3 out of 4 stars
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When most of us think of Mad Men, we think of the recent television series of the same name featuring a fictional advertising company. Marilyn Miller Skylar’s Tales From a Mad Man’s Wife takes us behind the scenes into real ad agencies, as well as the life and career of one very special Mad Man. Skylar’s husband, David Skylar, was one of the most influential Mad Men from the gilded advertising era that spanned the 1950s and 1960s. (For ease of reading, this reviewer will refer to the author as Skylar and her husband as David.)
Skylar uses anecdotes as her primary method of telling us about David’s life. The anecdotes come from her memory, stories from others, pictures, letters and various documents. Little comes from David himself as he suffered a debilitating stroke in 2004, causing him to lose his long-term memory. Skylar’s reason for writing was to help her husband “remember”. We are brought to tears as well as laughter as we learn about the life and times of David Skylar.
Skylar shares a bit of their background as a couple; she met David shortly after he finished serving our country during World War II. She also shares a bit of their courtship, as well as some information about both of them to help the reader understand the influences of their early years. The book is mostly about David, but as his wife, Skylar is naturally a part of it. Learning about their three children, and what life was like for them as a family, helps the reader get to know the real David. The ups and downs of their marriage help us to remember that they are real people.
David’s career in advertising really started in Cleveland, Ohio in the 1950s. He moved up the ranks and was considered a “Golden Boy” in the emerging industry. He eventually delved into publishing, as well as other related business ventures. Much of his life was centered in Cleveland, New Orleans and central Florida. We learn of involvement with teamsters and unexpected connections with “the Mob”, as well as politicians, actor Omar Sharif, and even the real life girl behind the Plaza Hotel’s Eloise character.”
Tales From A Mad Man’s Wife is an easy read, far from the typically dry and dull biography that is often focused on names, dates, etc. One of the greatest strengths is Skylar’s ability to really make a person feel like they know David by the time they finish reading the book. In addition to getting to know David, the Mad Man, the reader learns so much about advertising and publishing, in an entertaining and fun way.
I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The story is excellent. However, there are weaknesses. The story is mostly chronological, which is fine, but almost every anecdote is its own chapter. Some seem repetitive and not necessarily needed to share David’s story. Many of the anecdotes could be combined into a chapter, showing the connections between the stories rather than being in the tiny, disjointed chapters. It is well worth reading, despite the weaknesses.
******
Tales from a Mad Man's Wife
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