Music Books

this is a great beatle songbook.it has all the songs written in the correct key and is perfect for playing the guitar chords along with the records.make sure to get volume one also to have all the beatles songs.

The songbooks the same as I purchased years ago when I was a teen. I lent it to a friend and never got it back. My older edition was a single edition,while this one's a split one. A lot more practical, of course the price has increased since I was a teen but what hasn't. Have fun strumming along with The Beatles.

Be sure to get the entire two-volume set. You not only get songs the Beatles wrote, but also their versions of covers they did such as "Kansas City." The sheet music is clear and quite easy to follow, which makes learning the songs easier. Beginners may have some trouble with this, but certainly intermediate players will be able to take off.

The harmonic treatment of the songs is stellar. For those who are "multi-lingual" musically, chords, notes and tabulature is provided. That way everybody who can read at least one form of music can really put this book to good use. I am also delighted that the lyrics are included. That way, people who either don't know all the words or who want to learn them can sing along.

Another excellent feature is that the instrumental sections of the songs are included. This book is a must have. Be sure to check out the Beatles' Complete Scores and the finger pickin' guitar book of Beatle songs as well. However, of the choices presented, this book is your first choice.

Guitar players, make this book your best friend when you want to play and/or learn to play Beatle songs the Beatle way. Not only will you derive a lot of satisfaction, but others will enjoy your playing as well. Don't be surprised if you get lots of requests to play some Beatles!

Virtually every Beatles song ever recorded appears in this two-volume set. It includes even some of the Beatles cover songs such as "Kansas City" and "A Taste of Honey".

What you get are the standard sheet music versions of these songs, nicely printed and easy to read. The book is at an intermediate level. Typical Hal Leonard scores: a base line in the spirit of the recording, chords voiced in the center and melody on top. Not always very pianistic, but the songs are transcribed pretty well harmonically. Also tab is included and of course lyrics. Some of the songs include the Beatles solo, fills or intros. For instance the instrumetal part of Polythene Pam, Savoy Truffle or Yer Blues. All the songs I've played so far except "Penny Lane" are in the key they were recorded in. It seems "Penny Lane" is in B, the music is in C.

If you want to know every note the Beatles played, get the "The Beatles Complete Scores" also sold by Amazon.com. However, to me its hard to read and not really playable. So if you just want to just get in and play, this is preferable.

It's quite a luxury to have not just thier hits but all their music together. After playing something like "Let it Be" you can just turn a few pages and delve into something you'd never expect to play like "Piggies", "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" or virtually play through all of "Abbey Road". While the Beatles aren't Gods to me, it really hits you how talented these guys were when you've got it all in front of you like this.

A great collection of all of the Beatles songs from A-I. A definite must for Beatles fans who would like to learn to play their songs. This book rocks--And so can you!

As soon as I took the books out their package I knew I would love them, and as soon as I started to turn each page, I was so amazed at the quality of the book. I highly recommend it. It is packed with beautiful pictures and excellent recipes. I bought this book after reading other reviews about them. I purchased Vol.I,II. Both are amazing and are my favorite cookbooks so far. Now I am going to purchase both for my mother-in-law for Mother's Day!

This is by far my favorite cookbook. It is wonderfully laid out, and every recipe I've tested has been wonderfully delicious. Every friend I've lent it to has gone out and bought their own copy, after deciding that they'd like copies of more than half the recipes!!! Every recipe has a finished product picture, complete list of ingredients in a sidebar, step-by-step instructions with pictures if anything is unclear, as well as tips and tricks (e.g. if something can be done ahead of time)

It's not like the type of cookbooks where you can look up a chocolate chip cookie recipe and make it... but I've made approximately 15% of the recipes so far and loved each one. I highly recommend Better Home and Gardens America's Best-Loved Community Recipes Volume I and II. My favorite recipes are in Volume I, though it's somewhat difficult to find. Also, don't loan this out, I've had to buy another copy of Volume II because my first one was borrowed and never returned.

When I first got this book as a gift I wondered to myself "how good can some collection of random people's recipes be?" After trying a few of the recipes I discovered that the answer was "VERY good." Now I just need to find Volume I.

This is an incredibly diversified mix of American cooking recipes in easy-to-read sections and bright and beautiful color photographs. The sections include: poutry, meats, fish & seafood, soups & stews, pasta rice & legumes, salads & dressings, vegetables, breads muffins & sandwiches, cakes & cookies, desserts, and appetizers beverages & snacks.

I have never had a bad experience with any of the recipes in this book. For that reason it has earned its place with my other two all-time favorite cookbooks "Betty Crocker Cooking Basics" and "Farmhand's Favorite Pies" as an "ACK! Company's Coming!" type of cookbook... a book that I can run and grab off the shelf and with a little bit of effort turn out a flawless and decadent meal.

Just in case you were wondering, my favorite recipe in this book is that of "Grasshopper Bars" featured on page 366. It's a fudgy brownie base topped with a sinfully rich mint cream, and a cool chocolate topping. Try it; you'll LOVE IT!

Each little town has probably put out a small cookbook sometime, Best Loved Community Recipes highlights the tastiest.

You'll find tried and true favorites along with new twists on old recipes. Eggplant Appetizers, Mary's Cheeseball, and Mini Calzones could spice up a gathering.

If you need a good basic recipe like Caramel Corn, Oatmeal Bread, or Hot Cross Buns- this is your cookbook.

From muffins to rolls, cookies, cakes and pies, you'll find what you need. Try the delicious Apple Dessert Pancake, I served it for dinner one night with rave reviews!

Grand recipes for fish and seafood as well as meats, pizzas and noodle dishes fill the 464 pages.

Do yourself or someone else a favor and add this cookbook to your collection. Your crew will thank you time and time again.

America's Best Loved Community Recipes Better Homes and Gardens Published by: BH&G ISBN:0-696-200095-3

Imagine if you could sit down and open a book of your Grandmothers, Aunts and Ladies of the Church Auxiliary's favorite recipes. That is exactly what this book is. Imagine being able to bake that perfect egg custard pie just like your Grandmother used to make. Or perhaps make that wonderful chicken casserole like Mrs. Smith in the church choir. You never could get her to write down what that secret ingredient was.

It takes all the recipes from the many community cookbooks from around the United States and picks out the most popular and requested ones. They are then nicely pictured with a photograph of the finished dish as well as illustrations on how to do some of the techniques. Also included is information about the cookbook it was taken from and a quote or information from the person who contributed it

Reaching for this cookbook is just like reaching out to touch a dear and trusted friend. Not only are all the ingredients listed but also those techniques you are a little unsure about are explained well and then they are illustrated also. I was never sure how the best way was to take the skin off chicken pieces and this book shows exactly where to start and how the pieces should look when you are finished

Very usefull in order to improve jazz style after be-bop.

I already had the last book by John Riley but this one is much better, every drummer should have and practice " Beyong Bop Drumming ", I am very happy and proud to get this book. This method is really made for the be-bop fans with many examples and songs you can practice, very interesting and complete, excellent !!!

I am just about finished with Riley's other book, "The Art of Bop Drumming." I wasn't sure whether to move on into this book, or continue working on mastering the material in the first book. I decided to order "Beyond Bop Drumming" and I'm glad that I did. It addresses a number of things in more detail such as uptempo playing, and begins to get you into comping with your hi-hat foot.

This is a great follow up to his "bop drumming" book. It helps expand your versatility on the drums by adding more comping that utilizes the hi hat as part of your comping figures. The section on "implied time" is amazing. A must have for drummers who want to become a truley "musical" drummer.

this book is a great learning tool from semi-pro to professional drummers that want to refine and improve their jazz and drumming skills. The audio cd that comes with the book offers great examples of the charts and exercises listed. It also lists other recommended listening and reading material. In my opinion, this is even better than the first book from John Riley. Anyone who buys this book will not be disappointed.

This book is an Essential as a Gift to a FAN(s) of These GENRES old & New.From the Ink Spots to Jermaine Jackson from Ja Rule & Ashanti to Ray Charles & Al Green this Books got'em All!Find Out How Successful in Sales & Airplay The Hits You Remember down to Your Bone Thugs N Harmony to Anita Bakers/Your Body+Soul.This Richly Illustrates in printed form some of the most premier recordings of pre-rock era soul to todays Rappers.Highly Qualified Purchasing Quotient & Highly Enjoyable esp4 Fans!

Any avid follower of R&B and hip-hop hits will have to make Billboard Book Of Top 40 R&B And Hip-Hop Hitsa part of their collection: it does far more than detail hit charts; it provides artist and song title for quick reference, extensive biographies of artists and groups, lists of record holders, and more. Author Joel Whitburn's company Record Research has compiled extensive references to music based on Billboard charts: Billboard Book Of Top 40 R&B And Hip-Hop Hits is one of the best of his works, packing in a wealth of information. A 'must' for any serious follower of the genre.

Any avid follower of R&B and hip-hop hits will have to make Billboard Book Of Top 40 R&B And Hip-Hop Hitsa part of their collection: it does far more than detail hit charts; it provides artist and song title for quick reference, extensive biographies of artists and groups, lists of record holders, and more. Author Joel Whitburn's company Record Research has compiled extensive references to music based on Billboard charts: Billboard Book Of Top 40 R&B And Hip-Hop Hits is one of the best of his works, packing in a wealth of information. A 'must' for any serious follower of the genre.

Any avid follower of R&B and hip-hop hits will have to make Billboard Book Of Top 40 R&B And Hip-Hop Hitsa part of their collection: it does far more than detail hit charts; it provides artist and song title for quick reference, extensive biographies of artists and groups, lists of record holders, and more. Author Joel Whitburn's company Record Research has compiled extensive references to music based on Billboard charts: Billboard Book Of Top 40 R&B And Hip-Hop Hits is one of the best of his works, packing in a wealth of information. A 'must' for any serious follower of the genre.

I highly recommend this book to any fan of the music genres charted in Billboard's R&B Top 40. If you grew up on music like this, it's perfect for review during the years when you were in school--no matter if it was back in the 40s, 60s, 90s or 00s. You'll be surprised of all the music you have forgotten, you'll then find yourself looking for it to bring back fond memories.

If, like me, you grew up during Hip-Hop's baby years (early 80s to early 90s), some great jams didn't make the top 40. Keep in mind that Hip-Hop from that period was not fully appreciated until recently, and Billboard recognized mostly Pop-Rap that crossed over like "Parents Just Don't Understand", "You Can't Touch This", "Wild Thing" or "Bust A Move" at that time. For those jams not on the list, you'll see the artist's music from the sophomore or third album (which happened to A Tribe Called Quest and Big Daddy Kane).

Excellent! We bought this book to take a tour of the blues through Missippi. We followed many of the suggested spots and even met some of the people mentioned in the book. Use it as the definitive tour guide to the blues.

Some of the directions could have been better, like Robert Johnson's grave site. It wasn't really clear how to get to downtown Greenwood, MS, but we eventually got there!
Lots of good information. Stumbled upon MS John Hurt's grave while trying to find Robert Johnsons, so that was a plus.
All blues lovers and enthusiasts should get this book before your journey. Lots of good information about the area, and details about the musicians you want to know more about!

This book is all you need to plan a trip to the true Delta blues spots. book is set up perfectly for a road trip and very honest and detailed. Top Notch!

If you are going south on a blues trip, you need this book. It is full of great info and directions to many, many graet sites of the blues. Highly recommended.

I highly recommend this book for anybody considering a Blues trip into the Delta. It is the best available resource on the market. Looking at its competitors, they all miss the mark due to either outdated, incomplete, or just plain incorrect information.

I have just completed a Delta blues trip and read the book after I returned. Having actually done such a trip provides a very authoritative vantage point from which to judge any such work.

Our trip was preceded by 6 months of online research into every aspect of the Delta and surrounding areas. Over 100 pages of information were accumulated prior to departure. The trip itself covered nearly a 1400 mile loop by car that began and ended in New Orleans. So many of the stops we made along the way ~ Jackson, Ms.; Greenwood, Ms.; Clarksdale, Ms.; Helena, Ark.; Memphis, Tenn.; all the historic gravesites; the prisons and the plantations were all covered in Steve's book. He certainly did his homework. (For goodness sake, he moved there as part of the overall immersion process, LOL!)

We met Steve in Helena while he was lecturing and playing at the `Blues on Main Street' exhibit opening at the Delta Cultural Center on Cherry St. He is proficient at both. It was there we bought the book that got carried home and subsequently read after the fact.

If you don't have 6 months to do your own research, just buy his book and read it in a week. He covers everything. Then take it with you and use it as a guide on the road.

(p.s. Plan your trip so it somehow involves the WC Handy awards in Memphis in late April, as well as the Beale Street Music Festival that follows that weekend).

You could fill a book with all the information I _don't_ know about Brazilian music... In fact, these guys already have! Concise, conversational, informative and very well laid out, this is an exceptionally readable book. Chapters on samba, bossa nova, tropicalia, forro and jazz include focused biographical sketches of dozens of key artists, as well as succinct historical information about the progress of Brazilian music from its European and African folk roots into its bewildering and often beautiful modern offshoots. The book's focus is nonpartisan: although there is plenty of room for aesthetic criticism within the various styles, the authors generally hold their preferences and dislikes to themselves. They do, however, give readers a good sense of which recordings might be best to check out -- an invaluable service considering how little of Brazil's vast musical output makes it to the United States. Highly recommended! Certainly the best English-language guide to Brazilian pop that you will find in print (online is a different matter), this is great for casual listeners and hardcore fans alike.

The Brazilian Sound is good as far as it goes - a who's who list and discography of 20th century Brazilian music. Although, the book has the feel of a junior college textbook, it's written in plain language. It would be a relatively easy read if it were not that a parenthetical list of Brazilian names breaks up every third or fourth paragraph. There are some very informative passages - notably the chapter on Bossa Nova and the "Escolas de Samba" section of Chapter 2. At their best, the authors provide clear and comphrensive explanations of the geneology and sociological context of the music.

Unfortunately, unless a person is willing to spend countless shopping hours and a couple of thousand dollars building up collection of Brazilian records, he or she will gain almost no insight from this book into what the music feels like. The authors describe individual works and artists in only vague terms - terms often identical to those previously used to describe others. They beat the term "syncopation" into irrelevance - it's clear only that all Brazilian music is syncopated. The authors habitually refer to folk music genres and song forms ala "Composer X's work is all based on the Y song form..." But they provide no practical examples or definitions of those genres or forms.

The authors stridently dumb-down their text, accepting as axiom that one has to "hear it to believe it" and that it is meaningless to describe Brazilian music in technical terms. They generally refrain from even using common musical terms - bar, measure, pulse, key, etc. - to give the reader a clearer understanding of Brazilian rhythmic and harmonic structures. They use few effective musical comparisons or verbal metaphors. It is understandably difficult to describe music in writing. But it is possible. Judicious use of metaphor, comparisions, and technical descriptions would have greatly fleshed out what in the end comes off as a skeletal text.

This 1998 edition serves as the update to the first, apparently published in 1990 or 1991. However, the amendments appear to have been quite minor - embodied by an isolated paragraph here and there, and four meager pages in the final "More Brazilian Sounds" chapter. It's as if nothing has really happened in the evolution of Brazilian music since 1990 - an impression that must be wrong.

The Brazilian Sound catalogs decent research, but is neither good writing nor effective music history.

The best book about Brazilian music in English, "The Brazilian Sound" is a beautifully written, in-depth guide to samba, bossa and other Brazilian genres. Many of the reviews below are on the mark, but BGB from WA seems not to have read the book (or to have read a different book!). The 1998 edition substantially upgrades the original 1991 version. There is much added in terms of early history, capoeira, racial issues, choro, and the blocos and afoxes in Bahia. There is more on important artists from the 1990s, like Marisa Monte, Daniela Mercury, Carlinhos Brown, Chico Cesar, Chico Science and Karnak, though these additions are in various chapters, not just the final one ("More Brazilian Sounds"). One needs to have actually read the book to know that, of course...The music is nicely described, in both musical and cultural terms. One gets a strong sense of how it sounds, and a clear understanding of its rhythmic, harmonic and melodic ingredients. Some of the writing is rather encyclopedic, dispensing a rather staggering amount of information, while many sections vividly convey a sense of the music. I often felt I was at a bossa nova club in '59, at an escola de samba rehearsal, watching one of the 1960s song festivals, or attending a forro party. "The Brazilian Life" brings to life both the current and past greats of Brazilian music. As a result, I added quite a few CDs to my collection, especially of artists like Milton Nascimento, Pixinguinha, Jobim and Marisa Monte. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

An excellent book for anyone who wants to explore Brazilian music beyond the well-known classics. Helps place current and past musicians in their historical contexts; helps you understand who influenced whom, etc. The book will pay for itself just by helping you guide your ever-growing collection of Brazilian CD's (hard to stop once you get started)!

A lively and well-written book, The Brazilian Sound provides a broad overview of the remarkable spectrum of musica popular brasileira, from samba, bossa nova and forro to tropicalia, choro and Brazilian rock. It takes us on a journey both through the evolution of Brazilian music and the history of Brazil, and places artists like Jobim within a cultural context that helps us appreciate their music all the more. One comes away with a solid grasp of the major artists and genres of Brazilian music, as well as their impact on the "North American Sound." There is an extensive glossary at the end that is worth the price of the book alone, and an exhaustive discography.

The authors succeed in bringing the music to life, whether they are conveying the playfulness of the choro musical style, placing the reader at an Olodum concert in Salvador, or describing a samba-school rehearsal on a "hot and humid night in Rio de Janeiro." For the latter, they write, "Surdos (bass drums) pound out a booming beat, and their incessant drive provides the foundation for the rest of the bateria, the drum-and-percussion section that will later parade triumphantly during Carnaval. Snare drums called caixas rattle away in a hypnotic frenzy, and above them tamborins (small cymbal-less tambourines that are hit with sticks) carry a high-pitched rhythmic phrase like popcorn in an overheated pot. Enter the sad cries and humorous moans of the cuica (friction drum), the crisp rhythmic accents of the reco-reco (scraper), and the hollow metallic tones of the agogo (double bell). Other percussion instruments add more colors, the ukelele-like cavaquinho adds its high-register plaintive harmonies, and the puxador (lead singer) belts out the melody...." Such vivid and elaborate descriptions helped me make sense of the wall of sound that is samba, and made me want to book the next flight to Rio de Janeiro for Carnaval.

The second edition adds more historical information and brings the book up to date with musical developments in the `90s. There is extensive additional information about the origins of capoeira (the Brazilian martial art which is accompanied by music in training and which is gaining increasing popularity all over the world), and about racial issues in Brazil as reflected in popular music. There are new profiles of contemporary artists such as Marisa Monte, Nacao Zumbi, Karnak, Daude, Chico Cesar, Daniela Mercury, Timbalada, and Carlinhos Brown. The descriptions of Bahian percussionist-songwriter Carlinhos Brown's collaboration with Sergio Mendes (on the 1992 album Brasileiro) and his groundbreaking 1996 solo album Alfagamabetizado are especially memorable. This is a classic study of Brazilian music, a must for any world-music aficionado.

"On Tour" is the perfect complement/finisher to Marsh's "Two Hearts". It fills in the gaps through the Devils & Dust Tour. The verbage is light & the pictures vivid. Fan or not, it's worth the read. Nothing compares to seeing him live, but it follows the energy as well as it can.

Bought book as a christmas present for my boss who is a Springsteen Fan. He is going to put it on his coffee table with his other favorite rock star books. Great pics....

I actually got the book for a gift for somebody else, but when it arrived, I kinda scanned through it and it looked great. My friend is a huge Bruce fan and said that it looked incredible. She loved the pictures!!!

Purchased as a gift for an all time super fan of Springsteen. He loved the book. A must have for any Springsteen fan.

Dave Marsh is not what you'd call an unbiased journalist. Nor should he be. He is basically the official Springsteen biographer, and his previous books have documented his rise (the first book), then his popular explosion (his second book), which have been collated in the terrific "Two Hearts".
Here, he provides a tour-by-tour analysis/memoir/scrapbook of the career of Bruce Springsteen.

I am a huge Springsteen fan. Just huge. I devoured this book and begged for more.

There are literally hundreds of killer little details that will delight anyone who has seen a Springsteen show. If this book is given to a Springsteen fan who by chance has not yet seen him live, it will make them want to donate a kidney to do so.

The most frequent comments I internally made while reading this tome were "I wish I was there", or " I wish that would come out on CD or DVD", or "That must have been amazing" and usually ending with " I must find a way to get tickets to his next concert!"

No other musician could have a book like this. Many of his beloved onstage stories are reproduced here. Accounts of particularly historic shows (The Bottom Line, The Roxy, Nassau, the Coliseum), guest performers (Ronnie Spector, his mom requesting an encore)...the way he went from band tours to solo shows...

Bottom line (no pun intended) is that this is a mandatory purchase for any Bruce fan!

Of the books I have seen, this has to be one of the best! Peter Black was the only photographer granted 'all access' on the Sixteen Stone tour. The book contains pictures/notes from the very beginning of Bush's career to the time when it is certain that the band are true rockstars!

I loved this collection of photos from the Sixteen Stone Tour! Very good collection of backstage and on stage pics. A must for any Bush fan!

I loved this book so much! If there are any bush fans who don't have it ,I recomend that you get it. I Also think that the photos in this book are so meaningful they don't even need a caption to know what they are.

This book has some unique and incredible black and white photography of Bush both on and off-stage. It gives the readers a glimpse into Bush's life with some comedic commentaries that are always good for a laugh. You can't use it for a book report, but it's one you'll enjoy for a long time. And hey it makes a great gift for Bush fans!

This book gave Bush fans an idea of what the group has to go through during a tour. The photography was excellent (especially of Gavin cuz he a hottie!) and was creatively put into book form. GAVIN IS SO FINE! ~Lara~

Exposes those who do not live in the islands, both young and old,to the customs and colorful surroundings of the Caribbean. The music is a toe tapping, finger snapping passage through the delightful illustrations. The wife ordered a book for herself and plays the CD while driving to and from work!

I originally learned about this CD and activity book when it was used by my son's teacher as part of his sing-along time at school. I couldn't help but notice how engaged my son was in the activities. I fell in love with so many of the songs that I bought a copy for us to have at home! It's a favorite gift I give to kids 3 and up. Even my 10-year old neices love it.

The coloring book part is best for the older kids.

Carribean Colors of the Rainbow combines music, educational informational, and creative opportunities for children. This combination has resulted in a unique and exceptional entertainment and learning product. Children are provided an occassion to have fun, be exposed to cultural diversity, learn, and express their own creativity -- all without redundancy and with nonstop stimulation. Hats off to a wonderful and long awaited contribution to child (and adult) entertainment and learning.

This is the perfect gift: kids love it and so do their parents! Great book & music for kids and cool tunes for Mom & Dad (or people like me without kids). Can't go wrong with this one.

This book is a fresh look at the daily things children encounter in the Caribbean. The tunes are varied - and never dull. It is hard to listen and NOT tap your feet or clap your hands and sing along - the words are right there for you! I've used it with my Kindergarteners, first grade, second grade, third grade and sixth grade...I'm a substitute teacher. All age levels loved it for different reasons. The sixth graders liked the "baracuda and his big sharp teeth". The older children enjoyed coloring the pictures as the songs played while the little ones loved Imelda and all her shoes. Lots of conversation on this one!
I think this is the best thing that's happened to us in the Caribbean in a long time. We didn't have music depicting our life and our childrens' world until now. Thank you Dee and Rachel.

This book is so unique, I would recommend it for anyone who loves the history of the stage or just unique perspectives and biographies.
Not only is the story engaging, but each page is tasty eye candy.
You will not be disappointed with Century Girl!

Loved everything about this book: the subject, the era, the layout, the photographs, the ephemera. This was an enjoyable read and I've purchased copies to give as gifts to friends that I know have an interest in this time period. My only caution is that the text is "handwritten" and sprawls across the pages. I found it charming, but others may find it difficult to read. All in all, a delightful glimpse into a life led in the glory of days long gone.

Wow, this book is fantastic! Lauren Redniss put a lot of highly detailed work into this charming publication about the last Ziegfeld girl alive. Doris Eaton is a spunky little lady who, at the age of 104 has graciously opened the pages of her life during the days she was a Ziegfeld girl. The book is beautifully illustrated and colorful with lots of photographs and clippings follwing Doris' career as well as her siblings. Ms. Redniss did a marvelous job. I can't rave about it enough.

You must buy this sweet book if you adore the Ziegfeld Folies, fashion illustration, collage, lush photos of flappers, and want to know more about the last of the living burlesque dancers Doris Eaton Travis. This wonderful book makes a fab gift for collectors of nostalgia and vintage frocks. Features pages and pages of handpainted/tinted photos and whimsical creative collage spreads of 1920's photos.

Century Girl: 100 Years in the Life of Doris Eaton Travis, Last Living Star of the Ziegfeld Follies is a new order of biography. Lauren Redniss uses hand-written text as an artistic element to guide the eye through the evocative images she has created using photo-collage and line drawings. The result is a visually stunning tour of the extraordinary life of Doris Eaton Travis

The book chronicles the life of Norman, Oklahoma, resident and University of Oklahoma graduate Doris Eaton Travis. The book follows Travis and her siblings, once known as the Eatons of Broadway, from their lives as child actors, to their success in theater and early films, and ultimately to their sad and often tragic fates.

Travis alone was able to leave show business behind. She had the strength to adapt herself when circumstances demanded; from dancer, to entrepreneur, to book-keeper on a horse ranch, to college graduate at 88 years old. She returned to the Broadway stage at the age of 94 and recieved an honorary doctorate at 100. Her's is a story of reinvention and ultimately of success.

Lauren Redniss teaches at the Parson's School in New York City. Her work is often seen on the Op-Ed page of the New York Times, which nominated her for the Pulitzer Prize. She is currently writing a biography of Marie Curie, due out in the fall.

This book is a work of art from cover to cover. Redniss knows her subject well and the story is told largely in Travis' own words. It is the author's unique, artistic approach that brings this fascinating story to life so vibrantly and with such immediacey.

In one section of the book, for example, Redniss discusses Travis' sister Mary Eaton's beauty, and the eagerness with which men gave her expensive gifts. The text takes the reader to photographs of Eaton in a seductive pose layered over images of Eaton's name in lights on the marquis of the New Amsterdam Theater. These images flow into a still photo from Eaton's starring role in Glorifying the American Girl. As we read of Eaton's beauty, we see coming off the page a Broadway star at the height of her fame and a woman who epitomizes beauty in the early twentieth century....and we understand why men were so easily parted from their money.

The artistic elements flow together seamlessly and carry the reader through this lovingly crafted biography. Redniss' incredible images allow the reader to experience the lives of Travis and her family in ways that text alone simply doesn't allow.

This book would appeal to anyone interested in dance or theater history. It has appeal to the general reader as well. Doris Eaton Travis is an extraordinary human being. Her ability to overcome tragedy, to reinvent herself, and to constantly strive to learn is an inspiration to all. Lauren Redniss' extaordinary book is the perfect vehicle to bring her inspiring story to life.