I received an ARC of, Don Rickles, by Michael Seth Starr. Don Rickles was a hard worker, the infamous insult comedienne. His jokes were not always funny, but he kept them coming. Working in Vegas to having his own show, Don has done it all, his way.

A most enjoyable look into the life of one of the great comedians from the 20th century. From very humble beginnings to the success that he attained working so hard to get there. His style definitely was raw and insulting to some, but I was always a fan. Many years ago I had the pleasure to meet him and his wife Barbara when I was in the restaurant business and he was in town for a few shows. It was a Wednesday or Thursday night late and after dinner go up and was gracious and did a 15 minute impromptu performance for my staff.
The book was well written, fun to read and look forward to recommended this book.

You would never know that the shy unassuming only child would grow up to be the great come back artist Don Rickles. Born in the Bronx and raised my loving parents he became famous at a time where men were known for womanizing and being socially and politically incorrect was a career move Don Rickles was the best and time and time again until his death he was the man with the comebacks no matter how politically incorrect would cause you to laugh until you cried. He was a fair politically incorrect distributor and no one was safe from his toes. He always told them with a smile that let the target know it was all in good fun. I loved Don Rickles and never thought the read his autobiography but I am certainly glad I did and think the author did a wonderful job covering his life in the highlights of a career anyone would be proud of. I received this book from NetGalleyShelf in the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review but all opinions are definitely my own.

Don Rickles: The Merchant of Venom comes out on October 25, 2022. Kensignton Books provided an early galley for review.

As I was growing up in the 70's, Rickles was an ever-present staple on talk shows and variety shows that I watched. He could also be seen as a guest star on countless sitcoms from the 60's that were being shown in the ever-growing market of syndication. As such, I always knew who he was - a short, balding, loudmouth character. What I enjoyed about this biography from Michael Seth Starr is that I got to know a lot more about the man behind the mouth.

From his humble beginnings through his slow rise to fame in the stand-up clubs of the 50's and 60's, this one reads like a veritable who's who of old Hollywood. So many names brought back fond memories. I was surprised to see who among the famous counted themselves as his friends and who also were not fans of his approach to being the harsh mirror to humanity.

His act clearly was not for everyone. His tongue was sharp, his barbs were cutting and, in many cases, very derogatory to women and minorities. His act never could survive in modern times. However, he was an equal opportunity offender. Celebrity or regular person - it did not matter. Go to a Rickles show and be prepared to be a possible target. What I appreciate is that his act was not scripted; it was pure improv. Sure, he had some go to insults he'd use again and again - if they got laughs. It just goes to show how smart and able he was as a comedian.

The book does go into incredible detail about his career. Each year is mapped out with appearances, show runs and more. At times, it almost seems too detailed. The author also tends to repeat some facts and Rickle's put-downs. Then again, if Don could reuse, why not his most recent biographer? Still, for fans every detail is critical.

Overall, this will be an interesting read for folks who are into the history of entertainment of the 20th century.