Television Books

what can go on behind the scenes of historical events, give this book a read.

I met Bill Gibson before his book hit the shelves. I found him to be a reserved man, with an underlying sense of humor; only mentioning to me, he had a book coming out about his career as a professional photagrapher in the Navy. I asked him if he liked it on the Merrimac; oddly, he hardly speaks to me lately.

All jest aside, I'm not giving Bill's book five stars in order to be on speaking terms again, or for the rebate promised on my copy. Bill Gibson's "No Film In My Camera", will entertain all generations, and surely enlighten the younger; although parental guidance is suggested.

Bill brings us his personal perspective to major events and eminent icons of our history, with humor and dashing flair. Particularly dashing, when caught sunbathing on Enyu island.(One of the reasons for the PG rating.)

As I read, I couldn't help but envy his life, and imagine myself a member of his crew, partaking in the adventure.

Now that I've read the book, I find Bill to be a reserved man, with an underlying obsession for insane risk, and his humor a little less subtle, especially when I can talk him into a martini. BUY THIS BOOK, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

what can go on behind the scenes of historical events, give this book a read.

I met Bill Gibson before his book hit the shelves. I found him to be a reserved man, with an underlying sense of humor. Only mentioning to me, he had a book coming out about his career as a professional photagrapher in the Navy. I asked him if he liked it on the Merrimac; oddly, he hardly speaks to me lately.

All jest aside, I'm not giving Bill's book five stars in order to be on speaking terms again, or for the rebate promised on my copy. Bill Gibson's "No Film In My Camera", will entertain all generations, and surely enlighten the younger; although parental guidance is suggested.

Bill brings us his personal perspective to major events and eminent icons of our history, with humor and dashing flair. Particularly dashing, when caught sunbathing on Enyu island.(One of the reasons for the PG rating.)

As I read, I couldn't help but envy his life, and imagine myself a member of his crew, partaking in the adventure.

Now that I've read the book, I find Bill to be a reserved man, with an underlying obsession for insane risk, and his humor a little less subtle, especially when I can talk him into a martini. BUY THIS BOOK, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

As the wife of a career Navy photographer for many years, I was often asked, "What does a *photographer* do in the service?" Certainly, they are unsung heroes whose stories should be told. And now they have a master story-teller to do it: Bill Gibson. This book is sheer delight for all of us who were there, and many who will wish *they* had been when they read about it! Only the Twentieth Century could have produced Bill Gibson -- there will never be another. He not only lived history in many areas, but helped make it as well. "No Film" is such a good read that, although I tried to ration it to myself and make it last, I could not let it alone until I had read it all, and still go back to savor certain episodes again. I placed it on the shelf next to Tom Brokaw's two books about my generation, and I am hoping this remarkable person is at work on another.

Gibson is a supremely multi-talented author. His skill as a cameraman is met - and perhaps exceeded - as a gifted raconteur. He takes you along for a fascinating trip through history: World War 11, Africa, Viet Nam, Hollywood!, NASA and other adventures he was lucky to survive! From hanging off helicopters to crouching tigers - you can't get enough! This is a true page turner that proves again - great non-fiction has no equal. Gibson is a true Renaissance man....I hope he is writing a sequel. This is a book you will want to keep in your permanent library.

NO FILM IN MY CAMERA is an action-packed adventure from page one! Mr. Gibson's book is an eye-opening ride that took me to some of the most turbulent and exciting times in our nation's history. His accounts of daring assignments, and sometimes crazy adventures as a cameraman, are retold with passion and humor. After many years of telling stories with his camera, he now tells his own story with as much creativity and attention to detail. From being on the USS Hornet as she was attacked, to being a part of the early days of the Space Program, to encounters with world leaders and Hollywood celebrities, NO FILM IN MY CAMERA gives an eye-opening look at the never-dull life of an inventive, courageous, world-class cameraman.

After teaching English for several years, Judy Muller worked her way from small-town radio up to network television.

Her short, readable memoir is by turns poignant, moving, and hysterically funny. The copy that I checked out of the library had many dog-eared pages and I quickly grew to expect laughter -- that is, to hear myself laughing out loud -- when I reached one of these frequent waystations.

I knew that Judy Muller teaches a graduate course in broadcast journalism and I checked this book out of the library because I thought it might provide some good insights into the specifics of delivering the news. Beyond learning that radio reporters actually write their stories (but many TV reporters don't), which for some reason I found surprising -- you mean they don't just wing it? -- I learned very little about the mechanics of broadcast reporting, yet "Now This" is so accessible, and so funny, that I read the whole book anyway.

The editorial reviewers (above) have pretty much covered the topic areas of the book, so let me mention something other reviewers have not emphasized.

In anecdote after knee-slapping anecdote, Muller really captures a prevailing disjunction, a gap between the way the Big Media Powers that Be (back in New York) see the world, and the way the rest of us see it out here on the other side of William Penn's woods.

Judy Muller must have zillions of these stories under her belt by now, and now that she's gotten her memoir out of the way, it would be great to sit back and enjoy hearing her recount some episodes from her travels through small-town USA.

I look forward to a sequel, especially if it as as funny as the original ... Now This!

Judy Muller's unique combination of sharp wit, keen perception, brutal honesty, and personal courage gives us a glimpse into radio and TV journalism we can't get from just listening or watching. The book is a triumph, fleshing out the real people behind the talking heads. Her frank description of personal alcoholism is heart-wrenching, and her tale of the prices paid, and the gains made, in her profession should be required reading for anyone seriously considering a career in journalism. A fine read on several levels. Thanks for sharing, Judy!

This is easily one of the best written, most thoroughly delightful books I've read in many years. If you are a parent you will love it! If you're interested in radio you'll love it! If you're interested in TV you'll love it! One of the few books I've read in recent years where I truly hated to see the last few pages coming up.

Now, this is why Judy Muller is one of the very best correspondants on television--she's obviously a superb storyteller on the air, and when she's got some real time, boy can she ever write 'em down. Ms. Muller says up-front in her book that she comes from a whole family of storytellers. The lady's got great genes.

Judy Muller's wonderful book is a treat for anyone interested in an inside look at the whacky world of television news. Ms. Muller has a terrific sense of humor which keeps the reader doubled over throughout. I read the book cover-to-cover in one sitting, then gave it to a friend who also found it impossible to put down. We both had a good laugh together afterward comparing notes on our favorite stories from the book.

Ms. Muller also infuses her book with fascinating tales from her vantage point on history and poignant moments about dealing with life's problems. Her story is told honestly and from the heart. This is easily the best book by a television newswoman since Linda Ellerbee's "And So it Goes."

This was a pretty good Sabrina book. Sabrina keeps popping into TV shows and books, because of a spell Hilda tries to put on Amanda. This book has some funny parts, but in some places it was a little boring.

Sabrina pops in and out of books and tv shows, because Amanda has put a spell on her. It's a great book, and it's real funny!

The Sabrina books are naturally good. Now You See Her Now You Dont is a really humorous book.It's all about a youth potion a random popping spell and Sabrina's bratty cousin Amanda.I think Sabrina fan's will really enjoy this fascinating book.

What's going on? All of a sudden, Sabrina keeps popping out of real life & into a novel or TV show! Then a few seconds later she pops back to the real world again. So far, no one has witnessed her strange disappearances. But how long can she be that lucky?

Sabrina is sure it's just another pop quiz from the Quizmaster. But she can't she can't come up with the right solution, & there's a party at the roller rink tonight. What if she's skating & just disappears into thin air? Won't everyone think that's a teensy bit weird?

Even worse, every time Sabrina pops out, she's gone a little longer. If this keeps up, she could disappear from real life completely!

What's going on? All of a sudden, Sabrina keeps popping out of real life & into a novel or TV show! Then a few seconds later she pops back to the real world again. So far, no one has witnessed her strange disappearances. But how long can she be that lucky?

Sabrina is sure it's just another pop quiz from the Quizmaster. But she can't she can't come up with the right solution, & there's a party at the roller rink tonight. What if she's skating & just disappears into thin air? Won't everyone think that's a teensy bit weird?

Even worse, every time Sabrina pops out, she's gone a little longer. If this keeps up, she could disappear from real life completely!

This is one of the classic texts on the principles and practices of modern film editing. While it was written nearly thirty years ago and refers occasionally to the techniques of linear editing on actual film, its summary of the rules of good editing remains as relevant today as ever, even for filmmakers who will only ever edit video on their computers. Editing is where the film is brought to life and Dmytryk outlines in a very clear and engaging way the basic considerations that allow that to take place. The author was not only a major filmmaker but a master teacher, and it shows in both the precision and clarity of his explanations.

What makes the guide as fresh today as when it appeared is that it is primarily not about technical considerations but about how an editor has to think in order to construct seamless and engaging scenes that are true to the overall story of a film. At the same time this thinking is given a practical application. The focus is on why rather than how, but it goes much further in explaining the basics of what to do when editing and how to put together a scene than many other books out there.

Dmytryk makes a distinction between a cutter and an editor, and cutting is merely competence with the equipment of film editing, whether it is a moviola or Final Cut Pro. Editing is always thinking, and is as creative in its approach to the film as shot as directing is creative in its approach to the film as written. Subtle variations in editing can change completely the tone or mood of a film. Dmytryk illustrates his points with several examples from major films he directed or edited (e.g. The Caine Mutiny, Murder, My Sweet and many more). Dmytryk is a master of his craft and is generous in his description of what it takes to pursue this mastery. This little book is an indispensible part of any filmmaker or film lover's library.

What if you have already read another editing book? Read this and then go back and read your other book. The author has a lifetime of experience in Hollywood and explains how Hollywood movies are edited, at least until the 1970's (most still use these methods). The methods described are the standards that form the basic language of the craft. Another plus is that the work is very concise and a good read into the history of film.

this is an excellent book on this very delicate craft. I also liked "the eye is quicker" but this was very informative and a better read. there is no substitute for actually editing and what works is hard to descibe in words but this book demonstrates some very subtles points and Mr. Dmytyk is a film maker. If your just starting read the eye is quicker but if you have some experience and want to go to the next level, this is a good one.

This is not only a really awesome book to help improve
your editing skill, but also one of the nicest overall books I've
ever read. Worth while buying.

One of the most important books in my life. I read and re-read this book in preparation for editing my FIRST film ever. Reviewers say my film possesses a "master level" edit. This book is why. Buy it. Read it. Re-read it.

My message to all young grasshopper: Read. And now read some more. Read and you become master phlegm-en-zepher.

Matt worked on several shoots for me while he was assisting one of the top photographers in the country. Matt's knowledge of his craft is exceptional. He is the consummate professional in every aspect. One of his finest qualities is to be tireless, or appear to be while on the job. Working long hours, he never complained about the ridiculous tasks being asked of him and always offering suggestions on how to improve a shot. I hope to work with him once again someday and every assistant could learn something good from this remarkable person.

A little background: I'm a freelance photographer, not an assistant. I bought this book right after I got out of photography school as a means of learning more about the industry and what potential photography-related jobs might be available to me. What I came to understand is this: if you think being an assistant is a cool part-time job or just something you'll do until you can start making money as a photographer, think again. The most compelling reason to work as a studio assistant is to learn how studio photography works (and doesn't work), and it takes time to do this -- generally years and not months.

Also, if you have no intentions of getting into studio photography, this book may be of limited use to you. While various disciplines are discussed at one point, they are not covered in enough detail to really help you understand what's going on. In short, this book is about helping photographers to set up a scene (either in a studio, a church or an office building) and photograph that scene. Some examples would be fashion photography, weddings, food, products, still lifes, etc.

That said, Proulx gives a wealth of information about what it's like to be on the set of a photo-shoot and generally leaves no stone unturned. You quickly realize that buying a box of doughnuts or cleaning a bathroom sink will be just as much a part of your job as setting up backdrops or strobe lights. It's not glamorous and it's not high-paying, but if you want to learn how a successful studio operates (so that you can run your own one day) there's no better way. Perhaps the most valuable asset this book provides are all the little tips and tricks of the trade...how to negotiate terms of pay, what kind of tape you need, how to keep your tools organized, etc.

However, I find it a little disconcerting that Mr. Proulx cosiders himself as still learning the trade even though he's been doing assitant work for over ten years (if memory serves me correctly). That is not typical I can assure you and I think it is something the author overlooks in terms of his advice to people starting out. The bottom line is, you can learn a lot from being an assistant for a couple of years and it will help you tremendously when setting up your own business, .... It would seem Proulx never made the decision to "take the last step" and start a business of his own.

.... If you're interested in studio photography, get this book.

Super book! I don't live in a big city so it's hard to get this information from other assistants. There aren't any here. This is time well spent. Matt knows his stuff and gives us a good insider's glimpse of how to work the jobs and, best, how to keep learning.

His section on interviews with assistants who are working with the really big names in the business broadens the scope of information. These people are the best of the best (like Matt) and he has pulled their words and experiences into the lessons for us to read. Super!

Apparently, the reader (here) from Lake Villa, IL misses the point when she/he claims that by working as an assistant for ten years, Matt is somehow lacking. She/he goes on the say that's not typical. Well, I know assistants who have worked longer and wonder why it's a negative to work as an assistant for a long time? Some of us work for two months and some work for fifteen years. What difference does it make? Matt's term as an assistant obviously qualified him to write the best book on the subject. I'm sure business is good in Lake Villa, but I wonder if having "made the step" as soon as she/he did means anything at all? Did it help her/him to become good enough to write a book?

Some assistants, like photographers, keep learning for years and years. It's never "done." It's about a process. Matt has spent the time well, becoming the best in the business (according to some of the reviewers) and I'm just glad he wrote this book to share the good stuff with us.

"Lake Villa" reviewer writes "Proulx never made the decision to "take the last step" and start a business of his own."

I attended a recent seminar given by Matt and I saw his portfolio and some recent jobs. He's started his career in a big way. Maybe in a few years, he'll write the book for those of us who (hopefully) are becoming "people" shooters for advertising.

In the meantime...thanks for the head start, Matt.

Ellie H

I am the author of The Location Photographer's Handbook and have been a photographer for thirty years. I've just enjoyed my first reading of The Photographic Assistant Handbook.

It is, of course, thorough and informative as one would expect from Matt Proulx. It's also written in a breezy yet crisp, clear, and professional manner. I think it goes a long way to putting readers at ease about the stress of photographic apprenticeship, a valuable service in itself.

There were many things I learned, from a trick about monitoring flashes placed far from the camera, to better ways to cut seamless paper, to a clever idea for checking in luggage carts on flights.

Matt's book should be part of any assistant's standard kit, along with the sharpies, scissors, and gaffers tape. It wouldn't hurt those of us who have graduated to careers to stock it as well.

This book is an absolute must-read for anyone looking at becoming a photographer's assistant. Matt has worked for many different photographers in the New York area. His advice is right-on and his long list of humiliating accidents covers the full gamut of what NOT to do. I didn't come to this book as a prospective assistant but rather as a professional photographer hoping to pick up a few tips and tricks from the author's experience with other photographers, a good spy novel in other words. Therefore, I was most looking forward to Chapter 9, Tips and Tricks. I found a few neat ideas, but nothing that Earth-shattering. Of course, mileage may vary and I readily admit the target audience is for assistants-to-be. If you are coming from that perspective, you unquestionably want to read this book and break out a box of highlighters. It would also be a great read and general overview for high school students thinking about entering the field. The only downside is that the book doesn't cover the digital era, so there is a lot of information about digital workflow and different photographer's preferences in that area which is missing.

As I'm a big fan of Prison Break, I've always wanted to buy this book. Shortly, it summarizes the plot very detailed with lots of photos and interesting facts that you didn't know befora aand the included FBI files are great. A must-have for fans!

i lke that they made up a book of "fbi" files, it makes the show feel more real, even though you know it's just a show! i started to understand a lot more about each character! good thing to have if you love the show as much as i do!

YES SIR!,..Prison Break fans and weekly TV enjoyers will get the chance to experience a different approach to their favorite show on earth,.P-B!

The book quality is amazing,..[I expected less to be sincere,..].
Even being paperback,..it's awesome,..the book is supposed to be the F.B.I confidential but leaked (to us) files of the Fox River convicts who escaped and you can get knowledge of every little detail concerning their lives before being imprisoned and the reasons while they are in prison now,..their weakness and breaking points,..really interesting,..

Then it has very detailed psychological profiles and points of view (from F.B.I agents) of the other main characters who are not inmates,..
On the back of the book,..it contains a DVD with lots of extras and never seen footage,..along with some promo stuff,..very entertaining,..

DEFINITELY RECOMENDED TO ALL PRISON BREAK FOLLOWERS!!(ALSO VERY NICE PRICED!). SO THERE'S NOTHING TO WASTE,..GET IT NOW!

a great book for those ho love the series.
a lot of information and a free cd

I thought that this book was very interesting, and if you have missed anything from this program this book helps you catch up. I think that a person really interested in this show, would really like it.

Victor's talent for writing and impressive memory brings you right into his story. You feel as if you are there, witnessing it all. All the while, I became was his personal cheerleader in my mind, encouraging him to succeed, which he does. Victor has lead a tragic and exciting life, but most important, he became a survivor and a champion for all who are like him. Breaking the chain of abuse is a long hard road, but it is possible. I hope those who struggle with breaking that chain will hear his story and know it can be done.

We all grew up in dysfunctional families. But some might be called suicidal rather than dysfunctional. How does a child who starts being beaten when he is fifteen months old grow up to be even sane? How does a child grown up into manhood and break the only pattern he has seen while growing up?

Perhaps the answer comes when you see the photograph of the author first holding his own new born son in his arms. He says, "The moment I held Eli in my arms, I knew I could never hurt him the way that my father hurt me." The day you first hold your own new born is a kind of magic day in your life. I remember it well.

This is a story of great sadness. This is a story that happens all too often. And all too often the cycle of violence continues from one generation to another. This is also a story of great triumph as the author preports on how he managed to overcome a childhood from hell. This part of the story doesn't happen often enough, it's glorous when it does.

A PRIVATE FAMILY MATTER takes up the story of one of Hollywood's leading actors, whom you have seen in so many TV shows and movies, and strips off the surface to reveal that behind the handsome mask he wears, a nightmare of terror and horror will forever haunt Victor Rivas, as the demons that have haunted him since childhood keep whistling through his mind like witches on broomsticks. He never has had a day without reliving the traumas of his difficult youth, particularly standing in the shadow of an abusive Dad, whose beatings he endured on a regular basis. Sometimes the father seems so wound up he's unreal, but through the eyes of a child, evil often wears a human face, and all too often, as Mr. Rivas demonstrates, that evil is in the father.

I liked all the Cuban stuff, an area I know little about. The family left Cuba when Castro came to power, because his father's family occupied important positions in the cabinet of the corrupt dictator Bautista (still fondly remembered, it seems, by many anti-Communist Cuban Americans). When you read A PRIVATE FAMILY MATTER perhaps you, like I, flashed back to the great novel by Reinaldo Arenas, BEFORE NIGHT FALLS, with its odd mixture of a longing for indigenous culture and a fleeing from its misogynist and anti-child aspects. The smells and sounds come out at you in waves of sensuous description.

Most of all, however, you feel the boy's pain. His father was truly a monster, and his mother was completely cowed by what amounts to the abuse he meted out to whoever got in the way of his anger and machismo. Beyond that, Victor reveals what it took to get him to become a productive adult. There had to be a lot of repair work done on this man. Next time you see him in the movies, think of how much his acting talent comes from the resources it took for him to find the light in a dark world of abuse. And now he helps others who have suffered some of the same syndromic abuse. Highly recommended.

Victor Rivers is a handsome man. Movie star, college educated, Football player.
A big, strong, tough man who was reduced to weeping when taken back to his horrific childhood in countless nightmares. So terrifying, so brutal for his wife to endure, she could only cry as he fought the demons of domestic violence.
Countless women have told their stories. Hoping to save, `just one person.' Reliving their own personal hell with each word. You will relive Mr. Rivers personal hell. He takes the reader from a little boy to a full grown man, still fighting the little guys fight. He tells his story to help others. I believe it will.
If you know nothing of domestic violence, you will have a better understanding after you read this book. You may find it hard to comprehend. You will ask yourself, `How do people let this happen?' `Why not just leave?' Read on.
If you're a victim or a survivor, it is graphic. Mr. Rivers does not soften his story. He shouldn't. You will ask yourself how every domestic violence story can be so similar. You will cry many times. You will laugh a few times. You will love him when his son is born.
No one looks at Victor Rivers, with all of his successes, and thinks of domestic violence. He was a victim, he is a survivor. For all of these reasons I thank him, and his family, for telling his story. I respect him for wanting to help, `just one person.'

This is an incredibly well written book!! It's hard to believe anyone can survive such circumstances and even more impressive is the man Victor turned into. He has overcome terrible abuse to become a loving father and husband. If only everyone who experienced abuse could break the cycle! He goes on to become a national spokesman against violence to help other families and other children like himself.
There isn't a boring page in this book, very highly recommended!!

I rarely find myself drawn to "relationship" stories, but Prodigal Father was terrific. I found myself drawn to each chapter and couldn't put it down until I hit the last page.

This is *not* just another Oprah-book. It is unsentimental: every emotion and insight is dearly earned. One of the most interesting things about it is that Du Pre doesn't come off as a very likable person in the middle stages of the book; he presents himself as self-absorbed and harsh with those around him. His final confrontation with his father is wrenching and unforgettable. The message of this book: you have to face down your demons in order to be a complete human being. Not a very "New Age" or touchy-feely moral. The author's Mormon background is a central part of his story, and should interest readers who are curious about that religion. This book reminds me of Mikal Gilmore's masterful "Shot in the Heart", William Kennedy's great novel "Ironweed", and Geoffrey Wolff's memoir "The Duke of Deception": august company, indeed.

This book is a must read for all! I found myself captivated from the first paragraph to the final word. Jon was able to pull me in to his world which caused me to reflect on my own past. Even though my background is different from Jon's, I was still able to relate. I could feel Jon and his brother's triumphs, heartaches, and pain. I was touched by his wife and children's generosity and selflessness. I laughed and cried while reading this touching story. I thank Jon for not letting his story die, but for sharing it with us.I highly recommend this book!

I have never felt so personally attached to a book in my life. Jon became my friend on the first few pages, and there were times, like I told him in an e-mail that I wanted to shake him good for contributing to his father's addictions. Then my attitude would change. He never ceased being my friend though.

Having a rather awkward relationship with my own father made this story "real" to me. I never went to the lengths Jon did to "make it right."

I recommend this book to everyone, because everyone can find themselves in this unbelievable story of the human spirit and the will of a young man to "make things right." I'm sorry there are only 5 stars I could give this book.

I hope those of you who have read this fantastic story will agree with me when I take words from the Forward and say, Jon, you took the "right sense" way. Thank you again for writing it, and bearing your soul to all of us who needed to read it.

Ron

I rarely find myself drawn to "relationship" stories, but Prodigal Father was terrific. I found myself drawn to each chapter and couldn't put it down until I hit the last page.

The 1986 edition of Remembering Buddy published by Pavillion Books (reprised in 1987 as paperback published by Penguin Books) is the most recent version of John Goldrosen and John Beecher's outstanding biography of Buddy Holly. Although it is out of print, used copies in good condition can still be obtained through Amazon, and it's well worth the effort to get one if you are a fan of Buddy Holly and his music. This text does not suffer from the inaccuracies and sensationalism found in many other books on Buddy Holly. John Goldrosen took the time to carefully research his subject and gives fair treatment to all parties on controversial issues such as the financial arrangements that Buddy Holly and The Crickets had with Norman Petty.

Buddy's early days in Lubbock, Texas, his struggles to succeed in the music industry, his breakthrough and brief career at the top, and his last days on the infamous Winter Dance Party Tour are accurately recounted. Two chapters at the end of the book provide insight on Buddy Holly's influence on his peers and the future development of rock'n'roll music (The Making of A Legend, and Buddy Holly Lives-The Holly Renaissance). The book also provides helpful appendicies detailing Buddy's recording sessions and the personnel that participated in each of them (Buddy Holly & The Crickets Session File), recordings and releases (Alphabetical List of Buddy Holly and The Crickets Recordings and Initial Releases), a complete discography including many illustrations of singles and album covers, an account of how his various records did on US, UK, and Australian record sales charts (Buddy Holly and The Crickets Chart File), and a chronological summary of the many tours on which he performed (Buddy Holly & The Crickets Tour Dates) including dates, venues, and other acts.

The book has a complete, well-organized index and contains many of the best available photographs documenting the life and career of Buddy Holly, his sidemen, and other associates in the music industry. Reading this book will give you the most informed acquaintance of this great performer that is possible without having actually known him. Buddy's allure is very nicely summed up in Cadence, the last chapter of John Glodrosen's book. "Buddy Holly was not a giant, or a god - but he was sort of a hero. Though a star, he still sounded and looked like a friend. He was one with his listeners, with one important difference: he could successfully express through his music the feelings that those listeners could not express for themselves. And since he was unusual only in his ambition, perseverance and muscial talents, his concerns were shared by his audience. When he sang his song, his audience could claim that it was their song too."

John Goldrosen's book is one of the two best resources that you can get pertaining to Buddy Holly. The other is a DVD presentation of a documentary done by Paul McCartney in 1986 for the BBC - The Real Buddy Holly Story (see separate review).

this is a great book of mr holly' such a shame buddy didnt get to live out the rest of his life, and still be here with us fans makeing many many more great songs. thats how i see it. this is an awsome a book a must have, a must buy. so if you dodnt have any holly' books and you are looking for one this is a great book of his life music and everything in between. there are other good books too. but this you must add to your collection.

BUDDY HOLLY WAS THE GREATEST ROCK STAR TO HAVE EVER PERFORMED.TOO BAD HIS LIFE ENDED WHEN HE WAS SO YOUNG.I HAVE BEEN A BUDDY HOLLY FAN SINCE 1971 AND HIS SONGS ARE TIMELESS.HE HAS INFLUENCED COUNTLESS OTHER PERFORMERS.THE ROLLING STONES FIRST EVER HIT,NOT FADE AWAY, WAS A SONG WRITTEN BY THE LATE,THE GREAT BUDDY HOLLY.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!!

I've been a fan of Buddy's since he was still alive. This is the best biography available. The authors do not deal in sensationalism and wacko explorations of Buddy's sex life or possible contributions to the crash of the plane. He died at 22, and was only famous for two years, and never was wealthy. He can be expected to have had moments of immaturity, and to have made mistakes in judgement. But the overwhelming evidence is that he was a nice, normal young adult with abnormal talent for singing, songwriting, guitar-playing and record-producing. He's been gone for more than 40 years, and he left about 80 recordings behind. Those performances are still wonderful, and this book tells you a lot about how they were created and captured and preserved. Who needs anything else?

This is, hands down, the best biography of Buddy Holly available. I have read them all and though others have their moments (mainly rare photos) they are spoiled with proven factual errors and unsubstantiated rumors. John Goldrosen's book is the standard by which all others are judged.

Goldrosen is a stickler for accuracy and his research is meticulous. He also keeps close to all things Buddy Holly. I first met him at the dedication of the Buddy Holly statue in Lubbock in 1986. Bill Griggs (founder of the sadly discontinued Buddy Holly Memorical Society) thinks highly of Goldrosen and there is no higher compliment for a historian of Buddy Holly.

The updates keep making the book better (and more accurate) but I will always keep my first copy which I've had signed by Buddy's parents, his brothers, Jerry Allison, Niki Sullivan, Joe Mauldin, and, of course, the author John Goldrosen. If you only read one biography of Buddy Holly, this should be the one. If you have read others and would like to know what Buddy was really like, get the latest edition of this book. You will not be disappointed.

Update 2005: Sad to note that this book is out of print. So is the earlier version titled "The Buddy Holly Story" by the same authors. It's still worth reading if you can find a copy. Check your local library or used book store. Hopefully another publisher will pick up the book and it will be available again.

This extraordinary book critiques most of the Beatles' songs. It dissects, analyzes and explains the lyrics of the Beatles' songs; it compliments the intelligence of all readers. Music professionals and novices alike will come away with added information; this is a book that will appeal to all readers regardless of place/proficiency on the musical scale.

This book serves as a time line; the Beatles' achievements and the times they were living in are chronicled neatly alongside Macdonald's analyses of the music. It's general tone is light and upbeat, yet a tone of bittersweet nostalgia underscores much of the passages. "There are places I remember..." John Lennon, 1965 could be the sound track of this book. So could John Lennon's 1968 Anthem of the Sixties, "you say you want a revolution, well you know we all want to change the world..."

Beatle fans and those who love and/or lived through the Dodge Dart Era of the 1960s will love this book. It is so worth reading.

This book's publication concludes on a sad footnote. Ian Macdonald ended his life on August 20, 2003. He had been clinically depressed.

I love this book and have read it several times. When I listen to Beatles recordings, I sometimes take it out and read up on the song, and its fun to see the work that was put into it (music flubs, line flubs, edit flubs). I just wish he hadn't beat up on George so much! Highly recommended

More a question than a book review here. This edition is described as being updated; comparing it to the original hardcover, however, I found only one update -- a footnote in which MacDonald briefly comments on the 'Live at the BBC' album. Otherwise it is identical to the first edition. There is nothing on the Anthology material. So the question is this: Is that one little footnote the extent of MacDonald's "revisions"? If there is a fatter, better edition out there, I'd love to have it.

Anyway, now that I'm here I might as well say that this is not only the best critical analysis of the Beatles' work ever written; it's almost the only such book I can even take seriously. MacDonald does come up with the occasional strange opinion here and there (his dismissals of "Day Tripper" and "Helter Skelter" come to mind), but critics are not machines, folks, and even the best of them are not infallible. For the most part MacDonald is serious in the best sense of the word; he is intensely attentive, and his mastery of the catalogue escapes pedantry -- it's just plain jaw-dropping.

I wish that I could give this book more than five stars. It is an absolutely brilliant and supremely entertaining analysis of every song recorded by The Beatles. For those with musical knowledge it provides detailed analysis of things such as chord structure and sequences. For those, such as myself, who are merely fans of this great music, the book provides endless insight and anecdotes about the recording process and events surrounding each song. After reading this book you will never listen to The Beatles' songs in the same way again. This is eye-opening work that puts all other rock/pop music analysis to shame. Get this one!!!

A stunning examination of The Beatles, their music, the sixties, and by implication the state of modern popular music, "Revolution in the Head" is easily the best Beatles book ever published.

Written with an astonishing erudition acquired over his years as a music journailast for New Musical Express and other magazines, as well an obvious love for the music of the Fab Four, Ian MacDonald's book places the Beatles in the appropriate social and cultural context with exactitude,critical acumen and readability.

If you want to know why The Beatles are the most important pop group ever, or wish to reacquaint yourself with their genius, you must read this superb book. Along with Philip Norman's "Shout" and "Mark Lewisohn's" Beatles Sessions, "Revolution in the Head" is an undoubted masterpiece of Beatles scholarship.