Product Description

SHE IS A FASHION ICON WITH A LUST FOR FAME. HE IS POSSIBLY THE MOST FAMOUS ATHLETE ON THE PLANET.

Together they are one of the most loved -- and hated -- pairs on Earth. This sensational, highly addictive biography delves beneath the Beckhams' glossy, glamorous facade to expose the real Posh and Becks behind the headlines and the hype.

Celebrity biographer Andrew Morton, hailed for his insightful, in-depth coverage of luminaries such as Princess Diana and Madonna, explores in detail how David and Victoria Beckham followed their passions -- football and fame -- to become two of the most recognizable people in the world. From their individual childhood stories of relentlessly pursuing their dreams to achieving fame together on an international level, Posh and Becks have earned their unofficial titles as the "King and Queen of Popular Culture," and they never disappoint their fans -- or the tabloids -- when it comes to making news. Their whirlwind courtship, "royal" wedding, alleged affairs, and family struggles have been lived out under the glare of flashbulbs, which they seem to simultaneously court and shun as they attempt to balance their personal lives with their public personas.

With up-to-date coverage and commentary on all things Beckham, including David's disappointing stint at Real Madrid and the family's relocation to Los Angeles, Posh & Becks lays bare the truth behind the tabloids on this fascinating couple.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #81915 in Books
• Published on: 2007-07-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 320 pages

From the Publisher
Dubbed Britain¹s ³King and Queen of Pop Culture,² David and Victoria Beckham are rarely out of the headlines. Now, in his sensational, strictly unauthorized new biography, Andrew Morton ‹ author of the best-selling Diana: Her True Story and Monica¹s Story‹ offers a look beyond the stars¹ carefully controlled public image. Through a series of interviews with those in the know, he unfolds the fascinating story of two people struggling to lead ordinary lives, but with a need to keep themselves in the spotlight. He also looks at the dynamics of the Beckhams¹ relationship, including parenthood, the often conflicting demands of their careers, their public profile, and their personal demons. Fully illustrated with color photos.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Brand Beckham was a genuine double act though, with Victoria's burgeoning status as a fashion icon adding to its appeal. Italian designer Roberto Cavalli was quick to spot the advertising potential of the most photographed couple in the world, and signed up Victoria in a lucrative deal to wear his clothes. Gone were the days when the Beckhams had to strike under-the-table deals with paparazzi photographers to ensure their pictures ended up in the papers. Now they were the darlings of the mass media, every detail of their enviable lifestyle became front-page news. In spite of consistent reports of marital infidelity, the couple had robustly maintained the illusion of glamor and success within a wholesome family setting. The Beckhams seemed to have it all. They had become the couple everyone envied, yet aspired to emulate.

With the couple's every move being watched and photographed, their summer holiday to St. Tropez attracted more media attention than Princess Diana in her heyday. They made headlines when they kissed and cuddled on a crowded public beach, while David set pulses racing when he posed in a pair of skimpy, white, Speedo swimming shorts. Even though Victoria said she "looked awful naked," millions of women disagreed, and her beachside look of straw Stetson hat, pendant necklace, and cheesecloth kaftan was instantly copied on the High Street.

The Beckhams were top of the guest list for every celebrity bash, joining models, entertainers, and royalty at Elton John's White Tie and Tiara summer ball in June. A month later, in London's Hyde Park, they headed the galaxy of stars taking part in Live 8, the charity pop concert organized by Bob Geldof under the slogan: "Make Poverty History." Egged on by his wife, David agreed to join actor Brad Pitt and comedian Ricky Gervais as one of the guest presenters at the prestigious event. As comfortable as he was with his celebrity, he was still nervous behind the microphone, and worried that he would fluff his lines when he came to introduce Robbie Williams before an estimated 3 billion worldwide TV audience. Backstage, Victoria was quick to assert her status as showbiz royalty, holding court with a host of celebrities. She smartly intervened when rapper Snoop Dogg invited her husband out for a night on the town. "Look Mr. Snoopy, you're not taking my husband out. I know all about your reputation!" she was heard to say.

A further sign of David's global appeal became apparent when the British government harnessed his celebrity to back London's 2012 Olympic bid. In early July 2005, the Beckhams flew to Singapore where the successful host nation was to be announced, to join Prime Minister Tony Blair and celebrities such as supermodel Kate Moss in frantic last-minute lobbying to boost the capital city's bid. In a passionate speech Beckham, who grew up in London's East End where it was proposed that the Games should be held, talked about his humble roots. "I have got friends who have children growing up in the East End of London," he said, "and they have said to me that to have the Olympics in our manor would be a special thing for kids to have inspiration from different athletes from all around the world."

The lobbying seemed to work. In a surprise victory, London was chosen to host the 2012 Olympic Games, beating off strong challenges from Paris, New York, and Barcelona.

David's evident love of his country led to renewed speculation that he was thinking of returning to a London soccer club, while conversely the U.S. media pondered a possible move to the States and a place as the star attraction in the MLS. There simply wasn't enough Beckham to go around. The man himself insisted he was staying in Spain. "At the moment, all I'm thinking about is playing and ending my career at Madrid and winning titles," he explained. "We've not won anything this season, so next season we have to win the league and the Champions' League. I want to win all the titles there are."

As much as Victoria was seduced by Hollywood, her husband was adamant that he had to focus on his soccer career. Not only did he genuinely want to win trophies with Real Madrid, but there was also the 2006 World Cup to think about. At the age of thirty, it would probably be his last chance to aim for a coveted winner's medal. Furthermore, his family was happy and settled. The boys were learning Spanish, they had made friends at their new schools, and they loved playing outside in the garden during the long, warm Mediterranean evenings. As much as Victoria was itching to move on, she had to admit that sunshine and Spanish life suited her young family.

Despite their jet-set lifestyle, family would always come first for the Beckhams. Away from the cameras and the glamor, they have always insisted that they lead a very normal life. Having both come from strong families, Victoria and David have always tried to create security and stability for their own children. They even took legal action against a British Sunday tabloid for suggesting that their "happy family" image was merely a front to protect their lucrative brand. In a statement, they said, "We do not deny that we promote ourselves as a happily married couple. We say that because it is true." However, the fact that they would have to prove this in court against a background of tabloid allegations pertaining to David's infidelity presumably is what caused the couple to drop the case.

They had paid a high price for Brand Beckham. The couple had become increasingly guarded about whom they let into their world. From their beautician to their nanny, everyone who worked for them had a story to tell -- and to sell. When the couple discovered that David's father was planning to release a book about his famous son, it seemed the last straw. A "glowing tribute" it may have been -- complete with snaps from the family album -- but David found it hard to come to terms with the fact that his own father was prepared to cash in on his name.

Wary about whom to trust, Victoria relied heavily on the help and support of her own parents. Even though three boisterous boys is a handful for any young mother, Victoria refused to entrust her sons' safety to anyone outside her family -- especially after Abbie Gibson's actions. While Victoria could always depend upon her parents or sister Louise for extra childcare, she also genuinely enjoyed being a hands-on parent. It was she who got the kids up and ready each morning before David took Brooklyn and Romeo to school. As parents, they insisted on old-fashioned good manners. Routine and order were the rule in the Beckham household, while any bad behavior was punished by a spell on the "naughty step."

Copyright © 2001, 2003, 2007 by Andrew Morton

Customer Reviews

Not recommended
I never read a book by this author before, so I didn't have any preconceptions. I was looking for a biography of two celebrities I admire so I could learn more about them and their rise to fame. This book was not a good choice. I can't say I learned anything new of any real interest, and I was put off by the hostile tone of the author, especially toward Victoria Beckham. No one is perfect, but this book really seemed to unfairly accentuate the couples' flaws and downplay their strengths. Nobody deserves to be criticized like that. It was unkind and not a pleasant read. I still admire the Beckhams for their many good qualites, however I'm not so sure about the author.

Celebrity for its Own Sake
The simple introduction here would be, "Liked him but didn't like her." Of course, he has that warm, winning smile that makes him both attractive and seemingly approachable--while she favors a frowny pout that is very off-putting. (The book contains 16 pages of photographs, most of them in color.) But more importantly, he has real talent that he has worked all his life to cultivate, while her skills might be charitably described as modest and haphazardly developed. Morton makes the point that Posh has always pursued success rather than proficiency: "Victoria's supreme ambition, the goal she had had since childhood, was to be famous and admired . . . [and her] success was achieved quickly and in spite of, rather than because of, any real talent she could demonstrate." I am also not keen on promoting anorexic role models for today's youth, and there are many pages in this tome devoted to her slenderizing habits.

For a change of pace (although not a sports buff), I took the time while reading this book to watch clips of David's action on the soccer field. I was amazed at what I saw, both in terms of skill but also, and unexpectedly, in terms of joy--this man loves to play! Yet he is described as "nice but dim," and his wife is a high school dropout.

Morton provides his own analysis of this couple: "He seems content to be who he is, secure in his skin, a talented footballer doing what he has always wanted. On the other hand, Victoria is driven by the demons within; a woman who is at once dauntless, intrepid, and dynamic, and yet insecure, vulnerable, and needy." But they have found each other, they love their kids, and they have been successful at promoting "Brand Beckham." Maybe it will all work out in the end . . .

blah
this book didn't tell me anything i didn't already know. i guess i was hoping it would go more into friendships and events these two had been involved with but it seemed to just skim over their life with the bare minimum of details. i wasted my money.