I am Melba / Marvelous Melba

RADIO NATIONAL INTERVIEW ONLINE

The very good interview from Monday mornings 'Radio National Breakfast with Steve Cannane' is now available for podcast - you can check the ABC website and look for the downloads for 14 April. Or you can download direct by clicking here the file is an MP3 of around 5Mb.

REVIEWS OF 'I AM MELBA'

The review in The Australian (12 Apr) notes that the biography is meticulously researched, and points out the myths busted by this thorough inquiry. Pointedly the story that Melba died as a direct result of a botched face lift - the evidence is that whilst she died of septicaemia that this was many months after her cosmetic surgery.

From Blainey's book a picture emerges of Melba as Australian music's link with the belle epoque of European opera.

Nellie Melba's life, loves and mythology continue to captivate us, writes Matthew Westwood
| The Australian | April 12, 2008

The Age review (14 Apr) by Jim Davidson states that of the five biographies so far that I am Melba is 'superior to them all'

BOOK LAUNCH NEARS - 14 April

On a warm Australian evening in December 1869, a small girl stood nervously beside a stage waiting her turn to perform. A commonplace scene, there was nothing to suggest that this child would become Madame Melba, one of the great singers in the his­tory of opera." - ANN BLAINEY, I am Melba

In I am Melba Ann Blainey explores the fascinating life of Australia's first international superstar.

Growing up in Melbourne, Nellie Mitchell dreamed of fame, but her devout father disapproved. As a young wife and mother on the Queensland cane­fields, her longing for an exciting life intensified. Travelling to London and Paris, she trusted in her musical talent and hoped for a lucky break.

Within a few years, reborn as Nellie Melba, she was performing to overflowing concert halls, hobnobbing with European royalty and collaborating with some of the most renowned composers of the age. Audi­ences swooned over the "heavenly pleasures" of her voice, while the public showed an insatiable appetite for news of her passionate private life. Feted and chastised by critics, pursued by the press and mobbed by fans, Dame Nellie Melba was the most famous singer of her era. Blainey writes, "Melba received the kind of worship that is today reserved for pop stars . Newspapers called it 'Melba rage', or 'Melbamania', and it was fuelled by thousands of loyal fans."

Behind the scenes, Melba was a canny business­woman, a practical joker and a superb self-publicist. When she died in Sydney - in somewhat mysterious circumstances - the nation's flags were flown at half­mast and tens of thousands turned out to pay her tribute.

Available April 14th, 2008

at all good booksellers

I am Melba by Ann Blainey

ISBN: 978-1-86395-183-8         RRP $32.95
Black Inc.