MARTHA BOLTON is exceptional by any standards. With the mind of a comedienne and the soul of a historian, she brings us a book of delightful historical importance; Dear Bob…Bob Hope’s Wartime Correspondence with the G.Is of World War II
Martha was the first woman staff writer for Bob Hope, helping to write his television specials, personal appearances, and military shows for approximately fifteen years. She is an Emmy-nominated writer and author of eighty-eight books of humor and inspiration. She has written for Phyllis Diller, Joan Rivers and others who have made us all laugh through the decades. I was happy to have met the woman behind the laughter. You will be, too.
This book was written and compiled with Bob Hope’s daughter Linda Hope, and the revelations about Bob Hope are so worth knowing because Bob Hope the actor and comedian known by most of the world of an earlier generation is one facet, and Bob Hope the man who gave endlessly to our soldiers is another. All that he did for our soldiers during war and peacetime are stunning. His respect and love for our servicemen and women, his devotion to them speaks volumes for Mr. Hope. And, WWII is the tip of the iceberg. He was how old when he did his last show? Hard to believe. How many letters a week did he get? Harder to believe.
To see Martha Bolton talk about her work relationship with Mr. Hope is a joy and a lesson in what a work relationship should be based in kindness. How lucky they were to have each other. How lucky we are to have this invaluable collection of letters from the soldiers to Bob Hope and from Mr. Hope to them. Will there be more from Martha Bolton on the life of Bob Hope? Most likely.
