Margaret Crosland's biography sheds new light on the phenomenon that was Edith Piaf, enlarging on and, in some cases, correcting the half-truths provided by Piaf in her two autobiographies. Piaf's rise to international stardom, her lifelong addiction to alcohol and heroin as well as her turbulent love affairs are all documented alongside her friendships with stars such as Jean Cocteau, Marlene Dietrich, Maurice Chevalier, Yves Montand and Charlie Chaplin. Crosland concludes with a moving description of Piaf's early death at the age of 47.

About the Author

Margaret Crosland is a leading translator from the French and Italian. Her prize-winning biographies include books on Colette, Simon de Beauvoir, Jean Cocteau, Giorgio de Chirico, Madame de Pompadour and Madame de Sade. She lives in Billingshurst, Sussex.

Reviews

'One of those rare artists who bridge life and art ... whose existence seems in retrospect to have been essential' - George Melly'Piaf burns brightly in the nocturnal solitude of the skies of France. And this star is a symbol for those romantics who still know how to love, how to suffer, and how to die. She is a genius'- Jean Cocteau'Expertly separates the woman from the myth, giving full weight to both the novelettish aspects of her life and to the intelligence and musicality that made her France's greatest popular singer'- Michael Arditti, Books for Christmas, Independent'Crosland is a perceptive literary critic, and she is especially good on the matter of autobiography and fiction' - Erica Jong, Ms Magazine'Fascinating' - Cosmopolitan