Holy Terror: Andy Warhol Close Up

Andy Warhol was an eccentric, insecure artist that appeared to have his minions do the work for very little (or no) pay. I did not like Andy Warhol after reading this book, he was a user of people with a delusion of being a noted film maker. The book is very detailed and an interesting read. It was a good look at the 60's-70's debauched society.

This book was extremely well written and informative. After reading Victor Bockris' Warhol biography, Brigid Berlin's & the Superstars' biographies - then the Diaries (some sections over and over), I thought I was pretty familiar with Andy as a person, artist and businessman. But this book is so intelligently written and thorough in its detail, from the point of view of someone who was there, every day and every night, the impression is like living through those exciting yet stressful times myself. I do not see this as Mr. Colacello's way of complaining about unfair treatment all those years; on the contrary, I think he has a legitimate right to want the truth known about the unacknowledged efforts on Andy's behalf by him, Fred Hughes, Brigid, and others at Warhol Enterprises.

If you are able to wade through the hundreds of celebrity names that surrounded Andy's life, or you grew up during the 70' and 80's then this book is worth a read (especially if you are gay).It captures the moments of our youth in a truly revealing and nostalgic way. Very well written it gives us a look into the private life and personality of Andy and the celebrity that surrounded him. For art students or anyone curious of "how or why" Andy rose to such fame this is a must!

This book is delicious reading plus it has many B/W photographs of Andy out and about. I met him in person at a book signing in W. Bloomfield, MI, in 1986. not long before he tragically died due to a preventable medical mistake.What a thrill to meet him! He was very gracious and signed every items I gave him to sign including my wonderful red cow on green poster! I am enjoying learning a lot more about Andy in this book.

The best book I've read on Andy's crazy and fascinating life. So well written and so memorable. Colacello's insider view doesn't pull any punches and takes the reader along for an often wild ride into Andy's world. Highly recommend if you are a Warhol fan.

This Warhol biography from the editor of Interview magazine is not only the best biography on Warhol that I've read but one of the best biographies I've ever read. The prose is eloquent, witty, restrained, classical, and fun all at the same time. The portrait of Warhol and his inner circle that emerges is complex, multi-faceted, poignant, humorous, honest and insightful. It is almost Shakespearean in its breadth and scope.It was one of the most pleasurable, memorable, and illuminating reading experiences I've had in a long time.Highly recommended!!!

Outstanding insight, credible information and viewpoints from someone present start to finish. Expertly written with insights into artistic technique as well as conception of works as well as a keen awareness of how social circumstances can affect a career, something Andy was obviously aware of as well.

I'm re-reading this book as slowly as possible. For the greater pleasure of the fireworks in slow motion. Colacello observes and writes with the most exquisite humor and meticulously documented detail on an explosive subject. A master pyrotechnical artist. A magnificent document. A wonderful treat to read.

The best book I've read about one of the most intriguing, mysterious artists of the 20th century, arguably only surpassed by Picasso as to his impact and recognition beyond the world of high culture.Was Warhol a shrewd opportunist? A genius? Or a callow grifter?It seems in fact that he was all of these things, and a lot more besides.The author worked with him for many years, and for a time was as close to a friend as the insecure, sometimes mean-spirited and very capricious Warhol could allow anyone to be.A must read for those who are fascinated by the culture, excess, decadence and dizzying whirl of life in post war New York City.