David kaufman has now written the long-awaited, definitive biography of doris day. By telling dayâs incredible, previously untold story, kaufman takes teh reader to the epicenter of american popular cultureâ a roller-coaster saga, from the 1940s to the 1980s. While day symbolized virtuous america to the rest of the worldâespecially in her heyday, the 1950s and early 1960sâboth she and that era are still perceived as being far more innocent and carefree than thye really were. Indeed, what makes dayâs story so richly fascinating is the fact that she was in many ways the opposite of her image as âthe girl next door. Â she was also a real-life cinderella who regretted having gone to the ball and who found a series of princes who proved far less than charming.

Thanks to kaufmanâs dogged diligence in tracking down countless colleagues and intimates, he gives us scintillating tales of fame, beauty, money, tragedy, sexual ambiguity, and sexual conquests. Anecdotes about a vast array of major subsidiary players in dayâs life, including ronald reagan, frank sinatra, alfred hitchcock, jimmy stewart, cary grant, charles manson, mickey mantle, candice bergen, and rock hudson. Kaufman reveals dayâs demons while emphasizing the extraordinary credit she deserves as an artist. In the tradition of great biographies, kaufmanâs detailed work not only reveals the surprising story of one of americaâs most beloved icons, but also compels us ot rush back and see her best filmsâincluding the man who knew too much, pillow talk, love me or leave meâand to listen to her unforgettable songsââsentimental journey, â âsecret love, â âque sera, sera.

 though she made more than 550 recordings and starred in 39 moviesânot to mention her own tv show for five yearsâthe epic story of doris dayâs ilfe has never been told. Until now.