Overview

"Embark on an extraordinary journey through the life of Walter Thornton, a luminary of the New York City beauty, modeling and advertising scene during the roaring 1920s and beyond. ""The Merchant of Venus: The Life of Walter Thornton"" explores deep into the captivating narrative of a man whose legacy transcends time. In a tale as captivating as any Hollywood script, Walter Thornton's extraordinary journey comes to life. From a homeless orphan, he soared to prominence as a male model during the Jazz Age, posing for icons like Norman Rockwell and JC Leyendecker. Dubbed ""The Merchant of Venus"" by the legendary gossip columnist Walter Winchell, Thornton embarked on a pioneering venture in 1930, establishing the first agency for photographic advertising models. His agency became a powerhouse, discovering and representing models who would later become iconic figures of the Golden Age of Cinema, including Lauren Bacall, Susan Hayward, Joseph Cotten, Grace Kelly, and others whose stardom illuminated the era. Among Thornton's other notable achievements is the invention of the ""Pin-Up Girl of WWII,"" a testament to his creativity and patriotism. These pin-up girls not only embodied the spirit of an era but also served as beacons of hope for soldiers overseas, prompting heartfelt letters that underscored their profound impact. However, the glittering trajectory of Thornton's life took a downturn amidst the harsh realities of the McCarthy Era. In 1954, he found himself the target of a corrupt district attorney's accusations, facing false charges of fraud and deception. Today, his daughters unravel the mysteries surrounding their father's enigmatic existence. Their exploration began with a chance encounter-an image in the 2003 film ""Seabiscuit,"" serving as the avatar for the Stock Market Crash of 1929, sparking a quest that spanned over two decades. Through painstaking research, including exploring Thornton's personal archives and interviews, they uncovered a previously overlooked chapter of history, painting a vivid portrait of a man ahead of his time. ""The Merchant of Venus"" not only celebrates Thornton's triumphs but also his resilience in the face of adversity. His blueprints persist in shaping the modeling and advertising industry, and the 1940 patriotic Pinup girl endures as a cherished American tradition. His 1929 photo graces textbooks and products, yet beneath its surface lies untold depth."

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Reviews

NetGalley -Mike M, Media/Journalist This was a wonderful book. A totally fun read. I can't give it enough stars. Congratulations to the authors for a job well done. NetGalley- Sue E. Reviewer Hold onto your hats, people, because The Merchant of Venus is not your grandma's history book-it's a wild ride through the untold tales of Walter Thornton, the ultimate maverick of the Jazz Age! Picture this: pin-up girls, Hollywood royalty, and a moniker like The Merchant of Venus-yeah... NetGalley-Abigail L, Librarian The Merchant of Venus is a captivating look at the life of Walter Thornton, a man whose legacy transcended ordinary perceptions. Unveiling the unexpected impact of an iconic image tied to the 1929 Stock Market Crash, the book introduces Thornton as a trailblazer in modeling, beauty, and advertising... NetGalley- Glenda T, Reviewer Pulled into a book by the cover and the description I picked it off the NetGalley shelf and requested permission to read it. The following day I was nose-deep in a family mystery...

This was a wonderful book. A totally fun read. I can't give it enough stars. Congratulations to the authors for a job well done. NetGalley -Mike M, Media/JournalistNetGalley- Sue E. Reviewer Hold onto your hats, people, because the Merchant of Venus is not your grandma's history book -it's a wild ride through the untold tales of Walter Thornton, the ultimate maverick of the Jazz Age! Picture this: picture this: pin-up girls, Hollywood royalty, and a moniker like The Merchant of Venus ---Yeah, this dude was the OG influencer before influencers were a thing. The book spills the tea on Thornton's rise from a male model extraordinaire to founding the first -ever agency for ad models. But wait, there is drama too! A tragic event. Hollywood icons and a dash of McCarthy-era conspiracy---It's like a real-life Hollywood blockbuster! If you are tired of dry history, grab this gem; it's a rollercoaster that takes you from the roaring 20's to the silver screen, all with Thornton leading the charge. So buckle up, peeps and let's dive into the scandalous, dazzling world of The Merchant of Venus! NetGalley -E, Reviewer The Merchant of Venus is a captivating look at the life of Walter Thornton, a man whose legacy transcended ordinary perceptions. Unveiling the unexpected impact of an iconic image tied to the 1929 Stock Market Crash, the book introduces Thornton as a trailblazer in modeling, beauty, and advertising. From pioneering the first agency exclusively for photographic advertising models to shaping the cultural tides of Hollywood, Thornton's journey is a fascinating odyssey through triumphs and resilience. The book was put together and fueled by a quest to understand his tarnished reputation and delivers a poignant account of courage and creativity. I thoroughly enjoyed the book's ability to weave history, family, and societal influences into a compelling tapestry, making it a great read for those intrigued by the hidden chapters of influential lives. NetGalley -Abigail L, Librarian  There's nothing better than hearing a good life story. The Merchant of Venus was a GREAT life story. Pulled into a book by the cover and the description I picked it off the NetGalley shelf and requested permission to read it. The following day I was nose-deep in a family mystery. I learned things I didn't know, I didn't know. Thornton's daughters with the help of Mershon presented a solid, informative, interesting, and thought-provoking read. I was drawn at first, into this incredible family mystery. I finished the book, cheering for them as they sought truth, doing so, vigorously, with determination and patience. I applaud them for this. I can imagine that digging through the history of their father's life was both fantastic and frustrating. I'm sorry that they didn't know these things before their father passed. I'm sure they would love to sit down with him and hear his voice fill in the tiny details of a time forgotten. I had difficulty midway through as the story felt a little repetitive and dragged, but I persisted and was happy that it pulled itself out of that moment to deliver a great ending.... NetGalley- Glenda T, Reviewer

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