An intimate biography of one of the last true Hollywood icons

""How to Be a Movie Star" is more than a well-told, thoroughly researched tale about the most compelling movie star of her time. It's the captivating story of how movie-making magic actually happens--and a truly lively portrait of the greatest screen magician of them all. Mann knows his subject intimately." --Peter Richmond, author of "Fever: The Life and Music of Miss Peggy Lee " "Was Elizabeth Taylor the greatest product of the Hollywood star machine or its greatest victim? Or was she, perhaps, its inventor? At a time when celebrity culture seems to be spiraling out of control, William J. Mann's smart, engaging, clear-eyed case study of Taylor's unique life in the spotlight locates the 'real' person somewhere between her private life and her public image. It's a fresh, unique and wholly successful approach to a fascinating story."--Mark Harris, author of "Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood"

William J. Mann has written for the Boston Globe, the Los Angeles Times and other publications. He is the author of Kate: The Woman Who Was Katharine Hepburn. He lives in Provincetown, Massachusetts.