"In Tom Santopietro's analytical look at this one-of-a-kind career, the myths and personal foibles are stripped away, and the focus lands squarely on the work. From the early recordings to the television specials, from the Hollywood blockbusters to the comeback concerts, Streisand's career is placed with an oftentimes uniquely American social context but always allowed to speak for itself. The Importance of Being Barbra reveals all the milestones in a new and sometimes startling light, ranging from the brilliance of Funny Girl and The Broadway Album to the misbegotten yet curiously popular A Star Is Born.".