A new book illuminates the prolific author’s life, work, and fame. Her frankness made her a lightning rod.

THE art of biography, we say — but at once go on to ask, Is biography an art? The question is foolish perhaps, and ungenerous certainly, considering the keen pleasure that biographers have given us.

See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. When was the last time a notable person with lots to hide ...

‘Reagan: His Life and Legend’ by Max Boot is forthcoming from Liveright Publishing this fall Harry Langdon/Getty A new biography of Ronald Reagan will give a definitive look at the late president’s ...

"There's nothing calculated about the man," says the author.