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'''David Bret''' is a French-born author of celebrity books and one of Britain’s leading show business biographers. He chiefly writes on the private life of movie stars and singers in a somewhat sensationalizing style.
'''David Bret''' is a French-born author of celebrity books.


[[Image:DavidBret.jpg|thumb|David Bret]]
[[Image:DavidBret.jpg|thumb|David Bret]]
Born in [[Paris, France]], Bret now lives in [[Wakefield]], [[West Yorkshire]], [[England]]. He began writing [[Biography|biographies]] that were published in Britain but without his educational qualifications being provided. After being published in Britain, Bret’s literary agent sold two of his biographies to [[Carroll & Graf]] and [[St. Martin's Press]], major publishers in the [[United States]]. However, his work had very limited sales and was poorly received in the literary community, panned by critics as lacking in proper research and devoid of factual documentation and substance. In his 1989 book on [[Edith Piaf]] the respected reviewers, [[Publishers Weekly]] said, "Bret presents little new information" and referred to his publication on the French star [[Mistinguett]] as being more about her bizarre lifestyle than about her art. In the 1990s Bret switched to the successful British [[tabloid]] style of sensationalizing the narrative.


Both major U.S. publishers dropped David Brett after one book. Publishers Weekly stopped reviewing his work after only a few books but agreed to appraise his 1998 work on [[Maria Callas]]. Their critique again revealed that the "emphasis is on scandal rather than music in this racy biography." Bret's writings, promoted as biographies, became notorious for dwelling on the [[homosexual]] or [[bisexual]]ity of its subject and for a lack of research that appeared to be limited to little more than cut-and-paste from [[Internet]] searches. Critics as well as readers pointed out repeated inaccuracies in the books involving what most people would consider as fundamental such as in his book on [[Maurice Chevalier]] where he refers to the mother of U.S. President [[John F. Kennedy]] as being [[Ethel Kennedy]].
==Life and work==


⚫
David Bret's writings are sold through Internet book stores, the publishers website provides a link to Amazon.com, plus through outlets that specialize in gay materials. Billed by his publisher, Robson Books of London, England as a show-business biographer, Bret writes almost exclusively about the deceased that allows him and his publisher to avoid any lawsuits for [[libel]]. His writing on [[Freddie Mercury]] was panned for being mostly about the late singer's supposed sexual excesses as was his book on [[Rudolf Valentino]] that dwelled on numerous homosexual affairs as well as the [[lesbian]]ism of [[Tallulah Bankhead]] and [[Marlene Dietrich]] in his books on them. In his publication on the late [[Errol Flynn]], Bret provided another rehash of already published writings and continued to dwell on homosexuality and alleged the late actor was a [[pedophile]].
Born in [[Paris, France]], Bret now lives in [[Wakefield]], [[West Yorkshire]], [[England]]. He began writing many [[Biography|biographies]] that were published in Britain. After being published in Britain, Bret’s literary agent sold two of his biographies to [[Carroll & Graf]] and [[St. Martin's Press]], major publishers in the [[United States]]. Since the late 1980s, several more or less successful biographies appeared, including ''Morrissey: Landscapes of the Mind'' (1994), ''Gracie Fields: The Authorised Biography'' (1996), ''George Formby: A Troubled Genius'' (1999) and ''Piaf: A Passionate Life'' (1999). Bret has also written innumerable magazine articles, for instance, for [[The Stage]], and lectured at the [[University of Chicago]].


Bret's preoccupation with homosexuality and attempt to generate sales resulted in a book on [[Elvis Presley]] released in the U.K. in 2002 then the following year in the U.S. A.. It was launched with an advance publicity notice that the book exposed Presley's homosexuality. Without supplying any proof, the book claimed that [[Colonel Tom Parker]] (deceased) had been able to blackmail Presley by threating to reveal "secret information" that he was homosexual. The book contained numerous errors, demonstrated very limited research, and lacked interviews or evidence from even one source close to the singer nor any facts about the so-called "secret information". Bret's insinuations that Presley had a homosexual relationship was based solely on his own speculation and gossip without providing verifiable and credible sources, facts, or documented evidence of any kind. In addition, Presley's alleged partner [[Nick Adams]] had been dead for more than thirty years and Adams' homosexuality too was based on speculation and gossip with no supporting facts provided. The book generated virtually no sales and was ignored by the mainstream media and even most of the fringe publications never bothered with it. The book was not given any literary critique, not even to pan it. The only source that gave it credence without qualification was the American based [[Wikipedia]], a [[Free content|free-content]] encyclopedia advertised as a format that anyone can edit. The Wikipedia article carried things one step further, adding the assertion that: "Many journalists' attempts to "out" Elvis in the past were thwarted by his manager." The Wikipedia article did not name any of the "Many journalists."
Billed by his publisher, Robson Books, London, as a show-business biographer, Bret primarily writes about the life of deceased stars. The quality of Bret's biographical writing is different. His book on [[George Formby]] was favorably reviewed by ''[[The Guardian]]''. ''[[Publishers Weekly]]'' appraised his 1998 work on [[Maria Callas]] though revealing that the "emphasis is on scandal rather than music in this racy biography." In his 1989 book on [[Edith Piaf]], the reviewers of ''Publishers Weekly'' said, "Bret presents little new information" and referred to his publication on the French star [[Mistinguett]] as being more about her bizarre lifestyle than about her art. Indeed, since that time Bret switched to the successful British [[tabloid]] style of sensationalizing the narrative.

⚫
Some critics say that Bret's writings, promoted as biographies, even became notorious for dwelling on the [[homosexual]] or [[bisexual]]ity of its subject. They also pointed out repeated inaccuracies in the books involving what most people would consider as fundamental such as in his book on [[Maurice Chevalier]] where he refers to the mother of U.S. President [[John F. Kennedy]] as being [[Ethel Kennedy]]. His writing on [[Freddie Mercury]] was panned for being mostly about the late singer's supposed sexual excesses as was his book on [[Rudolf Valentino]] that dwelled on numerous homosexual affairs as well as the [[lesbian]]ism of [[Tallulah Bankhead]] and [[Marlene Dietrich]] in his books on them. In his publication on the late [[Errol Flynn]], Bret provided another rehash of already published writings and continued to dwell on homosexuality and alleged the late actor was a [[pedophile]].

Bret's preoccupation with homosexuality and attempt to generate sales resulted in a book on [[Elvis Presley]] released in the U.K. in 2002 and then the following year in the USA. This book is a comprehensive guide to Presley's career on film and TV which analyzes the King's every celluloid appearance, including his 33 films, documentaries, TV appearances, tributes, biopics and retrospectives. Accompanying this study is a short biography of the legend and a complete filmography. The book uncovers some previously unpublished material and presents photographs from the author's personal collection. It was launched with an advance publicity notice that the book exposed Presley's homosexuality. It claimed that Elvis had an affair with actor [[Nick Adams]] and that [[Colonel Tom Parker]] had been able to blackmail Presley by threating to reveal "secret information" that he was homosexual. Indeed, this accusation is proved by Elvis's stepmother, Dee Presley, and by his platonic girlfriend Judy Spreckels. In her book ''The Intimate Life and Death of Elvis'' Dee Presley says that Elvis had sexual encounters with men and that he had an affair with Nick Adams. Judy Spreckels, who was like a sister to Elvis, a companion, confidante and keeper of secrets in the early days of his career, also remembers going out with Elvis and his friend Nick Adams.


Following the Presley book, Bret's next effort was a second volume on British singer [[Morrissey]] that came out in 2004 under a racy title, unlike the first book he had written ten years earlier. ''[[Morrissey: Scandal and Passion]]'' was advertised as a "fully up-to-date biography packed with revelations; accusations of racism and fascism; confessions of physical abuse." The book talked about Morrissey's gay-bashing; the accusations of supporting pedophilia, while insinuating that Morrissey himself was gay. With the publisher's assertion that it was a "fully up-to-date biography" and after a journalist with [[The Guardian]] newspaper had given a favorable review to his 2001 book on the late entertainer [[George Formby]], that newspaper reviewed the second Morrissey book. The Guardian review called it "thin gruel."
Following the Presley book, Bret's next effort was a second volume on British singer [[Morrissey]] that came out in 2004 under a racy title, unlike the first book he had written ten years earlier. ''[[Morrissey: Scandal and Passion]]'' was advertised as a "fully up-to-date biography packed with revelations; accusations of racism and fascism; confessions of physical abuse." The book talked about Morrissey's gay-bashing; the accusations of supporting pedophilia, while insinuating that Morrissey himself was gay. With the publisher's assertion that it was a "fully up-to-date biography" and after a journalist with [[The Guardian]] newspaper had given a favorable review to his 2001 book on the late entertainer [[George Formby]], that newspaper reviewed the second Morrissey book. The Guardian review called it "thin gruel."


Bret's latest book, released two months after the second Morrissey paperback in 2004, was about the late [[Rock Hudson]]. It was billed as a full account of Hudson's "colourful private life."
Bret's latest book, released two months after the second Morrissey paperback in 2004, was about the late [[Rock Hudson]]. It was billed as a full account of Hudson's "colourful private life."

==Bibliography==


In the following partial bibliography, note that the publisher frequently changes the title for the same book from any hardcover version to paperback. Plus, the title and year of publication may vary depending on the country of issue. Note too that David Bret has also authored books on [[interior decoration]] not listed here.
In the following partial bibliography, note that the publisher frequently changes the title for the same book from any hardcover version to paperback. Plus, the title and year of publication may vary depending on the country of issue. Note too that David Bret has also authored books on [[interior decoration]] not listed here.
Line 39: Line 35:
*''[[The Mistinguett Legend]]'' (1991)
*''[[The Mistinguett Legend]]'' (1991)
*''[[Piaf: A Passionate Life]]'' (1989)
*''[[Piaf: A Passionate Life]]'' (1989)



[[Category:English writers|Bret, David]]
[[Category:English writers|Bret, David]]
[[Category:Gay writers|Bret, David]]
[[Category:Gay writers|Bret, David]]

==External Links==

*[http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/critic/feature/0,1169,767653,00.html Naughty but nice: Jonathan Glancey cheers the innocent innuendo of George Formby in David Bret's thoughtful biography]

Revision as of 22:27, 1 June 2005

David Bret is a French-born author of celebrity books.

File:DavidBret.jpg
David Bret

Born in Paris, France, Bret now lives in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England. He began writing biographies that were published in Britain but without his educational qualifications being provided. After being published in Britain, Bret’s literary agent sold two of his biographies to Carroll & Graf and St. Martin's Press, major publishers in the United States. However, his work had very limited sales and was poorly received in the literary community, panned by critics as lacking in proper research and devoid of factual documentation and substance. In his 1989 book on Edith Piaf the respected reviewers, Publishers Weekly said, "Bret presents little new information" and referred to his publication on the French star Mistinguett as being more about her bizarre lifestyle than about her art. In the 1990s Bret switched to the successful British tabloid style of sensationalizing the narrative.

Both major U.S. publishers dropped David Brett after one book. Publishers Weekly stopped reviewing his work after only a few books but agreed to appraise his 1998 work on Maria Callas. Their critique again revealed that the "emphasis is on scandal rather than music in this racy biography." Bret's writings, promoted as biographies, became notorious for dwelling on the homosexual or bisexuality of its subject and for a lack of research that appeared to be limited to little more than cut-and-paste from Internet searches. Critics as well as readers pointed out repeated inaccuracies in the books involving what most people would consider as fundamental such as in his book on Maurice Chevalier where he refers to the mother of U.S. President John F. Kennedy as being Ethel Kennedy.

David Bret's writings are sold through Internet book stores, the publishers website provides a link to Amazon.com, plus through outlets that specialize in gay materials. Billed by his publisher, Robson Books of London, England as a show-business biographer, Bret writes almost exclusively about the deceased that allows him and his publisher to avoid any lawsuits for libel. His writing on Freddie Mercury was panned for being mostly about the late singer's supposed sexual excesses as was his book on Rudolf Valentino that dwelled on numerous homosexual affairs as well as the lesbianism of Tallulah Bankhead and Marlene Dietrich in his books on them. In his publication on the late Errol Flynn, Bret provided another rehash of already published writings and continued to dwell on homosexuality and alleged the late actor was a pedophile.

Bret's preoccupation with homosexuality and attempt to generate sales resulted in a book on Elvis Presley released in the U.K. in 2002 then the following year in the U.S. A.. It was launched with an advance publicity notice that the book exposed Presley's homosexuality. Without supplying any proof, the book claimed that Colonel Tom Parker (deceased) had been able to blackmail Presley by threating to reveal "secret information" that he was homosexual. The book contained numerous errors, demonstrated very limited research, and lacked interviews or evidence from even one source close to the singer nor any facts about the so-called "secret information". Bret's insinuations that Presley had a homosexual relationship was based solely on his own speculation and gossip without providing verifiable and credible sources, facts, or documented evidence of any kind. In addition, Presley's alleged partner Nick Adams had been dead for more than thirty years and Adams' homosexuality too was based on speculation and gossip with no supporting facts provided. The book generated virtually no sales and was ignored by the mainstream media and even most of the fringe publications never bothered with it. The book was not given any literary critique, not even to pan it. The only source that gave it credence without qualification was the American based Wikipedia, a free-content encyclopedia advertised as a format that anyone can edit. The Wikipedia article carried things one step further, adding the assertion that: "Many journalists' attempts to "out" Elvis in the past were thwarted by his manager." The Wikipedia article did not name any of the "Many journalists."

Following the Presley book, Bret's next effort was a second volume on British singer Morrissey that came out in 2004 under a racy title, unlike the first book he had written ten years earlier. Morrissey: Scandal and Passion was advertised as a "fully up-to-date biography packed with revelations; accusations of racism and fascism; confessions of physical abuse." The book talked about Morrissey's gay-bashing; the accusations of supporting pedophilia, while insinuating that Morrissey himself was gay. With the publisher's assertion that it was a "fully up-to-date biography" and after a journalist with The Guardian newspaper had given a favorable review to his 2001 book on the late entertainer George Formby, that newspaper reviewed the second Morrissey book. The Guardian review called it "thin gruel."

Bret's latest book, released two months after the second Morrissey paperback in 2004, was about the late Rock Hudson. It was billed as a full account of Hudson's "colourful private life."

In the following partial bibliography, note that the publisher frequently changes the title for the same book from any hardcover version to paperback. Plus, the title and year of publication may vary depending on the country of issue. Note too that David Bret has also authored books on interior decoration not listed here.

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