by the peaks of the Andean cordillera, the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca have long provided refreshment and nourishment to the people who live along its shores. From prehistoric times, the Andean peoples have held Titicaca to be a sacred place, the source from which all life originated and the site where the divine manifests its presence.In this interdisciplinary study, Verónica Salles-Reese explores how Andean myths of cosmic and ethnic origins centered on Lake Titicaca evolved from pre-Inca times to the enthronement of the Virgin of Copacabana in 1583. She begins by describing the myths of the Kolla (pre-Inca) people and shows how their Inca conquerors attempted to establish legitimacy by reconciling their myths of cosmic and ethnic origin with the Kolla myths. She also shows how a similar pattern occurred when the Inca were conquered in turn by the Spanish.This research explains why Lake Titicaca continues to occupy a central place in Andean thought despite the major cultural disruptions that have characterized the region's history. This book will be a touchstone in the field of Colonial literature and an important reference for Andean religious and intellectual history. ... Read more