Another Review at MyShelf.Com

The Dead Guy Interviews
Conversations with 45 of the Most Accomplished, Notorious, and Deceased Personalities in History

by Michael A. Stusser



      If you’ve ever wanted to ask famous people from history burning questions about their actions - for example, why did Dr. Sigmund Freud continue smoking cigars even after his jaw was surgically removed because of cancer, or why did Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, known for her brilliant attention to color and detail, refuse to tweeze her unsightly eyebrows - then The Dead Guy Interviews was written for you. Stusser creates mock interviews with forty-five well-known leaders, artists, politicians, writers, composers, performers, scientists, and others from history. The list includes a variety of ethnicities, and isn’t just about "guys," although from Alexander the Great to Mao Zedong they certainly dominate the book. In addition to Kahlo, Mae West, Joan of Arc, Catherine the Great, Cleopatra, Coco Chanel, Isadora Duncan, and Emily Dickinson are featured in the collection.

Each interview consists of a comical (and sometimes naughty) illustration of the person, a brief biography, and questions and answers regarding the personal and professional lives of each interview subject. Stusser focuses his questions on what made these people famous, but also needles each person about individual personal quirks and sexual deviances that made them so interesting to historians. The answers are a combination of direct quotes, paraphrased ideas, and the author’s imagination. Educational and entertaining, the book uses humor to address unpleasant topics including addictions, illness, betrayal, torture, mutilation, and murder.

The Dead Guy Interviews is one of the most enjoyable romps through history you’re likely to take, presenting brief snippets of each person’s life with attention to the most sensational elements. As with any parody that mixes fact and fiction, it’s occasionally difficult to tell the difference between the two - especially when you know little about the particular "dead guy" being interviewed. If in doubt, The Dead Guy Interviews may inspire you to do a little historical research of your own.

The Book

Penguin Books
September 2007
Paperback
978-0-14-311227-3
Nonfiction History / Humor
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
NOTE: Some Sexual References

The Reviewer

Leslie Halpern
Reviewed 2007
NOTE: Reviewer Leslie Halpern is the author of Reel Romance. The Lovers' Guide to the 100 Best Date Movies and Dreams on Film. Coming Soon: A Writer's Guide to Fearless Interviews.
© 2007 MyShelf.com