Book Review: Fosse by Sam Wasson

Asking ‘What is filth?’ Biographer tells who is Bob Fosse

Who was Bob Fosse? Author Sam Wasson delves into the details in an exhaustive biography. He comes up with a dark and fascinating portrait. Pointing to one of the 20th century’s most influential artist’s fast, sharp and sensuous movement as “part of [the] dance vocabulary” that expresses Fosse’s philosophy, the biographer unfurls an enveloping, intellectual mystery. Centering upon Fosse’s untold and unknown abuse at the hands—and arms and legs—of skanky women and parental neglect, Wasson plunges into darkness to locate and mine Fosse’s goodness and lightness within. “What is filth?” the writer asks. Fosse provides an unforgettable answer.

The facts of Fosse’s life foretell his astonishing achievements. Wasson rightly regards his subject with what’s clearly an obsession born of thoughtful fascination. Fosse is not flawless, however, the seriousness with which he addresses the topic yields penetrating insights and disclosures. The range covers Fosse from his naval service and personal and…