Mark A. Vieira, Greta Garbo: A Cinematic Legacy

As part of the September 2005 nationwide celebration that observes the centenary of Greta Garbo's birth, Mark A. Vieira's handsome Abrams book, Greta Garbo: A Cinematic Legacy, is much more than simply a photographic record. The appeal of the enduring, mysterious Swedish star who made "I want to be alone" an essential element of her legacy and legend is chronicled by Vieira with a meticulously researched account of the making of each of her 24 American films. Vieira began the book in the hope that, by seeing how Garbo (1905-1990) worked, he might better understand the way she created pathos, tragedy and romance in a way what can only be described as magical. The answer may have eluded Vieira but Garbo's life and work now has another worthy chapter to an ever-expanding list of biographies. Garbo will continue to enchant audiences for another century.

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