An Associate Fellow with the Royal Historical Society, James D. Taylor Jr. is an independent scholar who has published a series of books with Algora pulling together all the available documentary evidence relating to key figures from English history. Painstakingly piecing together a wealth of details that were hidden away in archival records, old correspondence and other documents, he brings back in vivid color outstanding individuals whose flamboyance, character and stalwart dedication to their causes enabled them to shape the events of their times.

Taylor is particularly fascinated by figures from the treacherous era of the Tudors and Stuarts, times that tried men's souls but their characters as well — and it's their characters that shine clearly in the documentary evidence he unearths. The subjects of his books are paragons of courage, loyalty and integrity in the face of temptation and intimidation. Clear headed and well spoken under the direst of circumstances, these men and women lived life intensely, always keeping conscience ahead of comfort, whether they won their cause or lost everything. 

James Taylor has also published two books profiling actresses involved in creating beloved characters like Betty Boop who have been entertaining America since the 1930s.

Through documentary evidence, James Taylor provides a look into the life of a wonderful woman who was a primary inspiration in giving us the image of Betty Boop and the contributions she made to American pop culture. Helen Kane was dedicated to...

Through documentary evidence, James Taylor provides a look into the life of a wonderful woman who was a primary inspiration in giving us the image of Betty Boop and the contributions she made to American pop culture. Helen Kane was dedicated to her work and remained active until the last ten years of her life. While Mae Questel was the vocal artist whose distinctive voice helped make Betty Boop a favorite character remembered by millions, it's the image of Betty Boop that is most recognizable. She would not look the way she does if it had not been for the performances of Helen Kane. Many know of Betty Boop, but not the story behind the sexy little icon of a by-gone era. This book aims to fill that gap in our knowledge. Those who do know of Helen Kane are aware of the controversy that broke out and became a major court case. Many performers contributed to the creation of the composite character we know as Betty Boop; Helen Kane most assiduously sought to be, and to be recognized as, the most important of them all.

Introduction Chapter 1. Reach for the Stars Chapter 2. Shining Bright     The Boop-oop-a-doop Law Suit Chapter 3. Boop on Trial     Trial Opening     Testimony for Defendan

Introduction Chapter 1. Reach for the Stars Chapter 2. Shining Bright     The Boop-oop-a-doop Law Suit Chapter 3. Boop on Trial     Trial Opening     Testimony for Defendants Max Fleischer and Fleischer Studios Testimony for Defendant Paramount Publix Corporation Chapter 4. Helen Kane's full testimony     Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division, First Department Chapter 5. Additional Key Testimonies Chapter 6. Fall from the Heavens Chapter 7. Conclusion