Michelle Morgan

With an in-depth look at the two most empowering years in the life of Marilyn Monroe, The Girl details how The Seven Year Itch created an icon and sent the star on an adventure of self-discovery and transformation from a controlled wife and contract player into a businesswoman and unlikely feminist whose power is still felt today. When Marilyn Monroe stepped over a subway grating as The Girl in The Seven Year Itch and let a gust of wind catch the skirt of her pleated white dress, an icon was born. Before that, the actress was mainly known for a nude calendar and one-dimensional, albeit memorable, characters on the screen. Though she again played a "dumb blonde" in this film and was making headlines by revealing her enviable anatomy, the star was now every bit in control of her image, and ready for a personal revolution. Emboldened by her winning fight to land the role of The Girl, the making of The Seven Year Itch and the eighteen months that followed was the period of greatest confidence, liberation, and career success that Monroe lived in her tumultuous life. It was a time in which, among other things, she: Ended her marriage to Joe DiMaggio and later began a relationship with Arthur Miller; Legally changed her name to Marilyn Monroe, divorcing herself from the troubled past of Norma Jeane; Started her own production company; Studied in private lessons with Lee and Paula Strasberg of the Actors Studio and became a part of the acting revolution of the day The ripple effects her personal rebellion had on Hollywood, and in trailblazing the way for women that followed, will both surprise and inspire readers to see the Marilyn Monroe in an entirely new light.

Marilyn Monroe, The Seven Year Itch, and the Birth of an Unlikely Feminist

The Girl

'Ghoulishly entertaining' Jacqueline Banerjee, Times Literary Supplement A grisly book dedicated to the crimes, perversions and outrages of Victorian England, covering high-profile offences - such as the murder of actor William Terriss, whose stabbing at the stage door of the Adelphi Theatre in 1897 filled the front pages for many weeks - as well as lesser-known transgressions that scandalised the Victorian era. The tales include murders and violent crimes, but also feature scandals that merely amused the Victorians. These include the story of a teenage man who married an actress, only to be shipped off to Australia by his disgusted parents; and the Italian ice-cream man who only meant to buy his sweetheart a hat but ended up proposing marriage instead. When he broke it off, his fiancée's father sued him and the story was dubbed the 'Amusing Aberdeen Breach of Promise Case'. Also present is the gruesome story of the murder of Patrick O Connor who was shot in the head and buried under the kitchen flagstones by his lover Maria Manning and her husband, Frederick. The couple's subsequent trial caused a sensation and even author Charles Dickens attended the grisly public hanging. Drawing on a range of sources from university records and Old Bailey transcripts to national and regional newspaper archives, Michelle Morgan's research sheds new light on well-known stories as well as unearthing previously unknown incidents.

The Battered Body Beneath the Flagstones, and Other Victorian Scandals

A comprehensive and meticulously researched biography that reveals the real Marilyn, revised and expanded to co-incide with the 50th anniversary of her death

Private and Undisclosed

Marilyn Monroe

From the 1920s to the present, this Hollywood tell-all exposes the most famous murders, suicides, unexplained deaths, torrid love affairs, illegitimate children, cover-ups and more. Original.

The Mammoth Book of Hollywood Scandals

When a pair of ex-wives join forces against the man who jilted them, their game of revenge turns deadly serious in this psychological thriller. Five years ago, Craig abandoned Jenny for a woman named Helena Love. But now it seems that Craig is moving on again. Desperate to know who the new woman is, Helena turns to Jenny for help. And Jenny can’t resist the irony—or the chance for revenge. What the two women discover is truly despicable: Craig’s new girlfriend is the same age as his daughter. But as the pair of ex-wives dig deeper, their discoveries—about Craig and each other—go from despicable to disturbing. Neither woman is quite who she pretends to be. And their lust for revenge won’t be satisfied until someone is dead.

An Absolutely Gripping Psychological Thriller

The Webs We Weave

Following a number of sensationalist biographies of Marilyn Monroe in recent years, this comprehensive, meticulously researched volume brings an important fresh perspective on the many controversies in her life. It is essential reading for anyone interested in Marilyn Monroe and the Golden Age of Hollywood. This new edition of Marilyn Monroe: Private and Undisclosed has been thoroughly revised and expanded to include an additional 60,000 words. It reveals a very different Marilyn from the celluloid invention. For the first volume, Michelle Morgan interviewed approximately 100 people who knew or were related to Marilyn in some way, including key figures in her life - family and friends, as well as work colleagues, and more casual acquaintances. This new edition includes information gleaned from many more interviews, as well as additional family background and many new stories. Marilyn Monroe: Private and Undisclosed is the most comprehensive Monroe biography yet. It covers her trip to England in great detail and gives the true story behind the making of The Prince and the Showgirl. Praise for the 2007 hardback illustrated edition of Marilyn Monroe, Private and Undisclosed: 'A gorgeous collection offering a fascinating insight into Monroe's personal life.' Woman & Home 'A touching portrayal of the star in her more private moments.' Empire 'This candid and often surprising study of the screen legend provides another view of her.' Red

New edition: revised and expanded

Marilyn Monroe: Private and Undisclosed

A woman encounters the married man who abandoned her long ago—and their shared past may destroy her future . . . In 2011, nineteen-year-old Charlotte Baker meets an older man. When she becomes pregnant, she’s certain that Simon is going to leave his marriage and build a new life with her—so she’s horrified when he abandons her instead, and moves to London with his wife. Years later, Charlotte has recovered from the heartbreak—until she sees Simon with his wife during a chance encounter. But what Simon doesn’t know is that Charlotte went ahead with the pregnancy and that he has a son. When it becomes obvious that Simon is staying in the area, Charlotte decides to hide the existence of his son. She will keep her secret at any cost. But someone knows what Charlotte did. Someone knows her secret. Someone who is willing to do anything to make her pay . . . Praise for Michelle Morgan’s The Webs We Weave: “[An] absolutely gripping psychological thriller.” —Karen King, author of The Perfect Stepmother

A Completely Gripping Psychological Suspense

Hell Hath No Fury

A hugely practical and inspiring self-help guide, Own Your Awkward will help you handle those awkward conversations around mental health. Michelle Morgan blends research and personal experience to help you tackle those topics, whether in the workplace or with family and friends. Let’s be honest – it can be really awkward talking about our mental health! Whether you’re offering someone support or looking for ways to help yourself, these conversations can feel difficult, embarrassing and complex. In Own Your Awkward Michelle Morgan, Mental Health First Aid Ambassador, trainer and speaker explores why we feel awkward and shows us how to talk more openly about our mental health – and how we really can embrace our awkward. Through her own story of burnout, clinical depression and anxiety, combined with the lived experience of others, Michelle explains how you can transform those tricky moments into your power using four key cornerstones – confidence, capability, communication and compassion, to help reframe your story. You’ll learn how to start those all-important conversations, with clear steps and practical advice. It’s time to get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable, love your awkward and have better and braver conversations about mental health.

How to Have Better and Braver Conversations About Your Mental Health

Own Your Awkward

Bring a little of the glamour and personality of Marilyn Monroe into your own world, day by day. This stylish 12-month planner includes: Notes on happenings in Marilyn's life on given days of the year, to keep you inspired. Quotes from the legend on love, career, womanhood, and life in general.More than 60 full-color and black-and-white photographs throughout.Undated weekly and monthly overviews for recording dates and appointments.Blank pages for tracking goals and to-do lists.Ribbon marker.

A 12-Month Undated Planner

Day by Day with Marilyn

Supporting Student Diversity in Higher Education is a working manual that is designed to help managers, academics and members of the professional service teams within universities, recruit and support a diverse student body across the student lifecycle at the same time as delivering a quality student experience in a challenging and pressured environment. Using the Student Experience Practitioner Model as a framework, this book helps colleagues responsible for improving the student experience navigate their way through the maze of student diversity across all levels of study, determining what to deliver, how to deliver it and to whom. It interlinks academic, welfare and support activities at faculty department, school, course and university level to support the student in their university journey. Containing 40 practical and innovative undergraduate UK and international case studies from across 12 countries spanning four continents, this book provides practical examples of recruiting and supporting a diverse student body. It includes initiatives to support: mature students (e.g. academic re-engagement); students with special needs (e.g. dyslexia and other disabilities); international students (e.g. language support requirements); students at risk (e.g. lower socio-economic groups, care leavers, male learners); Transfer and direct entry students (e.g. supporting students through this transition); individual learners and their learning needs (impact of personality on learning); students who support students (e.g. peer support). This book will be of great use to senior and middle administrative managers and academics involved in the recruitment, retention and progression of students; and also to anyone involved in education policy and students aiming to work in higher education.

A practical guide

Supporting Student Diversity in Higher Education

Astrid Franse

* A collection of rare and unpublished photographs and documents that detail Marilyn Monroe's modelling career for the first time Before Marilyn tells the story of Marilyn Monroe's modelling career, during which time she was signed to the famous Blue Book Agency in Hollywood. The head of the agency, Miss Emmeline Snively, saw potential in the young woman and kept detailed records and correspondence throughout their professional relationship and beyond. On the day of Monroe's funeral, Snively gave an interview from her office, talking about the girl she had discovered, before announcing, rather dramatically, that she was closing the lid on her Marilyn Monroe archive that day - to 'lock it away forever'. This archive was purchased by Astrid Franse, and together with bestselling Marilyn Monroe biographer Michelle Morgan they draw on this collection of never-before-seen documents, letters and much, much more. 'Before Marilyn' explores an aspect of Monroe's life that has never been fully revealed - by charting every modelling job she did, and illustrating the text with rare and unpublished photographs of the young model and her mentor. AUTHOR: Michelle Morgan is the author of 'Marilyn's Addresses' (Smith Gryphon, 1995) Marilyn Monroe: Private and Undisclosed (Constable, 2007), 'Marilyn Monroe: Private and Undisclosed New Edition' (Robinson, 2012), 'The Mammoth Guide to Hollywood Scandal's (Robinson 2013) and '271 Steps: The Life and Death of Thelma Todd' (upcoming - Chicago Review Press, 2015). Astrid Franse runs Bennies Fifties USA Collectables in the Netherlands with her husband. She purchased Miss Emmeline Snively's collection of her correspondence with Marilyn Monroe, her documents about the Blue Book Agency and her unpublished photographs from a shop in America, not realising until years later the importance of her purchase. SELLING POINTS: * The first book to explore Marilyn Monroe's modelling career in great detail * Features a never-before-seen archive of material kept by the Blue Book Modelling Agency. This includes letters, telegrams, notes and much more * 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of Monroe signing with the Blue Book Agency 200 images

Marilyn Monroe in Unseen Pictures and Letters

Marilyn's Blue Book Years

Before Marilyn tells the story of Marilyn Monroe's modelling career, during which time she was signed to the famous Blue Book Agency in Hollywood. The head of the agency, Miss Emmeline Snively, saw potential in the young woman and kept detailed records and correspondence throughout their professional relationship and beyond. On the day of Monroe's funeral, Snively gave an interview from her office, talking about the girl she had discovered, before announcing, rather dramatically, that she was closing the lid on her Marilyn Monroe archive that day - to 'lock it away forever'. This archive was purchased by Astrid Franse, and together with bestselling Marilyn Monroe biographer Michelle Morgan they draw on this collection of never-before-seen documents, letters and much, much more. Before Marilyn explores an aspect of Monroe's life that has never been fully revealed - by charting every modelling job she did, and illustrating the text with rare and unpublished photographs of the young model and her mentor.

The Blue Book Modeling Years

Before Marilyn

The Mammoth Book of Madonna offers a one-of-a-kind look at the Queen of Pop’s phenomenally successful career, just in time for the 30th anniversary of her first major tour,The Virgin Tour. Unlike other biographies, this book will not focus on the scandals about botox and boy toys, but instead include reviews, interviews, commentary, and Madonna’s own reflections that highlight her incredible success. Including a specially designed cover and beautiful, full-color photography throughout, this must-have volume will shed new light on Madonna’s videos, books, tours, fashion, and charity work for her millions of fans around the world.

The Mammoth Book of Madonna

A detailed look at the charmed life and tragic death of one of Hollywood's earliest stars A vibrant and beloved Golden Age film comedienne who worked alongside the Marx Brothers, Laurel and Hardy, Ginger Rogers, Cary Grant, Clara Bow, and dozens of others, Thelma Todd was one of the rare actors to successfully cross over from silent films to "talkies." This authoritative new biography traces Todd's life and career, from a vivacious little girl to a young woman who became a reluctant beauty queen to her rapid rise as a Hollywood comedy star to her mysterious death at the age of 29. Increasingly disenchanted with the studio star system, Todd opened the successful Thelma Todd's Sidewalk Café, attracting adoring fans, tourists, and Hollywood celebrities. Life appeared blessed for the beautiful and outspoken Hollywood rebel. So the country was shocked when Todd was found dead by her housekeeper in a garage near the café. An inquest concluded that her death was accidental, caused by inhaling the car's exhaust fumes. In a thorough new investigation that draws on FBI documents, interviews, photographs, reports, and extortion notes—much of these not previously available to the public—author Michelle Morgan offers fresh evidence and conclusions about the circumstances surrounding Todd's death, proving what many people have long suspected, that Thelma had been murdered. The cast of suspects includes Thelma's Hollywood-director lover; her gangster ex-husband; assorted thugs who were pressuring her to install gaming tables in the room above her popular café; and a new, never-before-named mobster. Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Todd's death, The Ice Cream Blonde is sure to interest any fan of Thelma Todd, Hollywood's Golden Age, or gripping real-life murder mysteries.

The Whirlwind Life and Mysterious Death of Screwball Comedienne Thelma Todd

Ice Cream Blonde

"Originally published in Great Britain by The History Press"--Title page verso.

Bring the glamour of Marilyn Monroe to your home with this keepsake magnetic photo album and mini posters book featuring iconic photography of the Hollywood legend. Kit includes: 5 magnets Set of twenty 2-1/2 x 3" posters Magnets and posters all feature gorgeous full-color and black-and-white images of Marilyn shot by photographers Milton H. Greene, Sam Shaw, and Bernard of Hollywood Keepsake magnetic closure box album for the posters and magnets, with magnets housed in individual display sleeves

Marilyn: Collectible Magnets and Mini Posters

In July 1956, Marilyn Monroe arrived in London—on honeymoon with her husband Arthur Miller—to make The Prince and the Showgirl with Sir Laurence Olivier. It was meant to be a happy time . . . "I am dying to walk bare-headed in the rain. I think England sounds adorable.”—Marilyn Monroe Marilyn would work during the day at Pinewood Studios, in Iver Heath, while Arthur would write. Then, in the evening, the couple would be able to relax together in their private English country cottage. But the cottage was a mansion, in Englefield Green, and Marilyn, used to living in tiny hotel rooms and apartments, felt herself being watched. She was, by several of owner Lord Drogheda's servants, who were selling stories to the papers. And when filming began, all did not go as hoped. Over time, Marilyn grew to hate Olivier; the feeling was mutual. Marilyn found herself a curiosity for the frequently hostile British press. She took solace in bike rides in Windsor Great Park, in small acts of kindness from members of the public, and in a growing fascination with Queen Elizabeth, whom she longed to meet—and eventually did.

Marilyn Monroe's Life in England

When Marilyn Met the Queen

'England? It seemed to be raining the whole time . . . Or maybe it was me' MARILYN MONROE In July 1956, Marilyn Monroe arrived in London, on honeymoon with her husband Arthur Miller, to make The Sleeping Prince (later released as The Prince and the Showgirl) with Laurence Olivier. When the couple arrived at London Airport, they were looking forward to a peaceful stay. Marilyn would work during the day at Pinewood Studios, while Arthur would write. Then, in the evening, the couple would be able to relax together in their private English country cottage. It didn't quite turn out that way. The 'cottage' was actually a mansion, which belonged to Lord Drogheda, the managing director of the Financial Times. Raised in tiny hotel rooms and apartments, Marilyn felt herself being watched. She was, by Lord Drogheda's servants, who were selling stories to the papers. When filming began, it was a disaster. Director Joshua Logan had written to Olivier, offering advice on how to handle Marilyn as an actress, but Olivier ignored him. Instead, he condescended to her in his introduction to the cast, pooh-poohed her views on acting, and dismissed her stage-fright as an inconvenience. Marilyn grew to hate Olivier with a passion; the feeling was mutual. Marilyn found herself torn between settling into married life, being a curiosity for the frequently hostile British press, and her work on The Prince and the Showgirl. She took solace in small acts of kindness from members of the public, and a new fascination with Queen Elizabeth. Marilyn made a point of adopting some of the Queen's favourite brands, buying gloves from Cornelia James, perfume from Floris, and switching from Chanel No. 5 to Yardley's Lavender. Marilyn made a point of asking the film's PR manager to add a royal meeting to her schedule, but each day Olivier would delete the request. Michelle Morgan describes Marilyn's trip to late-1950s' Britain in evocative detail, exploring the making of the film alongside the film star's troubled private life and her quest to meet the Queen.

"This authoritative biography traces the life of beloved film comedienne Thelma Todd, who worked alongside the Marx Brothers, Laurel and Hardy, and dozens of others, and offers fresh evidence regarding Todd's mysterious death at age twenty-nine, arguing what many people have long suspected: that Thelma was murdered"--

The Ice Cream Blonde

Thirteen-year-old Joe Riley gets up to all sorts of mischief in this unsentimental portrait of Sydney during the Depression.

Michelle Morgan

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