Orson Welles: The Road to Xanadu

In this first installment of his masterful biography, Simon Callow captures the chameleonic genius of Orson Welles as only an actor/director deeply rooted in the entertainment industry could. Here is Welles’s prodigious childhood; his youth in New York, with its fraught partnership with John Houseman and the groundbreaking triumph of his all-black Macbeth; the pioneering radio work that culminated in the notorious 1938 broadcast of War of the Worlds; and finally, his work in Hollywood, including an authoritative account of the making of Citizen Kane. Rich in detail and insight, this is far and away the definitive look at Orson Welles—a figure even more extraordinary than the myths that have surrounded him.

The highest praise for this book is the sheer amount of research that went into its production. The book is extremely well researched, particularly with respect to the contemporaneous reactions to Welles' various projects. However, I found the book lacking in fluidity. Often times, it felt like the research was recited, rather than telling Welles' life story. The author's various personal agendas played a prominent role in the book; and, much of the time, the author inserted his own distanced subjective interpretation of the events. I found the author's personal agendas and subjective commentary to be distracting from what is a fascinating life. With those caveats, the book was so well researched and Welles' life so intriguing; I am show more continuing on with the 2nd volume. show less

You don't have to be a fan of Welles to find this book fascinating. Simon Callow has done a masterful job with a larger than life subject.

A huge, incredibly well documented account of Orson Welles's youth, from his birth until his completion of 'Citizen Kane'. The subject himself is fascinating. Welles displayed prodigious abilities from childhood onwards and Simon Callow tells of his numerous dabblings in art and theatre as well as his work on radio prior to his move to Hollywood. The research work is impressive. This is the most complete biography of Welles I have ever read. The second volume 'Hello Americans' is just as accomplished and fans of Welles can hope that Callow will continue his exploration of Welles's later life and works.