I've read several biographies and filmographies of my favorite film comedy duo, Laurel and Hardy. This biography concentrates on the life and work of Oliver Hardy, although it is impossible to omit a significant amount of coverage of his other half, Stan Laurel. "Babe" Hardy was by all accounts a more gifted actor and film comedian than Stan, although Stan was by nature and avocation the more dedicated and creative of the two. Much of this material is told in other biographies I have read, but a more complete and nuanced conception of Babe Hardy emerges here. It is worth noting that both of "the boys" went through a nearly simultaneous series of draining and unfulfilling marriages, until late in life each ended up with partners in marriage that brought them peace and happiness in the last decades of their lives when their best professional work was behind them, and their happiest moments were spent with their wives and each other, basking in the adoration of a new generation that rediscovered them through television reruns. They never considered themselves as more than talented craftsmen, but they were still moved by the accolades of a public that finally recognized them for the comedic geniuses they were. Oliver Hardy's journey from a young fat boy who used his talent for comedy to dull the pain of pokes and jokes aimed at his bulk is particularly compelling here. I've read a few biographies of the boys, but after reading this book I felt I had a clearer picture of Oliver Hardy's contribution. ( )