Genres Books

What a tangled web indeed! Beres' novel is an amazing and poetic journey through the modern day music industry. With his easy prose Beres weaves a great story tinged with the mythos of today's music scene. Reading the book is like being on tour yourself, experiencing the blown tires, ridiculous schedules and money grubbing a**holes who inhabit this world. A great read, it could be titled "Fear and Loathing in the Latin Music World". Buy it.

If it's news to you that the music business is full of corruption and greed, you probably also still believe that [...] had WMDs. What's so enthralling about 'Tangled Web' is not only that we experience the day by day play by play of how a promising contemporary Latin music tour imploded from day one and went downhill from there, but how Beres' account tells us so much about the state of the arts in this country: how little culture means to so many and how we are all guilty of allowing this [...] to take place. Just as the doomed Musica Fresca tour should have been a huge hit that would have introduced so many to some great music that gets a fraction of the exposure it deserves, 'Tangled Web' should be required reading for everyone in what's left of the music biz, particularly those who have no understanding of why music IS more than just a biz. Take this journey.

Beres has delivered once again! Tangled Web is a masterful blend of behind-the-scenes narratives, combined with authoritative commentary. He makes a scathing, no-nonsense call for industry reform in a way that will make you unable to put this book down. No need to be up on the heartbeat of the music scene to enjoy this one: Beres speaks to anyone who has ever wanted to blow that whistle.

This book is a very easy read, Derek takes you on the journey, not only through the tour, but gives you insight to all parties involved in this project as people. Anyone trying to put together a tour for any artist should read this book before they spend on dime. Thank you Derek for making this real!

it's no surprise that the high levels of corruption and greed in the world affects our most earnest efforts of art and expression, and as Beres writes of often in Tangled Web, the human connection.
A timely and important piece of work reminding us about what truly matters in our personal and professional endeavors. Beres writes with grace and poetry as he documents the fascinating twists and turns of the modern music industry's challenges.

Michael Quadlund has written a good novel on the subject of broken relationships and the way the past reaches out and spoils the present. As William Faulkner wrote, "The past isn't dead; it's not even past." I guess you know what you're getting into when you take a book off the shelf that's called THAT WAS THEN--a complicated time scheme that juggles three different chronologies, each of them interdependent on the one before. Basically Corey was a well-liked boy of a small town in New England something like Peyton Place with a steady girlfriend, Gina, who is rather like Allison Mackenzie in Peyton Place, while Corey falls victim to the oldest trick in the book, sexual enslavement to his music teacher, a male predator who befriends his targets first, then manages to make them love him to a certain extent. His early teens form one set of references for the reader, and the next thing you know, without really finding out what happened between Corey and Mr. Dean, it's years later, Corey's all grown up and he meets and marries Gina when they are seasoned adults.

Little does he know that his life is about to take an enormous turn when he becomes involved in a same sex relationship with an actor, Jack, a man whom he regards as his "twin," a man who seduces him by tending to a wound Corey receives in his leg that entails Jack having to remove Corey's pants--we've all been there!--and next thing you know Corey and Gina are bidding each other goodbye and Corey starts a new life with Jack. Everything is rosy for a few years until doubts set in: is Jack seeing somebody else on the sly? All of these storylines are being told at the same time--the 1960s, the 1980s, now--not to confuse you but to mimic Corey's increasing self-knowledge. I won't spoil the ending but believe me, you will either be throwing the book off the bridge, or cradling it to your chest in awe. Individual sentences are sometimes very moving, but due to the requirements of the plot some of the characters, Jack especially, are opaque like frosted miniblinds.

I didn't want this book to end. I identified with every character. Each one had a little piece of me, and I loved them all. It was so refreshing to read a book about a gay character that was accurately portrayed. This author knows how humans think. The book was modern, sensual, and thought provoking.
PLEASE don't make me wait to long for another book!!!!

That Was Then.......GREAT READ !!!!! I loved this book. To me the sign of a good book is not wanting the book to end. I found myself reading much slower towards the end because I didn't want to loose Gina, Corey and Jack. Mr Quadland did a wonderful job developing these characters.

I plan to give this book as a Christmas gift to 3 of my friends. Hopefully, they will read it fast and we can have an in depth discussion.

This is a book you want to reread.

A remarkable accomplishment, That Was Then was unbelievably Michael Quadland's first novel. The character development is rich; the writing style, engaging. There is a depth of perception about life that is exhilarating, amusing and poignant at the same time. Getting to the last page was bittersweet. Although the book was satisfying, I was already missing Corey, Jack and Gina.

If reading is one of the main pleasures of your life you will remember this book. It's a story of life's complex choices and their emotional costs. The writing is wonderfully descriptive but totally concise...not an extra word anywhere.

I echo Tom Casey's review below. I read some of these novels thirty years ago, and started re-reading them two years ago. What perfect timing, then, for Edward Mendelson's very interesting approach on these novels. On the surface this book does not appear to be the typical academic work it is, but each chapter on its own could have been a doctoral thesis. To tie these seven novels into passages of life is quite remarkable. In addition, footnotes, though infrequent, shed light on very important issues of the times that are easily overlooked. To enjoy this book one should have a fairly good knowledge of the novels. But you can read the essays in any order that you want; each essay stands alone. Highly, highly recommended.

I just read "The Things That Matter," having seen it on my library's shelf and picked it up out of curiosity. I loved this book not only for its content but for the timing with which it showed up for me to read. My brilliant-at-math-and-science-stuff child was having a challenge with English Lit class; this book has given me a way to relate to them the value of novels to real life stuff, especially thinking about how "universal ideas" in life play out in personal actual life.

I found Mendelson's critical reviews of "What Seven Classic Novels Have to Say About the Stages of Life" timely and well written. I highlight below several points that struck me.

. I have never, never, NEver realized the intricate complexities of "Frankenstein" til I read Mendelson's analysis. I had heard that the authoress (Mary Shelley) was brilliant and accomplished and connected in her time, but to be honest all I could image in my mind prior to this book was the film treatments of a) Boris Karloff, and b) Mel Brooks. Suffice it to say I have a whole new appreciation of the rich ideas and paradoxes Shelley wove into her story!

. Mendelson does a fine job of weaving seven stories into seven Stages of Life (Birth, Childhood, Growth, Marraige, Love, Parenthood, The Future). Never mind the excellence of each chapter's analyses; the crafting of the whole book, and its demonstration by example of its meta-theme that "things that matter are written about in great literature," excite my professional admiration for a job of craftsmenship and talent well done.

. Further exciting my admiration are several points mentioned in the preface and in the essays as Mendelson distinguishes "universal ideas" that these authoresses (Mary Shelley, Emile Bronte, Charlotte Bronte, George Eliot, Virginia Woolf) present in their narratives:

1) He chose all woman authors because "it has nothing to do with any fantasy that women have greater moral and emotional intelligence" but rather "a woman writer [in the 19th and 20th centuries] had a greater motivation to defend the values of personal life against the generalizing effect of stereotypes." This is still an issue today for ALL of us, I think, whatever our personal circumstances or lifestyle choices.

2) That opposite life principles may be equally true, that what is publically espoused may be privately doubted. Or said colloquially, "The opposite of a Great Truth may be in itself a Great Truth." Examples include, in "Frankenstein," the espoused principle that a good upbringing of a child will result in a good character of an adult. But: "The opposite may also be true."

To read Mendelson's "take" about these works and their authors has made me feel more acquainted with seven "tastes of greatness!"

"This book is about life as it is interpreted by books. Each of the chapters has a double subject: on the one hand, an English novel written in the nineteenth or twentieth century, and on the other, one of the great experiences or stages that occur, or can occur, in more or less everyone's life." These opening lines of Edward Mendelson's work of literary criticism - The Things That Matter - encapsulate his intent. A study of seven classical novels by Mary Shelley, Emily and Charlotte Brontë, George Eliot and Virginia Woolf, Mendelson's essays present his thesis that novels provide insight into specific stages of life and, these novels, when viewed collectively present a "history of the emotional and moral life of the past two centuries."

Mendelson has aimed his work at readers of any age, the only prerequisite being knowledge of the seven novels. He writes in a conversational manner, as if lecturing directly to the reader. Theories and supporting arguments are presented within the text, footnotes included only when critical. Woven throughout is information about the prevailing theories and literary themes of the period.

In the section on Wuthering Height_s Mendelson explores Brontë's idea of romantic childhood, tracing its roots to the romanticism of Wordsworth and Freud. His _Wuthering Heights is a very different one than the one commonly studied in high school. Heathcliff and Catherine are desperate to recapture the total unity experienced as children, to merge two selves into one. Whereas the commonly held perception is of a novel of thwarted passion and cruelty, Mendelson believes Brontë deliberately led readers to this conclusion and away from her true meaning. "She disguised Wuthering Heights as a story of doomed sexual passion perhaps because she regarded her potential readers with something close to contempt...they could not understand what this book tells them."

Each of the authors is examined with the same focus, each essay meriting its own review. Mendelson states that he "could easily imagine a similar book to this one made up of entirely different examples."

I'll keep my fingers crossed that inspiration strikes and Mendelson shares more of his thoughts on life and literature.

Armchair Interviews agrees.

In case you ever thought less of women writers than their male counterparts look no farther than Mendelson's review of seven classics all written by women who wrote what matters in life with vivid, vibrant language.

Starting with Mary Shelley's Frankenstein that is the result of an inspirational motto by Mary Wollstonecraft: "A great proportion of the misery that wanders, in hideous forms, around the world, is allowed to rise from the negligence of parents," to early attachments in Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, to early disattachment by Charlotte Bronte, to the humdrum beats of ordinary life in Middlemarch by George Eliot, to the realization of life's illusions in Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, to a rebellion in To the Lighthouse, also by Virginia Woolf, and finally to the disillusionment met in Between the Acts, yet again by Woolf.

Great books as can only be understood best by this book.

My daughter, who received this from me, says it is a terrific book with amazing insights into books we've read in the past and couldn't analyze the way this author does so well. She says the one on Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway" is especially revealing.

The Beatles quiz book is so fun to read! when i read something very shocking it keeps me hooked. Everything is very interesting and im nearly obsessed with the Beatles-Im huge fan. I didn't know much about the Beatles before I read the quiz book. It has very interesting and Detailed Qs and As. Michael J. Hockinson did did a great job. I ordered it as used and it was in a good condition. It's like reading the biography on The Beatles, but in very fun way. Any Beatles fan should order this-I highly recommend! XD

You will learn something from this book, guaranteed. There are 50 chapters, each devoted to a different aspect of Beatles trivia. Full of rare pictures and a comprehensive index. This book is great.

This excellent, power packed book contains information that even seasoned Beatles fans find fresh! Sharply written, the intelligent format and questions are sure to delight all readers. Veteran fans are sure to love it and lay persons will find this book to be a useful source of information when discussing Beatle related matters with fans.

This book is just plain fun. It is an excellent way to test and reinforce one's knowledge of Beatle matters and it is also a good way to impress other fans. I love this book.

A round of applause and a hearty "yeah, yeah, yeah!" from me!

This book has so much more information about "The Beatles" than any others I've read... including The "NEW" Anthology!!! The author is obviously an "EXPERT" in all that is "Beatles". I pride myself as quite the Beatles aficionado, but this book is so far beyond anything I can relate to, it's not even funny. The amount of work that went into the creation of this book is simply mind boggling. Every Beatles fan on the planet should own this book. If you "think" you "know" The Beatles; this book will challange you beyond your wildest dreams. By far the "Best" resource ever written on "The Fab Four". Thank You Mr. Hockinson; for a job well done. The "Ultimate" to say the least.

This book is really a history of the Beatles cunningly disguised as a trivia book. The author has an extensive and exhaustive knowledge of his subject, as the reader soon becomes painfully aware. These questions are highly entertaining, but they'll make your brain bleed. Bottom line: written for Beatles' fans by a hardcore Beatles fan. What could be better?

I came across this book through a recommendation. I'm so pleased I did.
As an admirer of Duke Ellington's work, I knew of Adelaide Hall, mainly through her connection and early recordings with Ellington, but knew little about the lady herself or her significant achievements in the world of entertainment.
In the books preface, the author, Iain Cameron Williams, claims Adelaide Hall appears in many jazz anthologies as a mere footnote, whilst others abandon her career altogether. With "Underneath a Harlem Moon" Williams attempts to set the record straight by documenting comprehensively her exact relevance and role in the History of Jazz and, in my opinion, succeeds admirably.
Williams's familiarity with his subject clearly demonstrates the amount and depth of research he made in order to unearth the facts. One gets the distinct impression that during the process he left no stone unturned, so detailed is his descriptive. Although Williams's 20-year friendship with Hall must clearly have helped him in appraising his subject's temperament, it must also have allowed him the privilege to see an intriguing side to her character that her fans would not normally have seen. This becomes apparent the deeper one delves into the text.
The book charts in rich detail the life and career of Miss Hall during the frenetic Harlem Renaissance and documents all the colourful characters to emerge from this movement, most of whom worked with Miss Hall at some point in her career. It also gives a fascinating insight into the social history of the Twenties and Thirties when Prohibition, real-life gangsters and sophisticated nightclub culture ruled the sidewalks.
Overall, a hugely enjoyable read made easy by Williams's approachable style of writing and keen interest towards the characters he portrays within the text. A must for all jazz and popular music buffs. The book also contains a sizeable gallery of superb photographs (including one, which must be of great interest to all Ellington fans, a rare previously unpublished photograph of Adelaide and Ellington together, circa 1930.)

With a glittering International career that brought her into contact with such icons as Rudolph Valentino, George Gershwin, Maurice Chevalier and Al Capone, not to mention all her renowned fellow black musicians and colleagues from the Harlem Renaissance, one wonders why the name Adelaide Hall is still relatively unknown or charted in our history books.
Her talent was pure ... untarnished by the ravages of [chemicals] and alcohol. She claimed that she was born to sing and entertain, and with an astonishing career that spanned eight decades how prophetic were those words.
To say I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book would be an understatement. The book has been written in such an appealing way that at times I actually felt as if I were part of the story as a member of the audience, so realistic were some of the events and dramas that occur within its pages.
I wholly recommend this book and can truthfully say that it's the best biography I have read this year.
5 stars for the writer.

I can only applaud the writer for the depth of research he obviously engaged upon in order to put forward Adelaide Hall's story and subsequently, I think this book is an important one.
During the 20s and 30s Hall stood alongside giants in the entertainment world yet today, for some unfathomable reason, she is almost forgotten.
Whilst reading Underneath a Harlem Moon I had an uncanny feeling of discovering hidden treasure that has lain buried for centuries. Thankfully, the writerýs intent to inform rather than lecture makes for an engaging and rewarding read. I certainly had no knowledge of the fact that it was Adelaide Hall who helped create the whole genre of jazz singing and, remarkably, that Ella, Billie and all the other jazz divaýs that are nailed inside our history books, only followed in Hallýs steps.
Williams accounts vivid stories of the glory, persecution, pain and happiness Hall encountered in order to achieve her goals and in the process brings the subject's forceful personality, talent and human nature to light. Hall's focused ambition, drive and tenacity, along with the extraordinary eventful circumstances of her life will drive anyone's interest. Her painful contact with racism, the wrath of her impresario and mentor Lew Leslie, the continual envy she experienced from her colleagues and many of her so called friends, along with the tiresome neglect she endured from her philandering and money grabbing husband all led to an isolation Hall appears to have suffered from continuously throughout her life. Her only escape was to tread the boards, for it was here she felt at home and could bask in the real warmth, love and affection she received from her audience. The stage became her drug and, from the volume of work Hall performed, one feels it was an addiction she had no intention of ever giving up.
Energetic reading with thought provoking facts and the most fascinating account of the Harlem Renaissance that I have ever come across. Williams has done a great job of packing this book with valid information without making it overly wordy which makes for an easy read that fairly flies by.
I hope I'm correct in saying that Adelaide Hallýs prospects could very easy change with the publication of this book.

By documenting Adelaide Hall's early career, which ran parallel with one of the most fascinating and culturally rich era's in American black musical history, the writer not only paints a vivid and well written account of the real first lady of Jazz, he also cleverly portrays the whole spirit and ethos of the Harlem Renaissance and all the wonderful characters that helped create this movement. "Underneath a Harlem Moon" is one of the finest books that I have read about the 20s and 30s Jazz Age and one that I thoroughly recommend.

When we are asked of jazz vocal pioneers, the names Ethel, Billie, Ella, and Dinah roll off our tongues without contemplation. However, Iain Cameron Williams, in his book Underneath a Harlem Moon, introduced me to a diva who had been omitted from the history books. This diva is Adelaide Hall.

Born on "the rough side of Brooklyn" and raised in Harlem, Adelaide Hall became one of the most famous black Broadway and cabaret stars, rivaling the legacies of Florence Mills, Ethel Waters, and the like. Williams traces her journey from an ordinary gal from New York to a famed singer, dancer, and actress, the world over.

Williams, a friend of the late Hall, has definitely done his homework. I could tell that he had sat with Adelaide many a time while she related her stories to him in great detail. While I understand that Williams was trying to set a backdrop for Adelaide's story, I felt as though too much time was spent on the histories of her surroundings and her contemporaries, such as Al Capone, Josephine Baker, and even the Duke himself.

I feel like the proverbial wool has been lifted from my eyes about where female jazz vocalists really began. I took the time to research Adelaide further, and even got a chance to listen to some of her recordings. I can now see clearly, after having read Underneath a Harlem Moon, getting to know Adelaide, and hearing her crooning voice, the profound effect she had on divas past and present.

Reviewed by CandaceK
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This is a fabulous reference book for anyone interested in the varied genre of rock and roll. Great source book and historical documentation of bands and individual musicians. Makes you wish there was a follow up for the period after that covered in this volume. A must for anyone curious about the evolution of rock and roll!

I purchased this book as a gift for someone else but I did have a chance to review it. It has all the information that you might want in it.

I will keep this short. This is an excellent book, especially for those who may be aspiring music journalists like myself. For example, this book had more information about the late Donny Hathaway than any other work I've come across. When I flipped through it at my local bookstore and saw how big & detailed their Donny Hathaway section was, I was sold.

Refreshingly, this encyclopedia features a healthy balance of American and European popular acts, ultimately exposing you to many artists that you may have never heard of. Okay, I will concede that you may not find the most 'underground' musicicians in here, but hey - I was stunned to find the Brit pop/R&B group 'Five Star' in here. But then again - it's over 1000 pages - with pictures!

I have one question though - how could they forget Tony Toni Tone? They are one of the most influential soul/R&B BANDS (they played instruments) to come out of the 1980s and 1990s! But other than that major slip-up, this book will have a 95% chance of having what you're looking for, and those are pretty good odds if you ask me!

We have gone through two previous editions of Crampton and Rees' exhaustive work (prior to the VH1 endorsement) in our household and will probably be buying this edition in the near future.

"Rock Stars Encyclopedia" contains entries on most of the major (and several minor) rock stars and acts, including time lines charting events in their respective careers such as personnel changes, deaths, album releases, single releases, and major concerts. I have seen one or two minor errors in the previous editions, yet the authors are kind enough to ask readers to submit corrections if any errors are seen in the text. Don't expect to be doing so however because these guys are right about 99.9% of the time.

This book is frequently resorted to as the final say in arguments between me and my son, a virtual expert in the field. It is invaluable to afficianados of modern music. I'd give this book 10 stars if I possibly could...it's that good!

Vh1 does a Fantastic Job Here with this Book.Lots of Interesting Information&Very Well Detailed.it makes Sense since VH1 is alot more focused On Music than MTV Nowadays.It's A Great Read For The Music Lover.

I have never written a book review and do not have the gift of the written word. But I did want to share my thoughts about this wonderful book. I have never read a book on the Civil War and I am so glad that I finally did and that it was this book. I didn't want to put it down. It expressed in every detail what it was like for a family to live through that war. Dr. Best has done a superb job of research and you feel as if you are there with each and every member of this family. You won't be sorry you purchased the book.

Steven Best did a fantastic job of making you feel you are there with the Best brothers (ancestors for me) as they go through the hard times of the civil war, fighting for what they know is right as taught them by their christian parents. He has done a remarkable job in researching and bringing to life the characters and vivid scenes of the civil war. I had a hard time putting the book down until I had it finished. It's a great book told about great men in an era not to be forgotten. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the civil war.

I liked this book so much that, after twenty pages or so, I closed the book and put it back into my briefcase! My reason was simple-I could see this book was going to be one that I did not want to hurry through; I wanted to take my time and really enjoy it. I was on an airplane flight of less than an hour so I saved it until I had a long cross-country flight. I am glad I did.

When Philosophers Were Kings is the Civil War saga of a Wisconsin family. Our country was only nine-four years old when this family history commences. It begins in Daingerfield, Texas in Northeast Texas, home of a troubled population in 1861, when the Federal Garrison at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor in Charleston, SC is fired upon. You will travel to Big Spring and Portage, Wisconsin on through to Baltimore and on to Bull Run, the infamous creek in NE Virginia that saw two defeats for the Union Army. You will see the battlefields of Perryville, Kentucky, Paint Rock Bridge, Alabama, Murfreesboro, Tennessee and Chickamauga at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. You will get a first-hand description of the Southern military prisons in Danville, Virginia, Libby Prison in Richmond and in Andersonville. The guerrilla conflict in Missouri during the Civil War is weaved into the story as is William C. Quantrill, the Confederate guerrilla chieftain. The Bushwackers and the Jayhawkers are also part of the tale.

Dr. Best and his family before him researched the Best family history and the roles played by various family members in the Civil War. The book explains the impact the events of the war had upon each of them. His family members did as many did in the 1860s-they left their hometowns for battle with cheering crowds and music playing. They carried their unit colors at Perryville until wounded or they were simply left for dead on the battlefield. For them the romance of battle quickly dissolved into a horrible reality of hate, blood, bullets, and death. Each was forever changed and that, of course, is true for any military person who has seen combat. Attitudes changed and even spiritual values were challenged. Best's ancestors came from good families-spiritually solid, morally upright, and socially responsible. In the end it was a strong family that proved to be these soldiers' best asset. You will feel the sense of loss that the family members felt after the battles in which their sons and brothers fought. Best's ancestors' personalities will come alive for you as he relates everything his research has revealed about them.

The information is accurate and comes from seven years of researching the United States National Archives, Union and Confederate Civil War military records, biographies, letters, diaries, and memoirs. Although When Philosophers Were Kings is a work of fiction, nearly all the events are true. It reads like a James Michener novel in that respect. Nonetheless, an author cannot know for certain how anyone, even his own ancestors, would have really thought or acted nearly 150 years ago. There is, therefore, dramatization of events to some degree. It is the story between the lines that is captured so very well by Best.

There is an interesting parallel superimposed on the story of the conflict. Best sets the tone for each chapter with quotations from philosophers, such as, Strepsiades and Socrates, and Greek proverbs. You don't have to be a philosopher to appreciate the motive behind this. However, it was Socrates, who said basically that until philosophers were kings and political greatness and wisdom meet, cities would not have rest. In the Civil War there were two kings, Lincoln and Davis, with two different philosophies. The Civil War was a time when philosophers were indeed kings. There are no familiar legends in this book and this book does not use nostalgia to whitewash the massive destruction and human misery that characterized the Civil War. Still this is not an anti- or pro-war novel. This book is written by a man from the North, who lives in the South, and is well acquainted with war and life's trials. The book doesn't take sides and draws no conclusions. As intricately entwined as the Civil War is in the story, the war is really a backdrop for this family history. It will be enjoyed by Civil War historians and by people who have only a rudimentary knowledge of this period of time. If you want an excellent chronicle of one family's journey, you have it with Stephen Best's When Philosophers Were Kings. It is flat out an excellent read.

Just finished this great little book last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. Steven's depiction of his ancestors, the reality of their doubts about the goodness and plans of the Lord and yet perseverance to push on to obtain character and hope that does not disappoint, I'm sure, characterized his own personal struggle over the last 20-30 years. Through all their struggles, losses, awful death and carnage, they believed that God was in control... they might not know the reason why something happened... but that's ok, cuz that's why God is God and we're not. May I be able to describe to my children and grandchildren as well as he did what their ancestors and forefathers were like and have them relate or hold fast to those precious roots. As you are reading the book, you may want to access his website ... to see pictures of his real ancestors and what happened to them after the Civil War. I would highly recommend the book to any reader

Based on the true story of a Wisconsin family drawn into the dramatic and dangerous events of the American Civil War, When Philosophers Were Kings by former military intelligence analyst Steven M. Best is a powerful novel of two men, both educated in the philosophy of Plato, who must confront the horrors of the American conflict that pitted brother against brother. An impressively written Civil War saga of dilemmas, both physical and spiritual, ruthless conflicts and unforgiving tolls, When Philosophers Were Kings is thoroughly entertaining and will linger in the mind and imagination of the reader long after the novel is finished and placed back upon the shelf.

One of my smartest purchasing decisions was to pick up this work by Nelson George in June 1986 when it was still in hard cover. I've never let it out of my sight since. Time has proven it the precursor of a deluge: `Dreamgirl,' & `Supreme Faith' by Mary Wilson (1986, 1990), `Temptations' by Otis Williams (1988), `To Be Loved,' by Berry Gordy (1994), `Inside My Life' by Smokey Robinson (1989), `Dancing In The Street' by Martha Reeves (1994), and `Between Each Line of Pain and Glory,' by Gladys Knight (1997), among others. I bought them all and I read them all. By far the worst, was the October 1993 work by Diana Ross, `Secrets of a Sparrow,' which was quickly named the worst non-fiction work of the year by People magazine. I couldn't argue with them.

`Where Did Our Love Go,' on the other hand, proves a truth we discovered in the day of the very music it chronicles: no amount of tepid covers surpasses a towering original. Perhaps because Mr. George was not an insider at Motown in the 60s, his history of the company is so objectively good. I've read it many times in over 16 years, and haven't found a date or factual mistake.

And it is balanced. The wonderful music of those glory days in Detroit is given the respect and affection it deserves, as well as the how-it-came-about details. Mr. George acknowledges as most of us do, that Motown's 60s sound is timeless, and is going to outlive Berry Gordy, the artists whose names appeared on the labels, and we baby-boomers who were weaned on it.

Yes, the who-struck-John stories of disappointment are delineated fairly too: the career declines and /or disappointments of folks like Martha Reeves, Gladys Knight, Chuck Jackson, Marvin Gaye and, especially Florence Ballard. But unlike the recollections of the authors listed above, `Where' is not told by a writer needing to come out smelling blameless or put-upon at the end.

All these years later, `Where Did Our Love Go,' by Nelson George remains the single most essential biography of Motown Records you can own. Buy it anyway you can manage to, even used - just don't ask to borrow mine. Beyond it, there are two companion works you should also seek out for some fair and detailed `inside' looks of Motown in those days: `Divided Soul,' David Ritz' account of Marvin Gaye's life, which appeared first in 1985, and might have been helped in its excellence by the fact that its subject was no longer around to censor it or `advise.' Finally, from 1989, J. Randy Taraborrelli's `Call Her Miss Ross,' could likely be a dozen times more factual and objective than the 1993 work of the former Supreme herself could ever be!

For the time that it was written, I found this book to be my Motown bible. I still enjoy reading this book on Motown by someone who does not have an axe to grind with the company. Upon seeing the first review of this book, here at Amazon, I felt the need to respond. The reviewer mentioned that the author should have focused on Kim Weston's talents more than he did. Since 1986, Kim Weston has had a ton more recordings released by Motown then ever before. She never even had an album with Motown during her tenure. Her solo stuff released since 1986 could easily fill a box set. Her duets with Marvin Gaye could fill another two CD's. Had these recordings been available when the author had written his book, I would agree with the first reviewer. Her best recordings have only seen recent release. Kim Weston is probably the most talented woman to ever come out of Motown. Diana Ross had the luck and the hits but there was a stable full of women at Motown who were much more talented than she was. Also, the first reviewer mentions the talents(?) of Chris Clark. I love the whole Chris Clark persona and story. There are about four of Chris' recordings that I do love. However, if you listen to all of the Chris Clark recordings currently available on the Motown label (about three CD's worth) you'll question her talents, as the author also did. Mr. Gordy, in all of his arrogance once said, "Give me a singer who can sing three notes and I'll get a hit on her." I think he might have been thinking of Ms. Clark when he said it. By the way, he never got a hit on Chris Clark. This is an amazing book & a great introduction to Motown.

I found this book to be very informative on the music that I grew up with but it also revealed how Mr. Gordy has ruined the lives of talented but uneducated people.

Although a little short on photos (it was obviously not the authors' intention to be another photo book), this is in many ways the best book for someone really interested in the subject of Motown to own,in that the author pulls no punches. Other books on this record company/hit machine of the 60s & 70s suffered from censorship by the record company's head and his people.

This book does not suffer that hinderance, and it allows us to read what really went on behind the scenes. It was not such a happy family with Berry Gordy Jr. as the paternal head as it is often depicted.

An excellent book, both readable and informative, and well worth getting hold of for all fans of the music who want to know what really went on as the records were made and the tours were run.

It has been awhile since I read this book so I have to rely on my memory somewhat of the book's contents. Yes, it is a very interesting book and as a Motown fan, I certainly enjoyed it. Sometimes, though, I wonder about some of Mr. George's comments (and if you are reading this Mr. George I mean no disrespect).

Did he really have to describe the talented Kim Weston as a "dark skined woman with a tendency to put on weight?" Was she really laughed at when she got on stage? To me, Kim Weston was one of Motowns most talented female singers. Couldn't the author have spent a little more space on her vocal talents?

He dismisses the Supremes post-Diana Ross career in a few sentences. Did he ever listen to any of those records? The post-Ross Supremes made some wonderful music which is just now being rediscovered.

He writes off white singer Chris Clark as a "not very gifted singer". From the few songs I have heard, she may not be a virtuoso, but she's not that bad! I know of some rabid Chris Clark fans who would challenge Nelson George on that point.

He spends a lot of time on certain subjects such as Motown's post-70's decline, but seems to spend very little time actually analyzing the music.

A writer, of course, has a right to his opinions and I think, in all fairness, he does a very good job with the book. My biggest complaint is that he seems a little cynical about Motown. I know that not all was happy beneath the wonderful music people heard, but there is still something in his attitude that bothers me a little. Sometimes he seems a little bit mocking in his tone. He wrote a later book about hip hop (a music style I don't care for) and seemed to treat the whole subject with more respect.

I'm probably being a little too analytical about this book.

Anyway, this is still a good book. Put on some Motown music and enjoy.

I purchased this text for a class recently. This little book is quite dense with information. So much so that I've reread and reread. It's very affordable and highly informative on Dutch Baroque Art.

This book is very well written and easy to understand. A good introductory style and works great to explain basic concepts of this specific time period and region. It's a-okay by me.

This book has many strengths: a large number of color photographs, the latest scholarship, and a variety of interpretative considerations. Westermann organizes the book thematically instead of by genre, which allows the reader to grasp the wholeness of Dutch art. Weaknesses: landscape and the contributions of Rembrandt are not given their due. Overall, a fine work that is appropriate both for the layman and the scholar.

The Dutch Golden Age wasn't high on my list of favorites -- until this book came along.

This, in common with other volumes in the "Perspectives" series, offers high quality (though small) reproductions of important works, up-to-date analysis and discussion of the art and the contexts in which it was created.

It does all this while also offering two things that are rare in art books -- clear, well-written prose accessible to a lay audience, and a reasonable price. An excellent introduction to the subject, and a wonderful addition to any library.

This book is beautifully printed and full of not only splendid pictures, but much useful information. This is the kind of book to put on your shelf for reference over and over. And, on a gloomy day, it will be a delight to get out and look through again.

Product came just as described (discounted b/c of folded corners) and came EXTREMELY quickly! thank you!

I am very happy with this book. I includes everything except the finales, goodbyes, and My Favorite Moment of the Bee (Rona's solos) the piano part is accompaniment and doesn't have the melody in the piano part. It's definitely worth the $21.95!

The songs aren't too difficult to play, and they're all great. I only wish they had included more music from the show!

The music for the funniest musical in years is now available!!! This book contains every song for the show except for the transitions (Goodbyes/Favorite Moments of the Bee/Spelling Rules) and contains more than just solo numbers! This show has music for that is all within range of anybody's voice and can be used for auditioning as well as performing!

Last I checked this book is not available in any store, this is definitely a great Amazon buy for any vocalist and will never be regretted by the buyer!

Although the information above is wrong, (the book is 102 pages) this book is worth far more than the $21.95, they're asking for. True to form, William Finn keeps putting out comprehensive songbooks with exciting arrangements of his music dramas. The lyrics in 25th Annual are a bit more rational than his exercises in stream-of-consciousness poeticism like Falsettos or A New Brain, but Finn continues to be a hilarious, accomplished lyricist. Although I was disappointed at the omission of the reprises and a few finales, overall, I was quite pleased with this book, and I recommend it to auditioners, amateur musical theatre actors, or simply fans of the show.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee spells out one thing for sure: F-U-N.