Elizabeth Taylor: Her Life in Style [Paperback]

First and foremost, I'd like to thank Susan Kelly for the time and effort it took to let us Taylor fans have another book on, "The Most Beautiful Woman In The World"! So, Susan, THANK YOU! Now, that said, I would feel totally remiss in not bringing the NUMEROUS errors to Susan's attention. But, in her defense, the source information may well be the culprit for these errors. As a life-long collector of Taylor memorabilia, I know without doubt that many printed sources are in error, particularly "Getty Images". Then, someone comes along who wants to do a book, they get hold of this inaccurate information, and the error continues with a new generation of readers.

Pg. 9 - The photo from 1949 is actually part of the key set of publicity photos for "Ivanhoe" from 1952

Pg. 15 - "Sun-drenched glamour on the set in Italy" is actually a photo taken in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico during the filming of "Night of the Iguana". An alternate shot from this series is correctly captioned on pg. 84.

Pg. 19 - "Studio portrait from 1953" is actually part of the key set for publicity for "Raintree County" in 1956.

Pg. 29 - "With Nicky Hilton 1949" is most likely from 1947, and she is with Marshall Thompson, not Hilton.

Pg. 47 - "c. 1953" is actually a publicity portrait for "A Place In The Sun", taken in 1949. An alternate shot from this session is accurately captioned on pg. 34.

Pg. 61 - "...early 1958" is actually from the after-wedding party at Taylor's marriage to Mike Todd on Feb. 2, 1957.

Pg. 71 - "...portrait shot in 1960" is actually part of the "Raintree County" key-set from 1956.

Pg. 79 - "...formal event with Fisher in 1961" - is actually from their appearance at the Academy Awards on April 4, 1960. In continuing, "...she wore them (the chandelier earrings) first in 1959." These were a gift from Mike Todd (correctly stated), but Todd died on March 22, 1958 - a year before the erroneous date. Taylor first wore "the chandelier earrings" in mid-1957.

Pg. 91 - "...diamond and emerald...set....bought for her in 1962". Fact - Taylor first wore the emerald drop earrings before the Burton liaison began, at the anniversary party for "Spartacus" held in Rome on October 13, 1961. Her affair with Burton didn't begin until Jan. 1962. Burton purchased the emerald-cut emerald and diamond brooch for her in mid-May 1962. She wore it publicly for the first time on May 24, 1962 at a Sinatra concert in Rome. The necklace does not appear until March 3, 1967 when Elizabeth wore it to the Royal Command Performance/London premiere of "The Taming of the Shrew". The photograph used on this page (91) was taken at the World Premiere of the filmed version of "Doctor Faustus" at Oxford University (the Burtons did a stage version of the play at Oxford an year earlier) on Oct. 15, 1967. The dates for the acquisition of Taylor's emerald pieces is routinely in error. Even Taylor's own book, "My Love Affair With Jewelry" is oddly vague. It states that they LOOKED at several pieces, but it does NOT say any were actually purchased. Photographic evidence confirms the dates I have given. From May 1962 until early 1967, there are countless appearances and events that show Taylor wearing a combination of the earrings, the "Burton" emerald brooch or the "Fisher" floral emerald brooch, but NEVER the necklace. From the "Shrew" premiere in London onward, the necklace is seen repeatedly.

Pg. 92 - "Taylor....with the company of her two daughters, circa 1965." Fact - the photo was taken on the set during the filming of "Boom!" in 1967. The girl identified as 'adopted Maria', is not Maria. She is most likely Taylor's niece, the daughter of her brother, Howard, who had a small role in the film.

Pg. 107 - "Academy Awards...in New York City" - they took place in Los Angeles. Side note - this was the Oscar telecast famous for "the streaker" who dashed out on stage just as David Niven was preparing to introduce Elizabeth.

So, as you can see, this book abounds with errors which may, or may not, be of any consequence to the general reader. But, for me, errors like this are equivalent to a concert pianist hitting the wrong keys. Still, errors notwithstanding, there are many lovely photos printed with a very pleasing quality. For Susan's effort and the beautiful photos, I'd give a 5-star rating. But, the errors must be considered, too.

I highly recommend this book, the pictures are beautiful, Susan Kelly presents the book well. I like the wonderful personality and warmth that shows in the pictures of Elizabeth. I was a fan of hers since I was six years old. I will treasure this book . I miss her and she left us with beauty and grace. Wonderful woman, she makes us all proud.