Television Books

The best book I have read in years.

Truly this author must be a sensual and extremely strong willed human being. Her unique style of writing makes the reader feel a personal involvement in her truly amazing life. This remarkable tale takes you back in time as you relive with her a life that is filled with drugs, sex, extortion, gambling, kidnapping, stalking, mental and physical abuse, and even more! Her strong will and love of life are all the tools she has to keep her alive. The book compels one to keep reading and is very difficult to put down. She blames no one for her misfortunes. She shows us that life is a learning experience. Her ability to convey her erotic experiences (with many famous rock stars and sport superstars) is done with a flare that brings the reader into her soul. Although she is the first to admit the mistakes she has made, she stands proud. She tells us, "If we cease to learn from experience, we might as well be dead".

Buy and read this book. It will make you cry, laugh, and experience remarkable feelings. I learned much as the writer helped me to understand my own views. She gives us a jolt of reality. In essence this woman shows us not to judge others without all the facts and even then to understand that there is always the unknown. I hope she writes another book (or has already done so). I would buy it in a flash!

This book takes you on an incedible journey in the author's life. You travel through time and witness the intoxicating events that keep you uncontrollably turning the pages. She brings you through the world of gambling, extortion, drugs, murder, stalking, mental and physical abuse. Even after she has been through what most of us could not live through, there is more. She becomes a stripper to survive and winds up having affairs with some very famous sports celebrities. This book is definately adult material.
...
This book is a must read for those who think that the light is difficult to see at the end of the tunnel. If miss Kert could have made it to the other side she gives insperation to all of us. BRAVO

thx to those who have reviewed my book and to those who may purchase it...this is my story....it is the story of a woman who had to keep fighting ...just to stay alive...i was kiddnapped, stalked, physically and mentally abused and that list goes on...the mountains that i climbed to get out of my situations are amazing to say the least... that as well as the complexity of my life story....and my reasons for writing this heart wrenching account of this captivating story....

if u have bought the book...or are contemplating buying it...please visit my wesite
http://www.cybertpi.com/daveda/

Speaking from personal experience, I was aghast at the review
from Lilgurl. She is in fact a little girl who could not understand the obstacles and malicious men her mother faced.
She turned her life around to become a dedicated mother to her 2 children.
This book is a life experience and those that are to young should not be permitted to read it, until they can fully comprehend, and not condemn their mother, but praise her for turning her life around.

For those who have a copy of Volume 1, Ships of the Star Fleet, covering most Star Fleet's capital ships (Cruisers & Frigates), Volume 2, this volume will be largely familiar in format and execution.

It is a well-executed work loosely following the format of works such as "Jane's Fighting Ships" with extensive additions regarding the rationals and political processes involved in the development, construction, histories and records of the classes and individual vessels of the classes of Perimeter Action Ships (circa 2290-91) covered by the volume.

I have both Volumes (1 & 2), and they have provided me with quite literally hundreds, if not thousands of hours of rapt enjoyment. I dearly wish that more volumes were available. As it is, I want dearly to buy a second copy of this one as well as Volume 1 (to replace my now somewhat dog-eared and damaged from years of being poured overe for hours at a time), if I can find another copy of Vol. 1.

I unhesitantly, heartily recommend this work for the library of any Star Trek (emphasis on the Kirk, Spock & company-era movies) enthusiast, especially if you (or they) are interested in the type & quality of information that allow you to absorb what's offered in the books and, at your heart's desire, extrapolate from what's already there into your own overview of what would be happening in the Star Trek: The Movies universe including such things as "how would I employ these assets in how I choose to intrepret the social, political and military environment in this era?"

What else can I say? It's a great book for those interested in this kind of information, including, of course (but not limited to) those who have Volume 1.

Bravo!

Craig A. Bassett

I wish that there were more of these books out there. I was suprised to discover a whole new starship class I've never before heard of. A must have for Star Trek fans all over!

The books in this series really go into the nuts and bolts, almost reading like current military texts. It non-canonical for those who care what Paramount thinks. I highly reccomend it. Also, please be advised that they have their own timeline, similar to, but not identical to Paramounts. It also ties in w/ the original Tech Manual. If anyone has a web address for the publisher, Mastercom Data Center, please post it or email me.

Since checking this page, I now learn this book is a stand alone issue. How sad. If similar publications had been produced, I would have puchased the entire series. A brilliant idea, and extremely well presented. A serious must for anyone interested in Star Trek.

The website for Mastercom is:
http://www.mastercomdata.com/

EXCELLENT! Shirley Temple: A Pictorial History of the World's Greatest Child Star was intended to be given as a Christmas gift. After skimming through it, I became enthralled. Shirley Temple is such a part of Americana that she is somewhat taken for granted. After reading Shirley Temple: A Pictorial History of the World's Greatest Child Star, the enchanting photographs accompanying her incredible biography allow the reader to relive the extraordinary life of an American icon. Even someone who is unfamiliar with her will become a fan. As I did!

I have never seen a collection of Shirley photographs and memorabilia as extensive as this one.

The pages are chock full of photos I've never seen before, and I've been a devoted fan since the 50's! If you adore Shirley, this book is something you must have. I absolutely love it.

This book couldn't be better! The pictures of Shirley Temple are absolutely gorgeous and they are all throughout the book in both color and black and white from the time she was a baby until her later teen years. If you want pictures of the best child star ever, this is the book to have.

This book is a must for anyone who is a Shirley Temple fan. Those not familiar with her work might find it interesting as well. Rita Dubas has done a wonderful job here. The layout is beautiful, showcasing many photos of Shirley (some of which I'd never seen before!) along with oodles of photos of Shirley Temple memorabilia from all over the world.

It's a fascinating glimpse into the world of yesteryear, when a sweet little girl was the most popular star in Hollywood.

This is a gorgeous book by designer/collector Rita Dubas. Breathtaking images presented in such a beautiful fashion. This book does the little legend proud. This is one for your library. Bravo!

Until this book appeared, there wasn't much information available on Charley except in Leonard Maltin's book on sound shorts. This great book will illustrates the life of both Charley (Parrott) Chase and his brother James Parrott. Their lives were intertwined, and when one of them had problems it certainly affected the other. While Chase always had a jolly face on, this book illustrates both his triumphs and his failures. Chase worked with many great comics like Charlie Chaplin, Roscoe Arbuckle, Laurel & Hardy, Thelma Todd and the Three Stooges. Chase also directed and/or supervised many good comedies where he did not appear on-screen. There is a very detailed filmography (and musicography) in the back that includes the lyrics to many of the songs that Charley wrote, his many directing credits, and other film appearances. Sure this book is expensive, but if you love silent comedy or early sound shorts you will not be able to stop reading it.

"Smile When the Raindrops Fall" is a fascinating and affectionate look at the career of the vastly underrated motion picture comic Charley Chase (1893 - 1940). It's hard to imagine that Chase, whom time has mostly obscured, could be so vividly portrayed. However, through interviews with Chase's family, friends, and associates, the authors ressurect the comic in a biography that lovingly alternates between hilarity and heartbreak. Calling Chase one of the comic greats is no exageration: this brilliantly inventive and prolific figure contributed to over 300 films as writer, director, or actor (sometimes all three) before his untimely death at the age of 46. Chase worked with almost every major name in early film comedy, including Charlie Chaplin, Fatty Arbuckle, Harold Lloyd, Laurel & Hardy, and the Three Stooges. The reader is taken on a nostalgic tour of silent and early sound comedy, its evolution paralleling the career of one of its pioneers. Excellent photo's and a detailed biography are included. An important piece of Hollywood history has finally been documented, and done justice, in this fine biography.

Well, it took me awhile to track this one down through my local library but it was worth it!! Charley Chase practically invented the situation comedy!

This wonderfully concise and well-written bio traces the life of Charles Parrott/Chase from his early days as a entertainer on the East Coast to his move to California and his two-reel comedy career. The book also focuses on many aspects of Charley's personal life, from his protective/co-dependent relationship with his brother, comedy director James Parrott to his own bouts with alcohol. The book is also full of wonderful photos and stills from his films. My favorite parts of the book are the chapters that pertain to his career at his final comedy home, Columbia Studios, where he not only churned out some excellent comedies (THE HECKLER, THE BIG SQUIRT, THE WRONG MISS WRIGHT), but directed other two-reel comedy players of the day, most notably The Three Stooges.

Charley left us all too soon at the age of 47 in 1940, but his legacy of great comedy is out there for all to enjoy!

I was introduced to the comedy of Charley Chase by a film collector friend of mine back in college and have always appreciated his unique style. Brian Anthony's and Andy Edmond's book does justice to this far underrated and nearly forgotten talent in a way that is readable and as entertaining as Charley himself. In fact, the wealth of material here is so great, one wonders why no one has mined it for a film. In any event, if you're into early film history, or even if you are just curious about a man who was a powerhouse both in front of and behind the camera, you owe it to yourself to check this book out.

I just finished re-reading "Smile When the Raindrops Fall" (third time, I think) and I second the opinions of the other reviewers. Very few authors have ever discussed the films of Charley Chase in print, and nobody has ever delved into the prolific comedian's personal life in so much detail. Brian Anthony and Andy Edmonds have done Mr. Chase proud, amply demonstrating how he created many clever and amusing movies, and how his private life sometimes colored his work. There are many rare and charming photos, including a memorable candid shot from his final days: his camera crew has just presented the new grandfather with "Gramp's Chair." If you've only been casually acquainted with Charley Chase, here's your chance to get to know him. Great reading for movie buffs, and well worth the publisher's price tag.

There seem to be two kinds of animation books: the "just the facts, ma'am" kind, and those filled with endless anecdotes of the lost golden age. Shamus Culhane's book falls between them and yet hits both extremes. He doesn't clean up history or trim the facts to fit the legends. Which is to say it's unexpurgated (which means uncensored) told in a rollicking, stream of consciousness you are there style.

It's also the untold backstory of animation, as well as a peek at numerous cartoons which have yet to make DVD. Shamus Culhane created the best Woody Woodpecker cartoons including "Barber of Seville," very different from but equally intriguing as "The Rabbit of Seville" (Chuck Jones/ written by Michael Maltese), as well as darkening the doors of most of the then current studios. Not only that, but it's absolutely crammed with photos, character sheets and other animania so as to render the book a visual feast. Anyone with even a passing interest in cartoons or looking for a good read will be delighted to find Culhane's book which is, ironically, one of the few animated histories of animation.

This book was recommended to me by another web/multimedia developer. He told me that I should read it, that it was the web industry in a nutshell. The main difference is the web has a very compressed time line. I first read the book over a year ago... it still reads like prophesy.

This is a "must have" for anyone who wants to create animation. Although not a how-to book, it has an incredible amount of insightful and useful information that is pertinent to those starting out or thinking about starting out their animation career. Shamus writes his animation life story in a way that will entertain and enlighten you. Many of his adventures and experiences are as relavant today as when they happened to him long ago during the Golden Age of animation. The author gives you a ring side seat as he is introduced to animation and evolves as an animator and producer. This was a book that I wish had no end; it actually made me sad to reach the final page.

This book is a must.It is extremely useful for those who want to animate cartoon characters.Shamus description of his life which he shares with the animation history is a very brilliant and inspirated storytellig.This is the book that all animator's should buy. It contains all the valuable information about american animation and all those wonderful pioneers who created the most amazing industry in the world: animation.Do not hesitate! Just buy this book and you will love it. I bet!

James "Shamus" Culhane is not a name that is instantly recognizable to the general public, as is Chuck Jones, but his contributions were every bit as significant. Like Jones, he can be maddeningly arrogant and dismissive of the efforts of his fellow animators, but the truly annoying thing is that he is often right. Culhane worked at virtually every major cartoon studio during its "Golden Age", and generally improved the output of every studio with which he was involved--however briefly. He turned the Fleischer's version of Popeye into a fluid, living character, whereas before Popeye seemed to move like some sort of animatronic figure at Disneyland. He directed one of the few bright spots at Walter Lantz, a Woody Woodpecker cartoon called "Barber of Seville" (which garnered an Academy Award nomination). He also takes us where few other books in animation dare to go--the early days of cartooning for television (did you know he was one of the first producers to make animated commercials for TV? The Ajax elves were his). He even attempted to get in the ground floor of the TV animated series market, though his efforts did not succeed.

This is a must-read, if for no other reason than it avoids rehashing the same material covered again and again by previous books, and gives us an insight into the inner workings of an animation studio as few other books do.

This book was a complete joy to read! I'm going to have to restrain myself from a writing a long, glowing review here. I'd rather you get the book and read it instead.
Author, David Van Deusen takes you from the inception of his brilliant idea to publish his newsletter, "The Walnut Times," dedicated to The Dick Van Dyke Show, to his eventual interviews and friendships with the cast and creative crew. This is no exaggeration. As you will see to your own envy (and certainly to mine), David has literally become friends with the people who brought us this classic TV show, earning nicknames from Carl Reiner and Dick Van Dyke! Ever dream about being in Rob and Laura's living room or kitchen? Me too. David's gone one better; he's actually been there - and they were home!
I very much enjoyed David's relaxed, unembellished writing style. You'll flow along effortlessly from one wonderful experience to another, sharing David's anxiety, trepidation, and exuberance all the way. David worked hard to bring about "The Walnut Times," and he shares it all with us in "To Twilo And Beyond! My Walnut Adventures With The Dick Van Dyke Show Cast." He lets us in on phone conversations, snail mailings, emails and all. The interviews are thoughtful and insightful.You won't want to put this book down until you've finished it.
Every true fan of The Dick Van Dyke Show should buy this book. It doesn't matter who your favorite character or star from the show is, they will be represented here, either by interview, a chat with their family members, or reminisced by those who loved or worked with them. If you love The Dick Van Dyke Show, you will love "To Twilo And Beyond."

David Van Deusen is the #1 fan and authority on the Dick Van Dyke Show. He not only writes about all the characters but also has worked to get to know each cast member and anyone associated with the show. Many "look back" books are just a compilation of the facts, but David has put his entire heart and soul into this project. He also publishes "The Walnut Times" which is not only the official but only newsletter on the Dick Van Dyke Show. We don't see TV like this anymore. And it is great to see a book like David's that helps us relive that past.

Take a very pleasant trip "To Twilo And Beyond" by opening up this 202-page book, written by David Van Deusen (the "other DVD"), who is one of the world's biggest fans of the everlastingly-entertaining 1960s television series, "The Dick Van Dyke Show".

I, myself, just might rank as one of the most-ardent admirers of that TV sitcom, too, having seen each episode many times (which is easier to accomplish now than ever before, what with the fact that all 158 episodes of the series have been made available on the DVD-Video format through the superb efforts of Image Entertainment Inc. and Paul Brownstein Productions).

Keeping this book right next to those DVD boxed sets is a wise thing to do. They complement each other nicely. In fact, Mr. Van Deusen even appears on camera within one of the Dick Van Dyke Show full-season DVD boxed sets (the Season-Two collection). David produced and hosts a bonus featurette located in that set, called "The Making Of 'It May Look Like A Walnut'", which includes interviews with cast members as they reminisce about creating that enduring and well-remembered 51st filmed episode of the Van Dyke Show.

In my opinion, it's very difficult to think of any other single television program in the history of that medium that is as downright satisfying and warm and "real" (and just flat-out good) as "The Dick Van Dyke Show" (1961-1966; CBS-TV).

"Leave It To Beaver" (1957-1963) probably comes the closest to the Van Dyke Show in all of the above-mentioned regards, in my own personal opinion. "Beaver", like Mr. Van Dyke's series, is a TV show I never get tired of watching. And I doubt I ever shall.

The cast of the Van Dyke Show will forever remain one of the very best ensembles placed on a TV soundstage -- Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, Carl Reiner, Richard Deacon, Jerry Paris, Ann Morgan-Guilbert, and Larry Mathews.

Mr. Van Deusen has developed friendships with all of the surviving cast members, which he warmly relates in this book. I envy David greatly. :)

Perhaps the best and most accurate reviews for this publication come from some of the actual members of the Dick Van Dyke Show cast. The two endorsements below sum things up pretty well:

"By doggedly going about contacting everyone ever connected with 'The Dick Van Dyke Show', David Van Deusen has unearthed information and anecdotes about those good old days and the good, young actors and directors who made it work. He has given me a second look at things that I was too busy to look at the first time around and I thank him and his book for affording me that rare and pleasant opportunity." -- Carl Reiner

"For any fan of 'The Dick Van Dyke Show', this book is a MUST read. David {Van Deusen} has captured the soul of each character to a 'T'. You will not be able to put this book down until you finish reading it. Enjoy all the wonderful memories!" -- Rose Marie

------------------

Thank you, Mr. Van Deusen, for helping to keep the memory of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" alive as we proceed well into the 21st century. And I'd be willing to wager a closet-full of Kolac's and Lolac's walnuts that people in the 22nd century will still be watching (and enjoying) that TV series too. For, no matter how many years that go by, Mr. Van Dyke's program will never grow stale. After all, a truly fine wine only gets better with age.

Have you ever tripped over an ottoman? Or a MOUNTAIN? Ever get an overwhelming urge for walnuts (and then found you had no thumbs to help get them into your mouth)? Ever have one of those days when you keep hearing "Uhny Uftz" while tripping the light fantastic in Herbie's Hiawatha Lodge at Lake Sissy Manunu?

No??? Well then obviously you haven't seen the greatest TV show in the HISTORY of TV shows!!! The DICK VAN DYKE SHOW! And maybe this book is not for you. But for the majority of us intelligent, classy, sophisticated connosseurs of fine entertainment, this book is a MUST!

The author takes you behind the scenes of the Dick Van Dyke Show via interviews with it's top stars and crew. But these are no flashy Entertainment Tonight interviews -- these come straight from the heart, from someone who is a long-time fan, with an exuberant awe and appreciation not only for the brilliance and genius of each individual's talent, but a genuine loving curiosity about the stars and crew as fascinating individuals in their own right.

You will travel vicariously, via your host David Van Deusen, to places most DVDS fans never get to go -- on the set of the Dick Van Dyke Show, backstage at the TV Land Awards, the Dick Van Dyke Show Reunion, and even to Rose Marie's house!

This book was written with a lot of love -- and it shows! You'll feel it with every word. Sit back, relax and dig in!

Oh, and watch out for that ottoman! . . . and mountain! . . . and those damn walnuts! . . . Still got your thumbs? Great, they'll be helpful in reading this book!

What a wonderful book David Van Deusen has written. He loves this show and has such great respect and admiration for the cast and creators of "The Dick Van Dyke Show". He has allowed us to catch a glimpse of what it's like to set up a publication, meet many favorite stars and the troubles that arise in trying to meet them and the great adventure of writing it all down. This is a great read for anyone who loves classic television and "The Dick Van Dyke Show". David Van Deusen has been aptly named the Head Walnut. Thumbs Up!!!

This is so packed with details that I am always searching for. It's awesome, it's so cool. It has everything that you need to know about the X-files, I have nothing but praise for the author. I love the fact that it told so much about all of the characters and stuff, and it's just so great that I recommend if you're as obsessed as I am about the show, to go and buy it. It's definitely worth the price. Again, really great book!!!

I thought that the book had alot to give and I realy liked it. If any one has a good X-files book tell me what it is called

Absolutely, positively, without a doubt the best and most complete reference book that has ever been published on THE X-FILES. This incredibly detailed and beautifully illustrated book covers everything you ever wanted to know about THE X-FILES but were afraid to ask! It is a massive undertaking that covers everything in easy to use A-Z alphabetical format. Every entry cites the episode it came from and every character has the actor's name. Say for example, in the letter (B): you will find lengthy entries for everything from Bear ("Ice") to Bay Area Carpeteers (the Chinese employer of Shuyang Hsin in "Hell Money") and Big Blue ("Quagmire"), from Babcock ("Gethsemane") to Bright White Place ("Nisei") and Biodiversity Project ("F. Emasculata") and tons of entries in between. It is also a very timely book as it covers all previous 4 seasons. I also love the classy look of the book, the good-grade paper and the typeset inside and, especially the price. Oh, how could I forget the illustrations! No more reused stock photos (that we've all seen in every magazine), but the coolest artwork enhances the book. Wait until you check out Flukeman, Mama Peacock and Dr. Zama! THE X-CYCLOPEDIA is a BIG book (with thousands of entries) and for only $15 it's a better deal than the 2 or 3 X-Files magazines I buy each month that total more than $15. If you call yourself an X-Phile, then you don't want to be without this DEFENITIVE reference book to the series! This is THE book of the X-FILES, and I highly recommend it.

This is definitely a 'must have' book for all X-Files fans! Every person, place, company name, historical reference or 'you name it' ever mentioned in seasons 1-4 is covered here! Also serves as an episode guide! Mine stays right next to me whenever I am watching the reruns! Get it...now!

This is the COMPLETE reference guide to my favorite TV show. Idon'tthink the authors missed a thing in this book...it is absolutely mind-boggling to see so many entries. From A to Z, The X-Files has never before been put under such focused, affectionate, and meticulous scrutiny. The X-CYCLOPEDIA is the ULTIMATE reference book on the series and if I only had $15 in my pocket and could only buy one book about THE X-FILES, then it would be this one. Hands down, this is THE best reference book on THE X-FILES ever written. I give it two thumbs up, four stars, or whatever critics use as a measuring stick. No X-Phile should be without it! The truth is no longer OUT there...it is IN the X-CYCLOPEDIA!

It seems everybody is doing an episode guide, but this book is different...it is all trivia, behind-the-scenes, and nitpicking. Loads of fun if THE X-FILES is your weekly fix. My son and I used it as a game to keep us occupied on a flight from NYC to San Diego as we tested each other's knowledge of our favorite TV show. I highly recommend this book...Must reading for X-Philes

If you think you know EVERYTHING about the best show on television, you're wrong. These guys pull up obscure info and quiz you on it, drawing not only from the episodes but from interviews, books, and magazines. This is a great book and a must for an X-Phile's library! My only complaint: after reading Phil Farrand's lighthearted Nitpicker's Guide, the authors of this book seem really critical. I mean, what's up with their review of "War of the Coprophages"? Lighten up! Other than that, of course, diehard fans will cherish this book.

Over 1,000 questions from the first three (3) seasons of my favorite TV show in a challenging format to test the gray cells of my brain. How would I describe this book: An X-Files version of JEOPARDY! More than just something to read...a book to play and damn well worth the $$$. I highly recommend it to any die-hard X-Phile

I've always considered myself an X-pert. None of my online friends (or real life for that matter) has ever been able to stump me on X-Files trivia. I'm completely addicted to the show and have 15 books.

This one is definately one of the best, pointing out many of the nitpicks and netpicks we've philes have already discovered in addition to new ones that sent me back to look for them. The trivia is extremely difficult and interesting.

I recommend this book to all philes who think they know it all. Take a few months to memorize this book and then you will know it all.

My brother got me this book for my birthday two years ago. It is my bible and my life (kind of sad, actually!) Anyways, it's really good and like that other guy said, if you take a few months to memorize it, you'll the X-Files Genius and you can impress your friends with little tidbits of knowledge. For example, what's Scully's home phone number? I'm not telling.. get it and look it up yourself! Note: good book for diehard fans!

Funny and fascinating. What an incredbile life!

I have not read the book as yet but I would like the opportunity to relate how Mr. England's reputation is in Oklahoma. I worked in the railroad industry for 15 years in Oklahoma which is greatly affected by weather extremes. Our supervisors used to tell us to watch Gary England for weather updates as his was the best in the state. Mr. England never failed us.

As a youngster growing up in Seiling, Oklahoma, Gary England had an idol in television meteorologist Harry Volkman. Flash forward 40 years. As a youngster growing up in Oklahoma City, I had an idol in Gary England. This is the first time I have known the entire story of what England has gone through in his 20+ years at KWTV. I have met with and talked to England on several occasions, and I will never know how he keeps his sanity while weathering 2 storms...the weather itself, and the world of television news.

It's obvious this guy is a weatherman, not a professional writer being paid to turn an ordinary life into something that sells books. The book isn't weighed down with lots of pretty words or meteorology lessons. It's simply written as a story of Gary England's life, and what a life that has been! As a young girl I was always fascinated by tornadoes, and at one point seriously considered being a meteorologist. After reading England's book I'm convinced I couldn't have handled the politics and pressure. I hated turning each page because it only brought me closer to the end of the book. I'm sure Gary has lots more stories to tell, and I hope he writes many more books to tell them! I'll gobble them all up.

One of the neatest things about reading this book is that now when I see Gary England on TV clips saying those now-famous words during the May 3, 1999 Oklahoma City Tornado, "You NEED to be underground to survive this one!" I look at him with a knowledge of his life story and how he got to be where he is, and I'm filled with such respect. Thank you, Gary, for suffering through petty politics to be able to save so many lives.

After reading this book, I felt that I was no longer alone in dealings with news directors. I have only been in television weather for 6 years and have had my fill of television business. My hats off to Gary for being able to stave off over a dozen new directors. This book is a must read for anyone wanting to venture into the "glamorous" life of television news, especially any aspiring meteorologist.

It is important to remember that there were four people in the Velvet Underground and only one of them was named Lou Reed. Though Lou has gone on to a waxing/waning career as homo heroin hipster in the thirty-odd years since their demise, the other three (Mo (best drummer on Earth) Tucker, Dr. Sterling Morrison (RIP), and John Cale) are just as relevant if not moreso. One might argue Lou hasn't done anything as great without them since the VU's demise.

Here we have the autobiography of uber producer (Modern Lovers, Patti Smith, The Stooges)/VU bassist/viola/singer John Cale written with NY scenester whore Victor Bockris (who wrote similar pieces on the VU with Gerard Malanga and on Patti Smith with Roberta Bayley). The time with the Velvets is here, as is his solo period, marriages and divorces, early childhood and history as a musician, in a book that runs the range of emotions not expected by someone approaching Cale with the reductionist mentality of "The dark other guy in the Velvets that wasn't Lou," which sadly, lots of people do approach him with.

This book screams for a "read by Cale" audio version as anyone who has listened to/seen footage of Cale interviews knows, the man has a hypnotic Welsh lilt to his voice.

Buy it, read it, find out more about one of the best bands of the latter part of the last century and one of the best musicians to come out of it. You won't be disappointed. The content as well as the graphic presentation are beautiful.

Signed,
epsteinsmutha

John Cale is one of my musical idols. I'm in the process of producing my own concert of his & my compositions. He has a great deal of range stylistic. I highly recommend you purchase this amazing life of an amazing artist! I actually bought the cardboard bonded first edition from the U.K. when it was first published. Very finely book. BUY IT & enjoy!

I devoured this book about my top music hero and pronounce it good! It's not perfect though, I would have liked more background on some of the albums (people involved in the recording, events etc) especially his work with e.g. Nick Drake, and the editing is really sloppy: in one place early in the text, the title of a newspaper has just been left out, and Cale's collaboration with Bob Neuwerth is called Last NIGHT On Earth (it is DAY). It provides valuable insights into his personal life and artistic development, and early reflections on Andy Warhol and The Factory. Great photographs and illustrations too make for a very pleasing design. Certainly worthy of the man and his achievements.

I just recently bought this book. I love it. Great stories, and nice pictures. Sometimes it is painfull honest. It is so nice to read about the start of the Velvet Underground.

Also the pictures are wonderful.

Bettina

After finishing this book in the wee hours of this morning I've come to the conclusion that Cale must be appreciated for his solitary genius in the fields of art and expression but also must be taken with a grain of salt. The entire book seems to be a thinly veiled attack at Lou Reed whom Cale seems overwhelmingly jealous of (thou others would tend to disgree) Plus it shows him as a very difficult individual to get along with (ie his many wives, his broken colaborative relationships with Reed and Brian Eno) I also found it amusing how he brought it other commentators only to attack Reed and make Cale out to be a saint. Overall this is a very well written book filled with sardonic wit and dry humor with an excellent view into the VU, The Factory days, and the progression of one man's struggles through himself and art. Cale is not blameless in his trangressions but I think he sees this...