A Talent for Genius: The Life and Times of Oscar Levant by Sam Kashner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The authors of ‘A Talent for Genius’ do a rip roaring job of extensively unloading the very interesting life of Oscar Levant. Probably anyone who does not know of Levant would wonder why anyone would read 431 pages about an obscure wit. Those people should not read this book. I’ll go so far to add those who remember him fondly should read, at least, one of Levant’s book prior to reading this book.

This is a terrific biography! One of the best things of this book is that the reader can always know when they are in time. Dates and tears are often detailed and even other goings on at the time to further help the reader follow the Levant story. That becomes very important as nearly every year is covered and following Levant’s schedules are critical to understand why and how his life comes apart.

I admire the work of recording Levant’s early life. Most biographies leave that to a chapter or so and move one. This one does an outstanding job of placing the reader in the setting. All of which becomes important again later in his story.

As I’m most interested in Levant’s interaction with the brilliant wits of his time, I was very pleased with how much is covered of the Algonquin Round Table gang. Even better to read of stories of the gang I had never read before. Loved the writers balance of what Levant actions were and then the reactions of the affected. This is especially true of covering the Gershwin parts. There are many perspectives covered. All very enlightening.

The authors then go out of their way to write out the blow by blow story of Levant and his drug addiction and deterioration of his mental health. It’s riveting, though a bit clunky at times. I get the idea that editing this part was difficult with so much coming and going and coming and going.

There are a few dozen photographs included. Wish there had been more. Also with the outcome of the rest of the Levant family had been included. I know daughter Marcia died young and wonder if Levant’s troubles transferred to his children. History and from what i have read and experienced it typical does.

Bottom line: For those familiar with Levant- This is a book you must read. For those unfamiliar: Study first! 9 out of ten points.

Overall this is a terrific work with obvious evidence of tremendous work.

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