David Sheward, Rage and Glory: The Volatile Life and Career of George C. Scott (Applause, $29.95). The first full-scale biography of the actor who turned down an Oscar for Patton, Rage and Glory serves as a useful reminder that there was far more to George C. Scott than his legendary temper. Detailed and decently written, it devotes as much attention to his stage career as to the films–most of them, alas, awful–for which he is now best remembered. As for the films, take a look at Anatomy of a Murder, Dr. Strangelove, The Hustler, and The Hospital if you haven’t done so lately. Along with Patton, they’re the only worthy movies that Scott made, but they’re good enough to ensure that he won’t be forgotten (TT).
Terry Teachout on the arts in New York City
