Review of "Lillian Gish : Her Legend, Her Life" by Charles Affron

"Lillian Gish" is a very complete history of one of Hollywood's most enduring stars. She died in 1993, and was universally recognized as a film legend.

Lillian began her career in the 1890's and became famous for her acting in such classics as "BIRTH OF A NATION" and "ORPHANS OF THE STORM." She and her sister were put into show business by their mother, who was in the business herself. This biographer, Affron takes the reader through the life and career of Lillian Gish from her early films, her devoted and troubled relationship with the famous film maker D.W. Griffin, and her very close ties to her mother and her sister. In following Lillian's life the whole history and culture of movie-making in early 20th Century America unfolds in what is a huge and engaging biography.

Charles Affron is a professor of French at New York University and the author other books about the history and stars of the film world.