Lion of Hollywood: The Life and Legend of Louis B. Mayer
Billed as the definitive biography of Louis B. Mayer. I read this twice over the course of six or so years and could not put it down either time.
Author Scott Eyman details Mayer's rise from scrap dealer to the most powerful man in Hollywood, and exposes some of the lesser-know and fascinating inner workings and style parameters Mayer insisted upon. I won't spoil them here (but as you read through the book anyone familiar with MGM films will undoubtedly recognize them).
I'm not a fan of Mayer. Aside from bullying, intimidation and improprieties (sexual and other), he forced his hypocritical morals into films and made artistic decisions that IMO underutilized Metro's best actors, watered-down source material, and produced some pretty sappy films.
Wonderful read for classic movie fans, trivia addicts, and anyone with an interest in the golden age of MGM.
