Orson Welles: Volume 1: The Road to Xanadu (Orson Welles / Simon Callow)
Now in paperback, Callow's vastly entertaining chronicle of Welles's first 26 years seems even finer than it did in 1995. The author's ability to skewer his subject's evasions and lies while retaining critical affection for him is perhaps explained by the fact that Callow, an actor himself, understands the need to mythologize. Welles's innovative theatrical work in the 1930s has never been better described or analyzed. Even such oft-told sagas as theWar of the Worldsbroadcast and the filming ofCitizen Kanegain new dimension from Callow's intelligent treatment.