Book Description

The posthumous memoir of Dave Van Ronk, leader of the Greenwich Village folk revival of the '60s

Dave Van Ronk (1936-2002) was one of the founding figures of the 1960s folk revival, but he was far more than that. A pioneer of modern acoustic blues, a fine songwriter and arranger, a powerful singer, and one of the most influential guitarists of the 1960s, he was also a marvelous storyteller, a peerless musical historian, and one of the most quotable figures on the Greenwich Village scene. Holding court in legendary venues like Gerde's Folk City and the Gaslight Caf8E, Van Ronk's influence was so great that a stretch of Sheridan Square-the heart of the Village-was renamed on June 30, 2004, and is now Dave Van Ronk Street. The Mayor of MacDougal Street is a unique first-hand account by a major player in the social and musical history of the '50s and '60s. It features encounters with young stars-to-be like Bob Dylan (who survived much of his first year in New York sleeping on Van Ronk's couch), Tom Paxton, Phil Ochs, Joan Baez, and Joni Mitchell, as well as older luminaries like Reverend Gary Davis, Woody Guthrie, Mississippi John Hurt, and Odetta. Colorful, hilarious, engaging, and a vivid evocation of a fascinating time and place, The Mayor of MacDougal Street will appeal not only to folk and blues fans but to anyone interested in the music, politics, and spirit of a revolutionary period in American culture. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

At The Pinnacle Of Importance
Everyone can pinpoint a few songs that changed their entire perspective on the first hearing.Such was the case with Dave Van Ronk's contribution to the great 1964 Elektra compendium of folk and blues, The Blues Project.Mr. Van Ronk performed "Bad Dream Blues," and my life was altered forever.This song is the yardstick of excellence by which I measure so much other American music from Dylan to Chapin to Springsteen.

Had he been with a powerhouse label like Columbia, Mr. Van Ronk would have become a household name.

This book focuses on the source of the genius.The particular blend of time, location, and current events combined to produce a fertile opportunity for singer-songwriters.And to my ears, Mr. Van Ronk was at the pinnacle of importance.

Mr. Van Ronk may've been The Mayor on the world's most vital street of the folk scene during its heights, but among artists he's royalty.

Van Ronk's Golden Memories
Some of you who have made Bob Dylan's CHRONICLES VOLUME ONE a bestseller might pick up on this book; Van Ronk covers some of the same territory as Dylan, only he got there first and he's more capacious, Whitman to Dylan's Hart Crane.Props to Elijah Wald who hand-crafted this material from a bunch of Van Ronk's monologues.It reads like a book and you'll hardly know it wasn't.The detective writer and creator of Matt Scudder, Lawrence Block, adds a preface that does the job efficiently and well.

What a life he had!(The singer died in 2002.)In the chapters devoted to his youth, Van Ronk paints us picture after picture, of the memorable individuals he met in the age of the first folk revival.In San Francisco he encounters the nutty Jesse Fuller, who had once been the folk-singing protege of Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford.In New York he shares a stage with Odetta, whose powerful voice could fill all of Manhattan when she let it loose.The truth is that being a folk singer in the late 1950s wasn't very much fun, and Van Ronk believed in getting paid for his singing and playing, so he was denied a space by the coffeehouse owners who could put on all the entertainment they wanted for free, and so he started organizing the musicians properly.All of this is fascinating to read about.Those of you who enjoyed Christopher Guest's folk revival send up A MIGHTY WIND will howl with recognition as Van Ronk lays into the "crewcuts in drip-dry seersucker suits" of the period such as the Kingston Trio."There was an obvious subtext," he writes, "to what these Babbitt balladeers were doing, and it was, `Of course, we're really superior to all this hayseed crap-but isn't it cute?'This attitude threw me into an absolute ecstasy of rage.These were no true disciples or even honest money-changers.They were a bunch of slick hustlers selling Mickey Mouse dolls in the temple.Join their ranks?I would sooner have been boiled in skunk piss."Yowzer!

He's funny also about the truth that, although he was a tried and true Bohemian anarchist, he sure wasn't getting laid very much.In the pre-Pill age, he says, nobody was."And the fact that we were a pretty scuzzy bunch might have had something to do with it." ... Read more

Book Description

Rock Singer Layne Staley was one of the most private, mysterious and misunderstood performers ever! His story is told by his mother, sister and Layne himself. It dispels the myths about Layne's childhood, his early days in music, and the final, very private years of his life. It contains dozens of never-before-seen drawings, writings and photographs...that all shaped the ALICE IN CHAINS' songwriter/singer who sold millions of CDs...helping revolutionize modern rock. ... Read more

Reviews (47)

It could have been great.........
Well, as a huge AIC fan I have been waiting for this book since August of '01, when I pre-odered it from the books web site. And now that it is here after a few delays, I would be willing to wait a little longer for a more polished product. At times I couldnt determine if I was reading Layne Staley's biography or a essay on my humanities class from college. The author at times also had me confused on the timeline on events in Staleys life. What was nice is that the author was honestly in my opinion trying to tell Layne's tragic story without giving us fans the yellow tabliod crap we are used to regarding stories about Staley. A quick read, and if your a fan I would say go ahead and buy the book. Dont expect a masterpiece, just a decent story about a very talented man who destroyed himself slowly over the last 8 years.

Ehhhhh, not too bad, not too good....
Being the biggest fan of Layne Staley, I was hoping for alot more from this book. I understand from reading this, it isnt easy to write too much on him, because he basically was very sheltered and private. I just though there was alot in this book that was just page fillers. There was alot of info that frankly had nothing to do with Layne at all, and lost my interest quite a bit. However, there was some good stuff too, and it was cool just to read some his letters and poems. I didnt learn all that nuch I already didnt know, except for his family life. If your a huge fan, I guess its worth the read, if not, you'll probably throw the book away.

What a waste.
I feel sorry for anyone who has already wasted the hour it takes to read this miserably written so-called book. Poorly written, uniformative and incoherent best describe this sorry piece of work. Save yourself the money and just listen to some of the great music Layne, Jerry and the guys made over the years.

For true fans only
This is a book you should purchase if you want to take a look at some of the private artworks, poems or photographs of Layne Staley, the 'great late' leadsinger of Alice in Chains. But: it's written by a fan who wants to be in the picture herself. Adriana Rubio is obviously very proud to have had intimate conversations with Staleys mom and sister, and it shows throughout the whole book. Everybody shall know that she has this overwhelming respect for Staley's relatives and their stories. Also, I got the impression that she wrote this book to get rid of her own complexes, comparing Staleys heroin-addiction to her own struggle with Anorexia Nervosa. She places herself too much in front, which is quite irritating after a while. Or, in the words of Layne Staley: "She should write a book about herself". Still, there is the telephoneconversation with Layne Staley and her that is quite shocking for the true fan. I'm still reading the book so now and then, about a year after buying it.

Really Bad Book
In less than 200 pagess the author trails off into her own biographical infromation, goats, Cobain conspiracy theories, you get the idea. Poorly written (and printed in large print to beef up appearance of content I presume) and poorly edited (typos). For an individual who had access to a virtual treasure trove of Layne's family photos and early school and artwork, she printed nominal amounts of either, but they are worth seeing. "Interviews" were several hours long with Layne's sister and mother, yet the content was lacking. No light thrown on how or why Staley got so entangled in heroin use. That info. would have been useful. Nor did she reveal much about Demri and how her demise contributed to Staley's self-destruction. Get what you can out of it. . .won't be much. Pics are worth it and the account of her phone conversation with Staley is interesting if accurate. Not much of a biography for a very worthy subject. Eureka! How about Layne's family printing pics and Layne's early school/artwork in a coffee table book and use the proceeds to build/run a school for kids like Layne according to his own solution for how to fix public schools. That would be worth spending money on. The only Angry Chair here was the one I was sitting in as I read this awful book! This book, sadly, was not worth the paper it was printed on. ... Read more

Amazon.com

DreamWorks cofounder David Geffen, as portrayed by Wall Street Journal reporter Tom King, is in various ways a saint, a visionary, and an absolute maniac. In his saintly mode, Geffen both raises and gives record-breaking sums of money to AIDS foundations, advises and supports the President and progressive causes, and races to visit old friends stricken with grief or illness (even the washed-up agent Sue Mengers, whose friendship could do him no earthly good).

As a visionary in the music, movie, and Broadway theater industries, Geffen orchestrates the sale of his record companies, which made him a billionaire, and brings you Laura Nyro; Cats; Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young; Tom Cruise; the Eagles; Nirvana; Bob Dylan; John Lennon; Guns N' Roses; Saving Private Ryan; and Joni Mitchell (who immortalized his deepest yearnings in her tune "Free Man in Paris").

But the most impressive and detailed portion of King's landmark biography is Geffen's performance as an entertainment entrepreneur, and in this capacity he is apparently a visionary and a maniac at the same time. Not only does he discover all manner of talents and works of art and hire the best hit-sniffers in the business, he also masters the fine Hollywood art of the Machiavellian tantrum. Geffen allegedly softens up his prey in a business deal by offering up disarming gossip about his own life--his traumatic courtship of Cher, or Marlo Thomas, perhaps, or the male prostitute he is said to have boasted about being in bed with the night John Lennon was shot. At some point, minutes or decades into an apparent friendship, Geffen is shown betraying anyone, even best friends and mentors, in his relentless quest for winning a deal. King's book provides a ringside seat; it's fascinating to watch Tinseltown's titans slug it out in championship bouts, maneuvering, lying, reuniting, and seizing power like crazed Renaissance princes.

In one memorable encounter, Geffen protests that Sid Sheinberg of MCA is displeasing his DreamWorks colleague, Steven Spielberg. "David, stop screaming," says Sheinberg. "I'm not screaming!" Geffen screams. "David, you know what would make me happy?" says Speilberg. "Stop screaming." It turns out that Geffen doesn't even know the details of the deal in question. But nobody knows how to strike a deal--with mind and maniacal heart--like David Geffen. --Tim Appelo ... Read more

Reviews (50)

more like a melodramatic laundry list and less like a novel
I work in Hollywood and when this book came out, word on the street was that Tom King had published a well-researched, well-written, no-holds-barred and blistering account of David Geffen's life and work. Now that I've read this 600-plus-page monster, I'll go along with the well researched and call it a day. Maybe I've worked around too many moguls for too long, but I didn't find anything in here that I found particularly shocking, much less revelatory. I don't doubt the veracity of anything King has written (especially re: Geffen's own childish behavior - his tantrum over this innocuous publication bears that out), but even with Geffen's amazing achievements I closed the book wondering what the hell had made me pick it up in the first place. Geffen's world certainly contains the time-tested elements of a fascinating life - he started from less than nothing and now has a number of careers, fortunes and empires to his name while lacking any essential emotional connections. King has reported all of those elements faithfully, but what separates "The Operator" from great biography is the book's lack of any compelling rationale behind Geffen's behavior. Of course, even the most megalomaniac among us (another title for which Geffen certainly qualifies) don't live our lives thinking about what it's all going to look like when some enterprising reporter commits several years of his life to putting it down on paper. However, if you are that reporter, you had better be able to find the essential threads that knit together the disparate elements - otherwise, you have something that reads more like a melodramatic laundry list and less like a novel (something that my favorite bios, like George Plimpton and Jean Stein's "Edie," certainly resemble). A much better read is David O. Selznick's "Memo From Selznick" - a book that is exactly what it sounds like and yet is still fascinating. I'm not sure if it's still in print, but it's worth the search.

Mogul Mania
This is one of the better biographies around, whether or not you end up liking David Geffen (aka "the prince of pain"). It is full of great inside stories about legendary artists of the music business...Phil Spector, Dylan, the Band, Cher, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Jackson Browne, the Eagles, Laura Nyro, Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, John Lennon, George Michael, Donna Summer etc., etc. King keeps the narrative flowing, and he provides plenty of authentic detail without ever falling into the biographer's trap of being too academic. Of course Geffen is a very interesting subject...having powered his way to the very top of the entertainment business through sheer drive and cunning...and without having the "golden ear" or creative judgement of his competitors. The stories about his interaction with(and abuse of)fellow moguls like Ovitz, Eisner, Ross, and Davis were jawdropping. I found myself shaking my head at the deals he cut, for example talking Steve Ross into giving him back his music label for free after Ross had bankrolled he whole thing! But don't get the impression that The Operator is all about The Dark Side of David....in fact King balances the book nicely by reporting on the many philanthropic and other positive projects in Geffen's life. All in all, a very entertaining read, and well worth having on your shelf, especially if you're fascinated by the entertainment industry.

Excellent Book
This book is almost impossible to put down. Geffen's life has been truly extraoridinary and it provides an excellent story. Buy this book if you have any interest in the entertainment industry or business in general.

Well Researched
I have followed David Geffen's carrer for many years. I have even written a school paper on his Record Company (Geffen Records), which I have had the pleasure of visiting. This book is very well detailed and gives a vast amount of insight and information.

CHER, MARLO AND MARKY MARK ... AND QUITE THE BORE
Long before he flung open the closet door back in 1992 and declared his homosexuality, David Geffen made news. Big news. Really big news. His is the life --- from college drop-out to mailroom clerk to founder of record labels and a movie company --- that makes a biography such as the one Tom King has written so lengthy ... and often lumbering. King had access to Geffen and hundreds of people in and outside of Geffen's circle of power. This is Superman as Supermogul: Saving pal Calvin Klein from bankruptcy (it was Geffen's idea to out Marky Mark in that series of memorable underwear ads), paying for experimental surgery for dying pal Dawn Steel, wooing (and almost marrying) galpals Cher (whom King says was Geffen's "first fully-functional heterosexual relationship") and Marlo Thomas to finally settling boy with assorted boytoys, unselfishly donating some of his $3 billion to fight AIDS. So many details, so little substance. This is a meticulously researched, though ultimately superficial, look at the bravo and bullying, the temper and talent that have made David Geffen the builder, buyer and seller of the New Hollywood. ... Read more

Book Description

From the world's most controversial rock star comes his shocking, confessional and revealing life story. In The Long Hard Road Out of Hell, Marilyn Manson candidly and vividly recounts his metamorphosis from a frightened Christian schoolboy into the most feared and revered celebrity in America. ... Read more

Reviews (359)

Anti- People, you've gone Too Far.....
This book is definitive proof that the Hypocrisy of our Society, "teachers" and religious leaders (major and minor) is scarring humanity. Fundamentalists hate Marylin Manson....well, They Created him. I have struggled to understand the Warped view of religion that I have seen, throughout my life...leading me to read voraciously in areas of Spirituality, Anthropology, etc.--and I have always been fascinated with Musicians. Marylin Manson has proven, conclusively, that the "morals" we are taught are not remotely Humanitarian in nature. Society is based on how we present ourselves to others....not how we Truly are, or believe. This book shows the Obsessive, Demented way in which we are instructed to live our lives....leading to Repression, Psychosis and all manner of weirdness. Marylin Manson simply tells it like it really IS, instead-of lying abuot the Reality of how messed-up our Culture has become. He does not paint a pretty picture, with white picket fences...he informs you what goes-on in the basement, behind closed doors. This man sees that few people are raising their children in a manner that is conducive to creating intelligent, enlightenend human beings.... So, he is giving the confused masses a forum to vent their frustration. I love Anthropology and attended the Louisville, Ky concert that the locals fought against, radically....until the camera crews left the streets. Thousands of "religious" people shouted that this man would kill us, or turn us into satanists....but, not ONE person waited to see if we survived. I guess the camera crews didn't stay long-enough..... This book may inspire you to study Psychology and pursue Positive Methods of raising children and teaching children in schools, religious groups, etc. Fanatical adherence to Dogma can create a monster.... You hate in others, what you despise in yourself---Food for thought.

Still a great read
I first read this book about 4 years ago, I remember loving it then and reading it about 3 times back to back, feeling satisfied. I don't support all his opinions, but that's not what this review is about. About 3 months ago, I bought one of my friends who is a Marilyn Manson fan this book, and I ended up borrowing it from her and reading it again, to see if I still felt the same way after the initial "manson craze," had died off. It was still an excellent read and I read it in the same 2 day period as before, laughing at his childhood antics, sense of humor, and various inner thoughts. This is still one of the best books I've ever read. (Not because I don't read either!) I would recommend this to anyone, who isn't afraid to let go of their tight grip on a supposed reality, relax, and enjoy a unique book. It's a good one.

Manson
I dont read at all but I read this book and it is one of the best I have ever read and after reading it I wanted to read it again....Because Manson is the only person who makes scense anymore....Check this one out

Great Book ~ A Fun Read !!!
Who knew (besides Manson fans) Manson was so insightful. The book is an easy and fun read filled with well written/detailed accounts of Manson's childhood until the day he wrote the book. Also, great photography is laced into the book. Every chapter/section begins with a cool old quote from Jean-Paul Sartre, Friedrich Nietzsche and other great philosophers. The best part of the book is when Manson talks about his time with Anton Szandor LA Vey (founder of 'The Church of Satan' ~ someone I've always been interested in) you get a better understanding of just how cool La Vey is from how Manson profiles him. =)

If you want a well written, fun to read, visually stunning, fascinating look into this artists' personality...then buy this book! Later, you can sell it on eBay. =)

absolutely amazing
This was one of the most intriguing books I've read in a really long time. I was so interested in everything Manson had to say and had a hard time putting the book down. Whether you're a fan or just interested to find out what he's really all about, this is definitely a book to pick up and read. ... Read more

Reviews (72)

Blunt, Frank and Honest
Cassidy does not hold back in telling his story. Blunt, frank, and sometimes searingly honest, David tells all. Especially interesting was how he and his agent were tricked out of millions of dollars due to a misleading contract. I like the fact that Cassidy and his co-author wrote the book in his own voice. When you read it, it's like David is telling you his story, rather than having a sanitized version written in perfect prose by a ghost writer. It's a definite must-read for all Cassidy fans. My only criticism is that David wrote about his Partridge Family years in great detail, but glossed over his post-Partridge years. Hopefully he'll consider doing a fuller autobiography.

C'mon, Reprint It....
Last night I should have been reading our book club's latest selection, but instead I watched a documentary on The Partridge Family. I tuned in expecting to remember, laugh and wonder at my adolescent fascination with David Cassidy, but ended up amazed at my 36-YEAR-OLD fascination with David Cassidy. I can't believe that I find this guy just as charismatic, likable, and compelling as I did when I was 12. I would love to read his book, but can't find it. Amazon, do you have any influence with the publisher? You might have quite a few copies pre-sold...

Great Book , Brutally Honest
I LOVED this book! I was a VERY young David Cassidy fan when he was in his heyday. This guy seemed like he was on top of the world when it was actually crashing in around him. The language and events described can be a little unnerving...but hey...he told it like it was...no holds barred. I personally was not offended at all. It was actually a little erotic! Honesty is so rare in today's glossy Hollywood autobigraphies. I commend David for being so candid about his experiences, both good and bad.

A total RIOT!
Gotta read this one!! I still giggle when I think about "Sam, the Hairy One"!! :-)):-))ROTFL

WISH IT WERE UP TILL NOW/GREAT BOOK
AN AWESONE, HONEST LIFE STORY OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE ACTOR AND SINGER. I HOPE DAVID CASSIDY WRITES PART TWO. I READ THE BOOK IN 2 DAYS, COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. NOW, IF HE WOULD ONLY COME TOUR IN FLORIDA!! ... Read more

Book Description

Bassist James Jamerson was the embodiment of the Motown spirit and groove - the invisible entity whose playing inspired thousands. His tumultuous life and musical brilliance are explored in depth through hundreds of interviews, 49 transcribed musical scores, two hours of recorded all-star performances, and more than 50 rarely seen photos in this stellar tribute to behind-the-scenes Motown. Features a 120-minute CD! Allan Slutsky's 2002 documentary of the same name is the winner of the New York Film Critics "Best Documentary of the Year" award! ... Read more

Reviews (19)

A good book about a great bassist
This book and CD combination examines the music of James Jamerson, the studio bassist on most of the early Motown hits. Until rather recently, Jamerson was unknown to the general public and not widely known to musicians. Nonetheless, his playing was very influential and many bassists today consider his playing the gold standard of bass guitar in popular music.

This book is valuable as a reference for the history of Motown, but it is primarily a teaching tool. It is organized into three parts. The first 78 pages give a biography of Jamerson and put his work into historical context. Part two (17 pages) is a compilation of data: descriptions of bass equipment, recording facilities, accompanists, and discography. Also included in this section is a four page "Appreciation of Style" by Anthony Jackson that attempts to analyze the musical elements that made Jamerson unique. Part three contains 90 pages of transcriptions of Jamerson bass lines and accompanying text. The transcriptions go with the CDs described below.

The CDs and transcriptions are the heart of the set. The CDs feature Motown tunes with the bass lines played by over two dozen "all-star" bassists (e.g Marcus Miller, Jack Bruce, John Entwistle). Bass is on the left channel with instrumental accompaniment on the right. The bass lines are transcribed by the author and the transcriptions are accompanied by short bios of the artists who play the lines. The tracks on the CDs are interspersed with short interviews of people who knew Jamerson. The artists reportedly donated their services as a tribute to Jamerson and the bass lines and accompaniment were recorded in a variety of circumstances. Many tracks are recorded in home studios. The quality varies, but all tracks are well played and all are useful teaching tools. I thought the variation of sounds would be a drawback, but it is a very interesting part of the project. The best Precision Bass tones are not necessarily from the artists you would expect. (Not everyone tries to duplicate Jamerson's tone. Geddy Lee was approached backstage at a concert and contributed "Get Ready" on either a Steinberger or a Rickenbacker. Lots of fun.)

The level of the transcriptions is somewhat advanced. Transcriptions are given in traditional bass staff (no tab) and the rhythms will give your reading skills a workout. There are very few specific comments about fingering, right-hand technique, or damping. Yet the range of difficulty is from dead simple (beautifully rendered) line to lines that will challenge the most advanced player. (The challenge is rhythm and feel not lots of note or big stretches.) Beginning to intermediate players can use this book, but will benefit greatly by using it with the help of a good teacher.

One can quibble with the historical overview. It is quite readable, but doesn't dig deeply into any of the tough issues it raises (e.g. Jamerson's drinking and emotional stability, Berry Gordy's business practices). Since the focus is on the music, some of this reticence is laudable. However, one important musical controversy that the author fails to pursue is the question of the true credit for recorded bass lines in the era when Motown was moving from Detroit to LA. (Many tracks were demoed by LA studio bassists and then cut by Jamerson as well. There is still debate as to which track made it to the final recording. The question is acknowledged, but no new information is brought forth.) Another musical deficit is that there is very little about the interplay between Jamerson and other members of the rhythm section. (This is in contrast to the author's better-written (if slightly less important) book on the James Brown rhythm sections.)

Even with those minor issues considers, this is an extremely valuable book. It is clearly a labor of love and will be an extremely valuable learning tool for any bassist with the fundamental skills (or support) necessary to ap

Don't Believe The Hype!
As a biography of James Jamerson, this book succeeds. However, as an educational guide to James Jamerson's playing style, it is lacking. While the CDs are excellent learning tools, there are a few errors in the transcriptions. Also, there is no tablature, so be prepared to read music. Only a few of the examples are suitable for beginning bassists, and there is no fingering information, so you'll have to figure it out for yourself. As far as analysis of Jamerson's playing style goes, there are fewer than 10 pages devoted to picking apart what made his bass-lines special. On the other hand, the book includes a wonderful chromatic exercise penned by Jamerson for a fellow studio bassist.

In summary - this is a good book if you are really interested in learning about this Motown legend, or if you are an intermediate or advanced bass player willing to spend some serious time to learn some incredible bass-lines. Just thought I'd add a level-headed assessment to all the adulation here.

A Portrait, a Tribute, a Learning Tool, & a Great Listen
To comprehend James Jamerson's work, listen to the beautiful bass lines of the hits. Whether you're a student of bass or a seasoned player, playing those lines is no easy task! "Bernadette", "Reach Out",.... Envigorating sounds! Jamerson's story is here. Hear re-creations of his work minus vocals by the best of the best of today's bass players. Most of the sheet music is included!
Sitting without tribute, quietly and anonymously in the audience at the Motown 25th anniversary TV special performance in California, Jamerson had been akin to the elder Indian in the old "Keep America Beautiful" TV ad who sheds a tear with grief at the spoiling of his pristine land. This book was a great first step at righting that wrong.
This book went on to inspire a similarly titled movie on the Funk Brothers. This book and the 2 CDs that accompany it are a one-of-a-kind find for the bassists and all who crave the Motown and soul sound of the sixties and seventies. Thanks to its author for assembling the treasures and for inspiring such good will in the music community!

Superb resource for new Bass players
This is a must-have for new Bass players who want to be serious about the craft.
One possible draw-back is that there is no TAB, but serious students will value the extra push towards better standard notation reading skills.
Much of Jamerson's music is now 40+ years old. So, in some ways the book now also serves as an important Historical perspective on the roots of the modern Bass sound.
If you're serious about BASS, get the book.

James Jamerson, Stone Alone
In contrast to the bass players warning you away from not reading this book, those who have seen the movie of the same name may not be surprised enough by how different this book (dedicated to James Jamerson alone) is. This is because the movie is frankly a celebration of a Motown sound which is no longer a live cultural influence, and many may not properly understand the equivocality of this statement on account of Norman Whitfield's other omisssions -- Jamerson was very much a figure of Detroit Motown, but like the "psychedelic soul" which immediately preceded the *auteur* LA era he was *meant* to be felt and not heard.

Due to his increasing cultural stature, very little attention is paid here and elsewhere to the fact that the famous AM-friendly Motown mastering was intended almost explicitly to reduce Jamerson's presence in the mix, to the point that I suspect the first revelation for quite a few concerning the downside of the Sixties was the discovery that some people *really* knew how to play. The praise for "Igor" is not "subaltern" hype: Jamerson's arpeggios meet the formal standards for virtuosity set by classical musicians, and the further standard of not interfering with Motown's positioning in the "social field" as the "Sound of Young America" in no ambiguous sense. Here we can see how Jamerson's stature was reduced during his lifetime *even* as the cultural influence of his midsixties highpoints increased.

Such that we might do well to wonder not only "whither Berry Gordy?" but also whether Jamerson's descent into madness and death reflected the de-privileging of a certain standard of craftsmanship in American culture (one might also consider Rick James' sobriquet for the late Marvin Gaye, "Uncle Marvin"). On this score, the sociologist Niklas Luhmann once said that his position on long-term societal changes was that he was not asked: and although there is a refreshing amount of realism in such positions, that is rather explicitly and interestingly not the stance of this book -- those curious about "cultural memory in the present" would also do well to consider it. ... Read more

Book Description

"Living is like tearing through a museum. Not until later do you really start absorbing what you saw, thinking about it, looking it up in a book and remembering— because you can’t take it all in at once."
—Audrey Hepburn

On many occasions, she was approached to pen her autobiography, the definitive book of Audrey Hepburn, yet she never agreed. A beloved icon who found success as an actress, a mother and an humanitarian, Audrey Hepburn perfected the art of gracious living.

More philosophy than biography, How to Be Lovely revisits the many interviews Audrey gave over the years, allowing us to hear her voice directly on universal topics of concern to women the world over: careers, love lives, motherhood and relationships. Enhanced by rarely seen photographs, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights from the friends who knew her well, How to Be Lovely uncovers the real Audrey, in her own words.

While she would have been the last to say so, Audrey Hepburn was an expert in the art of being a woman. How to Be Lovely imparts whatever wisdom and insight she found along the way to the millions who grew up, or will grow up, wanting to be just like her.

Published to coincide with Audrey Hepburn’s would-be seventy-fifth birthday, How to Be Lovely offers a rare glimpse into the woman behind the mystique and the definitive guide to living genuinely with glamour and grace.

... Read more

Reviews (5)

Enjoyed this...
I really wasn't familiar with Audrey, but this book was a great introduction for me. Passed by it in a book store, and the title grabbed me. Sat down to browse thru it and never got up. Wonderful words of wisdom here. Didn't realize she was so down-to-earth. Now I'm off to find more stuff about her. There were a few editorial misses, but thanks for a great book.

Gorgeous, Ephermeral and Wise
This beautiful treasury shares the same qualities as its subject--there is magic at work here that winsomely floats forth and manages to be unforgettable. More than a lovely tribute to this remarkable icon, it resonates with life affirming smarts and down-to-earth pluck. Hurrah for author Hellstern. Audrey is smiling on you...

doesn't do justice to Hepburn's memory
cut and pasted from a wide variety of sources, this book's words and images have the look and feel of high school project. I admire the author's intention but the result is an unfortunate mish-mash. There's even a quote attributed to KATHERINE Hepburn.
Not recommended.

The perfect book to give
This is the perfect book to give for birthdays, hostess gifts, Christmas, Mother's day, graduation, or any special event in a woman's life. I sent it home with 15 ladies who attended a baby shower, and it has inspired several Audrey "film-festivals." Her thoughts on how to carry oneself with style, dignity and grace will translate to any generation. "How to be Lovely" should be on every woman's night stand.

Audrey,the more I read about you,the more I love you
I would like to say that I am very pleased that I bought this book-it is very beautifully well written and is a perfect tribute to Audrey Hepburn. As a serious admirer and fan of Audrey Hepburn,I can truly say that this book has the thought,love,care, and kindness that are befitting to Audrey.There are many quotes that Audrey said and all are of tremendous wisdom and thought. If you're like me,you'll be an Audrey Hepburn fan for life.
Audrey,you were a beautiful,talented,and loving lady-we miss you very much.
... Read more

Reviews (7)

brought back wonderful memories
I read this book when it first came out in Hardcover, and purchased it.It is a wonderful story of the lives of two very special people.Bobby is no longer with us, but Sandy is not well but still living.Their son wrote this book, and it truly is the true story of what happened.i would reccommend that you look on Amazon's collectible page to find copies to purchase.I know of one listed that was autograghed by the author and Sandra Dee. good Luck

Touching biography
Dodd Darin is the only child of the late great Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee, the "Dream Lovers" of the title. I hesitated reading this book because most celebrity biographies written by the children of the subjects are often vindictive, slash and burn tell-alls. Not this book. Dodd Darin has written a touching,honest, heartfelt account of his parents lives, together and apart ,paying tribute to their good qualities while recognizing and accepting their shortcomings. The story told here is often quite sad, especially reading about Dee's current isolation and reclusiveness. The book is very well-written and is a fine tribute to the author's parents. Sandra Dee must be proud of her son.

Look At Me I'm Sandra Dee--the truth behind the image
A detailed, well-written account of the lives of Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin as authored by their son. What is also interesting is that Sandra Dee's own comments are included, written in her voice, as if she is speaking to the reader. Her commentary is honest, sad, and painfully revealing; at times she sounds very detached, which makes it even more touching. Her onscreen image of a sweet, blonde teen-age virgin (as spoofed in the song "Look At Me I'm Sandra Dee" from the movie soundtrack "Grease") was the antithesis of what her life was really like. Starting at age 5, she was molested by her stepfather; as she matured, she was forced to submit to sex with him. Dee's mother knew about this, but turned a blind eye and lived vicariously through her daughter's movie career. Thanks to her dyfunctional mother and stepfather, Sandra developed a severe eating disorder which plagues her to this day. Of the two, I found Sandra's story to be the most interesting and the most tragic, although Darin's life wasn't a piece of cake, either. He struggled with a heart condition, living his life as a race against time, knowing that eventually his heart would give out. Once you start reading this book, you won't want to put it down. This book shows how two gifted young entertainers lived quite tortured and difficult lives once the cameras stopped rolling.

Dreams don't always come true
I just finished reading "Dream Lovers" and would recommend the book to all lovers of the entertainment industry.It tells from beginning to end thelife of two wonderful people who never really didn't have anything incommon, struggle with their own demons. It's not a name dropping sort ofbook it's a story of struggle, misunderstandings, abuse in the extreme andthe type of abuse we inflect on the people we really love. Dodd is quitea man and any parent would be proud of the way he turned out consideringwhat he himself had to go through as a child of two famous people who hadand still has a lot of warts. It has been out of print for awhile, but ifyou put a little effort into it you can still find iteither through usedbooks store or like I did on ebay.Good Luck it's worth the effort.

Grace Guides Sandra Dee into Post Career Maturity
Although this book is out of print there are followers and fans of Sandra Dee who search it out of the dusty bins of flea markets and bookstore backshelves.It is a story told honestly and painfully by the son of thetwo most followed and star-crossed luminaries of that 20th CenturyHollywood babylon. It illustrates in the most sensitive and touching waysof how very difficult and nearly impossible a personal life can remainexistant when heady fame is reached bybeautiful lives portrayed by everypossible method from the scions of mass media.Sandra Dee's loss from ourcollective view is somehow bittersweetly vindicated in our hearts as oureyes chronical the events which tossed her into the shadows of the samelimelight which nearly snatched her soul.She illustrates the heart anddetermined mind of not only a fighter, but rather a combantant adorned ingraciousness - that other light far removed from the silver screen.Afterputting this book down this reader realized the brilliance that was and isSandra Dee is an ever strengthened force borne head and shoulders above andbeyond the cheezy klieg lights of tinsel town.Her illumination has becomethat epitomized flame of what you and I might refer to as the truthprevailing.What it truly has evolved to by the release of this book , isLove.Sandra Dee's unconditional love of those who revere her out of ourunderstanding of human nature and the very nature of moral values sherepresented in every film she made, is prevalent in the theme of this storywhich is an undraping her difficult tribulations.It takes courage to stepback into the light after a fall.Sandra's story by her son Dodd, and thememory of their beloved Bobby Darin has become in this expose' thequintessential olive branch surrendering their intimate selves quiteunselfishly with those who care.To read this missive is to come awaycaring deeply about this family and it comes whether one does so with orwithout forethought.I applaud Sandra and support her stardom now morethan ever. ... Read more

Book Description

Part inspirational cancer-survival story, part memoir-as-laugh-riot, CANCER SCHMANCER picks up where Fran's last book, Enter Whining, left off. After the publication of that book, Fran's life launched into a downward spiral. She separated from a long and complicated relationship, her TV series started to slip in the ratings, and her beloved dog Chester Drescher's health was in major decline. Then came the mysterious symptoms no doctor could adequately explain. With her trademark humor, Fran tells of her indefatigable search for answers and the cancer diagnosis that she ultimately beat. But not before a gold mine of humorous insights were revealed to her about what really matters most in life. ... Read more

Reviews (61)

Fran Drescher: an impatient patient lives to tell the tale
If justice delayed is justice denied, the same can probably be said for health care. Early diagnosis is the key to effective treatment of most diseases. In TV star Fran Drescher's case, an accurate diagnosis came just in time. Cancer Schmancer is Drescher's fascinating, first-person account of her two-year battle with uterine cancer.

If you are expecting a woe-is-me recitation of a celebrity's encounters with an uncaring and evil healthcare system, this is not the book for you. It is, instead, a medical case history told in a frank and wonderfully humorous style. And it is a call to arms to any woman or man who anticipates seeking medical care in the future.

Drescher describes her visits to a series of healthcare professionals in an attempt to deal with recurring gynecological symptoms. Good and competent doctors failed to screen her for uterine cancer because Drescher fell outside the statistical parameters for the disease ? she was too young and too slender to be at risk. Uterine cancer was finally identified after a relatively simple test.

Her encounter with cancer is placed in rich context, interwoven with stories about her close-knit family, her dissolving marriage, career challenges, a new romance, her beloved dog, and the comforts and importance of close friendships. This is important material. It's a reminder that context is important when dealing with disease. Anyone who has ever experienced the modern healthcare system knows that as patients, we are rarely viewed in context. Yet our life stories, our fears, our hunches and our observations are as important to effective diagnosis and care as the medications and surgical intervention we receive. Unless we learn all that we can about our bodies and advocate for ourselves, we may miss out on the genuine benefits that modern health technology has to offer.

In that sense, Cancer Schmancer is as much a book for health care providers as it is for patients and their families. It serves up a gentle but clear warning to medical professionals: pay attention to what your patients say; pay attention to what your patients know.

As writer of non-fiction, Drescher is no Joan Didion. But she is the ideal messenger for this sometimes-discomfiting subject. Over the past decade, she has managed to craft an accessible and self-deprecating image that belies her beauty and comic talent. With this book she has succeeded in producing an entertaining read from a traumatic and life-changing experience. Most important, Drescher has done some important homework for all of us. As future patients, we should all pay attention to what she has to say.

WHAT A BOOK!!!
I have been a big fan of the TV series "The Nanny" for many years. I recently picked up a copy of this book, "Cancer Schmancer" from Amazon.com's website -- and read the book in its entirety in 3 evenings. I could not put it down. This book is funny, moving, interesting, and even entertaining (to a point)! Fran Drescher is an excellent actress (not just with words but with facial expressions and body language) and I could just picture hell reciting the book as I was reading it. It never ceases to amaze me how so many healthcare professionals can be so stubbornly and blatantly wrong about diagnoses! You trust your lives with these people -- they should be thorough and meticulous, but many are not. It's hard to believe unless you've experienced it OR you read Fran Drescher's trials and travails as she details her extensive battle with the American healthcare system to find a cause, then a cure, for her medical problem. A great read for any fan of Fran Drescher's, "The Nanny", or anyone who has had or known someone who has had or has cancer.

I can't relate
I read the excerpt from this book and it's all I needed to see. I'm sorry, but this woman just doesn't speak to me. It seems to be one big brag about herself. She talks about her housekeepers, blah, blah, blah and her fancy schmancy house. Then she gets the call from her doctor. She claims this doctor assured her she did not have cancer. If a doctor told me this before he/she ran any tests, I'd leave. That is just downright irresponsible. Then, of course, the doctor had to backtrack after finding out that Fran did, indeed have cancer. She claims the doctor told her she could call if there was any problem--even if she just needed a hug. There were two possibilities here: 1) The doctor was trying to cover her backside by seeming to be sooo compassionate or 2) The doctor really did care about her patient. If the case was #1, Fran should've found a new doctor immediately. If the case was #2, then she should've thanked the doctor. She said she felt no need to thank the doctor (but she did anyway). Hmmmm...is she naive or is she just so caught up in herself she can't bring herself to be grateful? Sorry, but there is just too much narcissism in this book for me. Now, I will go prepare for my surgery without the help of servants. And I will certainly express my gratitude to my doctor for taking care of me.

Fantastic Insight, Answers, and Awareness. OUTSTANDING BOOK
Fran Drescher brings fantastic insight into the symptoms, proper treatment and diagnosis of cancer, as well as vital questions that you should ask your doctor if you are facing the challenge to overcome this physical one. A VITAL part of this book is how we MUST read, learn, and know as much as the doctor - so we can ask the most intelligent questions in order to receive the BEST treatment that is necessary for us individually. A LOT of it has to do with attitude, where NOTHING can stop you, and you CAN overcome the challenge before you. Written with truth, sincerity, dignity, and intelligence - exactly as I remember Fran to be when I worked with her on the set of 'The Nanny.' This book is just as fantastic as she is.
'Cancer Schmancer' is a tremendous inspiration, as well as a vital gift and contribution to all who need it.
Barbara Rose, author of 'Individual Power' and 'If God Was Like Man'

Sending a wrong message
I just briefly scanned through the book. I have to say I disagree with Fran that patients need to do their own research. It seems she is protecting the Doctors that should have known what diagnostic testing to do.

It seems there is no accountablity in the medical profession when physicans are not knowing what diagnostic test to perform.

I wonder if she pursued more than just a book. ... Read more

Book Description

In this biography of Sharon Tate, Greg King recreates the story of Tate's career, her marriage to Polanski, and her relationships with Hollywood's most famous names. King also brings to vivid life the complete account of the tate murders, describes the lengthy search for the killers. and includes previousl unpublished police and detective reports, trail transcripts and letters from Charles Manson to "squeaky Fromme." More importantly, this is the first book to focus on the victims of the Manson murders. As such, it brings a fresh perspective to the murder story that created a media frenzy foreshadowing what occurs with alarming regularity today. ... Read more

Reviews (47)

I wanted more information
I was eight years old in 1969 when Sharon Tate was murdered, and the Manson family was first heard of. This horrific crime left an impact on me even at that age. I had first read Helter Skelter, and found it fascinating. I was always intrigued by Sharon Tate though. I was interested in this book, and anxiously awaited it. I found a lot of the information about Tate's life as being repetitive, and I agree with another reviewer that the photos inside could have been better. There is one particularly gruesome photo of Tate in death. This photo, while graphic, is a reminder at the brutality of her murder. I don't think anyone reading about the murder can understand the impact as this one picture makes. Horrible. Overall, the majority of the information is repetitive from other sources I've read, but it is still a good read. I would have liked the book to have gone more into depth with Sharon's earlier years. The author does do a great job of recreating the final hours of Tate's life, in chilling detail. What a horrendous death for Tate and the other victims. For the most part, if you are interested in the Manson Family murders, and in Sharon Tate, you'll find this interesting, to say the least.

Sharon Tate was more than just a victim!
Watching the few films Sharon Tate made I could see that the possiblity of so much more was apparent. Especially her role in the Matt Helm flick "The Wrecking Crew" opposite Dean Martin. Although after her murder none of it seemed to matter and Sharon as a person and actress was outshined by the gory murders that took her and her child's and friends' lives.

Now finally Greg King has given us Sharon Tate and The Manson Murders. And Sharon as a person comes through. Most people really knew very little of her outside of the Manson/crimes. So I give King credit for taking her too short life and writing a fine book on this the most beautiful woman ever. I too must agree though that the typo's throughout are disturbing and I too would have liked to have seen more photos of Sharon herself. The inclusion of the death photo though at once seems a bit sensationlistic, it lends the reader a view of just what actually happened to Miss Tate et al.

A book on Sharon' life has long been overdue and I hope if this one is updated or another is published it will spend more time quoting from the long list of Hollywood elite friends of the actress'.

All in all this is a book to purchase and read for anyone who has ever been interested in Sharon Tate as a person more than just a victim of Manson's Family!

an Angel killed by followers of Satan
Greg King brings the horrors of August 9, 1969 into your living room. First of all he gives the best biography of Sharon Tate that has ever been written. It was only over 100 pages, but I haven't seen a more detailed account of her life. She not only had outward beauty, but inward beauty.

Even though I've read Helter Skelter and other books 10 years ago, this book tells more about the victims than the animals who killed them. It's over 300 pages, but the first 116 pages deals with Sharon Tate. No book has ever done that.

As a former prison guard, I'm repulsed how the murderers have abused the system and profited from their crimes. Many poor people who haven't commited any crimes haven't been able to get college degrees in this society. All of the killers have received degrees in prison.

Greg King has shown us new material concerning the Manson killings. The victims were killed for no reason, the murderers returned to the scene of the crime, and afterwards the Press slandered the victims because they didn't have any story to tell. In his book he described that Manson and some of the murderers returned to the scene of the crime only a few hours later. This is true. Sharon Tate and Jay Sebring had type O blood. Neither of them made it out of the living room. The LAPD found on the porch type O blood in large pools. The other 3 victims had type B blood. Manson and the killers were going to hang Sharon Tate and Jay Sebring on the porch and mutilate them even more. They carried the bodies to the porch and got into a big argumnent. To see Sharon Tate's body in the book was bad enough, but it could have been worse. After the arguement they placed the bodies back where they had fallen because daylight was fast approaching. The LAPD Tate Homicide Report (on the web in 33 pages), states in detail the blood drops, the areas of the blood, the place and direciton of the bodies and that Sharon Tate's and Jay Sebrings' bodies were moved after they were killed. In the LAPD report Tate's neighbors stated they heard an arguement from the Tate house at 4:00 AM. This was several hours after the last victim, Sharon Tate had died. This supports King's statements that the murderers returned to the Tate house and moved the bodies.

My only faults with this book are the cover and the photographs. The cover shows a picture of Sharon Tate and a diffused picture of Manson on her chest. He shouldn't have been on the cover. He's had 35 years of press coverage. Enough is enough! The other faults are the numerous photos of Manson and his killers. There have been thousands of photos of Sharon Tate taken. King chose only a couple of pictures of her and the rest were of Manson and his worthless family. I also think that the terrible death photo of her should have been left out. Even though it shows what Charles "Tex" Watson and Susan Atkins did to her in those horrible last moments of her life, Sharon Tate should be remembered for her life and not because she was a victim of the most horrible crime that has ever occurred in U.S. history.

Greg King has shown us new insight into Sharon Tate's history and the horrible murders. He's done a lot of research of her life. I only wish the book would have had more information about her. From what King has found about her, she was truly an angel.

Finally, A Book About Sharon!!!!
Although it would be great to have a biography about Sharon that was just about her, not Manson, this is the best we're going to get right now. What a beautiful woman and such a tragic loss. It was great reading about the lovely Mrs. Tate-Polanksi and learning that she is much more than a murder victim. My only complaint is that there are several graphic murder scene photos and more pictures of the Manson family than of Sharon. Other than that, a great book for people who are interested about Sharon as a human being.

EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT
I can't say enough about Greg King's book. A true historian and fierce researcher, Greg sure did his homework. He interviewed many people including not only Sharon's family, friends and colleagues, but also Alice La Bianca (Leno's first wife), Janet Parent (Steve's sister), and others.

It was a joy to finally read a book focusing on the victims and not the so-called "family."

I loved King's way of dedicating the first half of the book to Sharon's life, stopping a few days short of her death, doing the next part about the origins of Manson's "family," and then bringing the two together to the horrible early morning hours of August 9, 1969.

The part that kept me spellbound was the chapter entitled, "The Last Day." It reminded me of Thomas Sancton's and Scott Mac Leod's book, "Death of a Princess: The Investigation" (about Diana, Princess of Wales). Sancton and Mac Leod gave an almost minute by minute account of Diana's final hours in Paris on August 30, 1997 and King did basically the same with the goings on at Cielo Drive on August 8, 1969.

King gives the spotlight to the people who have been swept under the rug for the past 34 years: the victims. He focuses primarily on Sharon but he does include little known or previously unknown facts about the "other victims." I say, "It's about time!"

This is the definitive book about the victims. Vincent Bugliosi's "Helter Skelter" is THE account of the trial. The two books compliment each other very nicely. ... Read more

Book Description

That voice, those eyes, that hair, the cars, the girls...Elvis Presley revolutionized American pop culture when, at the age of twenty-one, he became the world's first modern superstar. A Memphis Beau Brummel even before he found fame, Elvis had a personal style that, like his music, had such a direct impact on his audience that it continues to influence us to this day. Elvis Presley compellingly examines Elvis' life and style to reveal the generous, complex, spiritual man behind the fourteen-carat-gold sunglasses and answers the question, "Why does Elvis matter?"

"Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force in the twentieth century," proclaimed Leonard Bernstein. By any measure, Presley's life was remarkable. From his modest beginnings in a two-room house to his meteoric rise to international fame, everything about his life -- his outsized talent to his car collection -- clamored for attention. And he got it; even today, Elvis continues to fascinate.

Written with the assistance of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Pamela Clarke Keogh's biography draws on extensive research and interviews with Presley friends and family, among them Priscilla Presley, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, Larry Geller, Bernard Lansky, famed Hollywood photographer Bob Willoughby, and designer Bill Belew. Offered access to the Graceland archives, the author considered thousands of images, selecting more than one hundred color and black-and-white photographs for this book, many of them rarely seen before.

Both a significant biography of the greatest entertainer of our time and a provocative celebration of what Presley means to America today, Elvis Presley introduces the man behind the myth, a very human superstar beloved by millions. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Legend continues....
There is no doubt that the author comes across as a true-blue Elvis fan and there is some very interesting and poignant moments in the book that have not been delved into in other publications (Elvis' meeting with the Beatles and his afterthoughts, and Sophia Loren's encounter with the King). However many of the stories and words in the book have been read and heard elsewhere...de ja vu? Also, there are some inaccuracies in the book(albeit minor) where only die-hard elvis fans like myself would notice. Nevertheless, the book is a fast read that's entertaining with accompanying photos and is a good addition to every Elvis fan's collection.

As a side note, I highly recommend Peter Guralnick's "Last Train to Memphis" and "Careless Love" - the best and most compelling books on Elvis ever written!

A book worthy of a King
Wonderful is all I can say. Ms. Keogh is a masterful orchestrator of the words and images that do Elvis Justice finally.
I Recomend this book to any who loves or loved the King or knows anyone who did... it will be a treasured gift...

A riveting and fresh take on The King
A brilliant literary tour de force, this book offers a fresh take on Elvis, explaining why he still matters today (and probably always will). Told in an energetic style, it has the crackling narrative drive of a great novel. Fans will adore it; it's a beautiful book, full of stunning black-and-white photos of the King, some seldom seen. And it will delight anyone interested in the style secrets of an icon, from his clothes to his Graceland furniture. The coolest book on Elvis ever. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Magnificent Information Source
This work covers the major world film directors who had at least made a significant start on their careers by 1945.As a film historian who frequently analyzes directors and their films, I found this volume extremely valuable.It gives one a perfect opportunity to quickly cover the scope of a director's entire career, reading quotes from the director as well as opinions of prominent critics about significant films from that individual's career.

"World Film Directors" also provides a film historian or fan with the opportunity to enhance his or her perspective of a particular movie by receiving important information on the making of the film, as well as the director's view of the subject matter, as well as opinions of reviewers.

What impressed me most about this work was the exhaustive manner in which it covered film history from 1890-1945.While the breadth is spectacular, the book never bogs down into trivia or fact recitation for its own sake.The directors' lives and careers, as well as their significant films, are covered with the microscope applied to substance rather than minutiae.

The Best Source for World Film Biography & Filmography
If you are a serious film buff, you will want to get Volume One of John Wakeman's incredible 247 page work on about four hundred film directors born before 1920 and well launched on their careers before 1945, primarily in the U.S. and Europe. Wakeman's book includes a photo, detailed biography, critical film reviews and a complete filmography for every director listed.All of my favorites are here along with many fascinating directors that I've only heard mention of elsewhere.Flipping through this volume, I come across Robert Bresson, Jean Cocteau, Maya Deren, King Vidor and many other notable and under appreciated directors.A small critiscism is that artists who dabbled in film and influenced other filmmakers, such as Joseph Cornell, are not included. Wakeman also acknowledges that his plan to include a few of the most admired Chinese directors "were undone by a lack of reliable information" in the early-mid 1980's.Despite these lapses, this is the only reference book to cover many of these directors and to go into such detail about their lives and their films. If you love film and its history, it is well worth having. ... Read more

Book Description

Now in paperback, Journals includes never-before-seen material that will keep everyone talking.

Kurt Cobain filled dozens of notebooks with lyrics, drawings, and writings about his plans for Nirvana and his thoughts about fame, the state of music, and the people who bought and sold him and his music. His journals reveal an artist who loved music, who knew the history of rock, and who was determined to define his place in that history. Here is a mesmerizing, incomparable portrait of the most influential musician of his time. ... Read more

Reviews (144)

You know you want to read it
Yes, there's the moral corundum of disrespecting a dead man's wishes and invading his privacy to make an easy buck off him, but Journals is an interesting read. I'm not a huge Nirvana fan, but I did get a voyeuristic kick out of perusing his handwritten rants, unsent letters, drafted lyrics, rambling diary entries, and assorted scribbles and doodles.

That is not say Journals is essential in understanding Kurt - his music was just as effective in that regard. There's nothing in this book to shed any new light on his complicated personality, though time will tell if that's just a result of Courtney Love's selectivity.

Journals is put together nicely and works as a really morbid coffee table book. But to ease your guilt of exploiting Kurt's death to make Courtney's wallet thicker, while still satiating your curiosity, I would recommend simply borrowing it from a library.

review
Some of you people need to calm down and get a grip, dont be all like " well I dont think Kurt Cobain would like this, and its Courtneys scheme" so be it. If you despise it so much dont buy it.

I will admit i was to young to remember his suicide, but after reading a book on him I found he was a simple and amazing man who had a passion for what he did. I love every one of his songs. Im not saying im better at guitar than him, but he was a kinda crappy guitarist, but an amazing and inspiring song writer. I like to this man is my hero. BUY JOURNALS BUY JOURNALS BUY JOURNALS BUY JOURNALS!

Grow up and read this book if you're so inclined to do so!
The problem with the people who give Journals a negative review is the fact they haven't read Journals. And the kicker is that these so-called "fans" are so terrified of reading it and somehow "desecrating" Kurt Cobain's soul in the process that they dare not read it. These tpes of people don't even belong here reviewing something they haven't even read let alone opened with their own hands. It's not like Kurt's going to come back from the dead to haunt any of you people; None of you are even worth it. Anyway, Journals is a good read for anyone interested in the documentation of an every-man's life because it's such a rare thing to see someone's letters of any profession, word-for-word (the airbrushing was a rumor... or not!), in their own handwriting. To the naysayers: Go naysay your heads off, and don't come back 'til you read Journals.

...
I HATE how people are saying it's "disgusting" reading Kurt's Journals...If you don't think it's right, then don't read it.Make a choice for yourself.Kurt's gone and his privacy should be respected, however, people are going to buy Journals no matter what you say. I only flipped through it in the book store the other day. Interesting to say the least. And I'm going to buy it. Despite all the bashing I've read about it. Despite the fact that it's repeating facts I already know [he was a druggie, suicidal, such and such]. Despite the fact that buying it will help Courtney more than anyone else. When I die, if I'm a recognized celebrity I would want my journals to be published. It's a way for fans to see more about the person they idolize.I'm not saying I idolize Kurt and thats why I'm buying. I'm just saying there is people like that.

These one-star reviewers haven't read Journals! Ignore them!
Kurt documented his drug abuse, suicide attempts, and other problems in this Journals compilation so that the entries could be read after he killed himself. That's the ONLY reason somebody like him would do that. His entries aren't even numbered or marked with dates because he just wanted to keep track of his daily rants, whines, and problems for future reading. Who they were meant for exactly is obviously a mystery, but he kept them for SOMEONE. The "fans" who say that selling Kurt's Journals is "disgusting" need to actually read the journal entries before making judgments, because there's isn't anything in there that Kurt hasn't mentioned in interviews or Azzerad's CAYA. I hate preachy fans of any band, but that stands double for supposed "morally-upright" Nirvana fans. They practically worship Kurt Cobain when he was the most self-absorbed, self-indulgent druggie ever to grace he music world. They're such hypocrites. He deserved the "tragic" ending to his life that he gave himself. Wanna talk about somebody's greediness? Then talk about Kurt's daily $400 a day heroin binges... and how he killed himself and took hemself out of his daughter's life forever. Kurt allowed Courtney to get her hands on his journal entries by killing himself, so it's his fault if he didn't want them released. All in all, Journals was an interesting read. Ignore the born-again Christian Nirvana reviewers who gave this book one star, and see for yourself if you like it. ... Read more

Book Description

Popular cult author and show business insider James Parish exposes the scandals that rocked Tinseltown

Nothing intrigues the public more than a good, juicy scandal. Add a famous Hollywood star or two to the mix and the nation is hooked. The Hollywood Book of Scandals provides the full account of 32 big, provocative scandals—complete with all the sexy, scintillating, and often shocking details. Written by veteran show business chronicler James Robert Parish, this book dishes the full dirt on:

• Bob Crane’s mysterious death
• Elizabeth Taylor’s seduction of Eddie Fisher
• Robert Mitchum’s arrest for drug possession
• Judy Garland’s public meltdown
• Errol Flynn’s trial for statutory rape
• Winona Ryder’s shoplifting trial

More than 100 black-and-white celebrity photos offer readers a close-up look at the leading players in these sordid dramas.

Reviews (17)

A Good Time Had By All?
James Robert Parish, Hollywood historian extraordinaire, smartly tackles the biggest and best Hollywood scandals of the last century. From the sexual ignominies of Valentino and Fatty Arbuckle to the outrageous O.J. and Robert Blake murder cases, Parish shines an accurate journalistic light on the follies and foibles of those we call Stars. If you want the real lowdown on Liz and Dick, the SNL cast, Woody Allen, Marilyn, Natalie Wood, Winona Ryder, Heidi Fleiss and many many more, throw away the tabloids and pick up this book - it's the most fun Hollywood read this year!

Sensational stories -- without sensationalism
James Robert Parish comes up with another tome about Hollywood. Once again, Parish offers dishy stories within a framework of intelligent prose, careful historical analysis, and a keen eye for human behavior. There's something for everyone in "The Hollywood Book of Scandals." The book covers dozens of cases, from the more obscure (comedienne Thelma Todd's mysterious death in the early 1930s) to the fresh-from-the-presses tales involving Robert Blake and Winona Ryder. Among the other stars found in Parish's latest are Errol Flynn, Ingrid Bergman, Liberace, and Woody Allen. "The Hollywood Book of Scandals" is a must for film lovers. Gossipy? Sure. Informative and engrossing? Definitely. An