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List Price: $24.95 | | Publisher: Cooper Square Press
Salesrank: 43579
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Editorial Review:
Relying on over 150 interviews as well as Marilyn's letters and diaries, this work by best-selling biographer Spoto casts new light on every aspect of the actress's tempestuous life.
Marilyn Monroe: The Biography Reviews:
A MUST for those who had enough of "theories" 
2009-08-13 - Most likely we will never be 100% sure of the final hours of Marilyn Monroe on this world, but if I have to believe anything written so far I will go for Donald Spoto's version of the facts.
The amount of details on this book are simply amazing and throughout you really have the feeling that you get to know Marilyn from her days as Norma Jean to the superstardom of Marilyn Monroe.
All the dates and the research was so amazingly captivating that I could not put the book down once I've started reading it.
Straight forward, accurate, precise and concise, I will recommend this book to all of those who still believe that the Kennedy brothers happen to be involved with Marilyn Monroe and her tragic end.
10 out of 10
Finally--Facts and not Fiction
2007-07-24 - Donald Spoto, a very well respected biographer, has written what is probably the best biography of the 50s icon. Contrary to a previous review here, he does not spend that much time on her death; what he DOES do though is give very plausible facts from inside sources that make sense. The hysterical theories and ravings of conspiracy loons that abound out there are not to be found here, and Spoto easily strips away their credibility. Spoto has obviously interviewed people that actually knew Marilyn, not fans who have one snapshot taken with the star that they turn into a career. Get this book--it is the one to refer to.
Spoto's biography delivers 
2007-03-20 - It is hard to imagine the kind of painstaking research that went into creating this comprehensive work of exquisite detail. Spoto not only captures the unique essence of MM's engaging personality, he includes the minutiae of her life experiences to such a degree that even someone who did not grow up surrounded by her iridescent image would feel a part of this era. Especially interesting are the intricate details of her early life, which would later so greatly affect her vulnerable psyche.
Unfortunately, what put me off were the conclusions he draws regarding the controversial circumstances of her death. He offers some bizarre theories, apparently of his own supposition, based on less than concrete evidence and woven to fit unanswered questions. You may find his theories plausible; you may find them ridiculous. Although he does argue a somewhat convincing case, I have never seen or heard of any other documentation that would support these claims. I believe the only real conclusion to be drawn is that we will never fully answer all the questions surrounding the mystery of her death.
This is the story of a very special lady, a lost and deeply lonely little girl who would reach her whole life for an intangible dream of fulfillment that would slip again and again through her fingers. This comprensive work does well in capturing the spirit of that struggle, and those who exploited it. Judge for yourself the validity of Spoto's allegations. Beyond that, you will find this a thorough and engrossing portrayal of our most luminous screen goddess.
GREAT BIOGRAPHY ABOUT "MARILYN".
2007-03-11 - This is one of the best biographies I have ever read
about the icon "Marilyn Monroe".
Highly recommended.
Not convinced..... 
2007-03-03 - I have read many Marilyn biographies and all have inconsistencies.
Spoto's version is just the same -- he spends a lot of time pontificating about the details and the aftermath of Marilyn's untimely death.
Minute details were also different from other Marilyn bios I have read.
Mugsy, her dog, according to Spoto was male and adopted by Marilyn.
In another bio, the dog's name is spelled Muggsie is female and was purchased by Jim Dougherty to be a companion to Marilyn during his Merchant Marine days.
I figure if writers can't get that small detail correct (both authors claim to have interviewed Jim Doughtery), how can the authors get the real version of Marilyn's death correct?
I doubt anyone will ever know the truth about Marilyn's life and death.
