Does anyone know a good book to read about the band? One that gives you an idea of what the band members are like personally. Thanks
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there isn't one.....and the reason is - there isn't a single book where all four members endorsed the writer and gave actual interviews
ok...any good book relating to Freddie?
Freddie would be the one with the most inaccurate and startlingly bad books written about. there's nothing truly authorised so it's all shit
try fan websites for decent honest write-ups
try fan websites for decent honest write-ups
I think the most honest books on Freddie are those written by Jim Hutton and by Peter Freestone. That's what I heard. But I never read either.
I happen to like "Queen The Early Years" By Mark Hodkinson.
For a book that is NOT authorized by the band, nor has any interviews with the 4 members of Queen..it is surprisingly free of tawdry/tabloid material and a very affectionate book.
From the comparisons I have made to the information in this book, with fan and press information, it seems fairly accurate or at least as much as can be without access to the band.
It is very informative and insightful to the earliest days of Queen, and written with much esteem and regard for the band. I like it alot nd often re-read portions to refresh my memory or compare it to what others in the press or fans have to say.
For a book that is NOT authorized by the band, nor has any interviews with the 4 members of Queen..it is surprisingly free of tawdry/tabloid material and a very affectionate book.
From the comparisons I have made to the information in this book, with fan and press information, it seems fairly accurate or at least as much as can be without access to the band.
It is very informative and insightful to the earliest days of Queen, and written with much esteem and regard for the band. I like it alot nd often re-read portions to refresh my memory or compare it to what others in the press or fans have to say.
Wasn't As It Began authorised by all four?
Wasn't As It Began authorised by all four?
I never read AS It Began. Is it any good? That seems to be out of print in the USA as is BOTH Jim Hutton's book and Peter Freestone's book.
I can say in defense of "Queen The Early Years", (which is the ONLY AQueen book I have been able to find in print in USA book stores) that,
I forget, it's either in Mark's (the author) Forward, or Afterward where he specifically tells you the reader, that HE TRIED to get Authorized access to the band..
..and he TOLD QPL ( I guess Jim Beach or Queen's publicist) that he would ONLY write a book that WOULD be affectionate, and written with regard and attention to accuracy, which he could better do if they cooperated wih him...
...and Queen still refused his authorization, interviews, access. It's all in the forward/afterward..whichever.
I think Hodkinson seems like a good egg and hey, after Queen told him to get bent when he TRIED to do the right thing...he could have gotten pissed and written a tabloid tell all in anger.
I think he is a first class guy and author...still writing a NON tabloid book that is pretty darn accurate and affectionate...without any cooperation from QPL or Queen.
I think the Freddie Mercury biography by Peter Freestone is definately one of the best books I've read in a while. It shows more of what Freddie was really like. But, as you read it you just need to keep in mind (even though it is loaded with facts) that it is his personal view of things.
I got Freestone's book and Jim Hutton's book off ebay both for around $10. BUT it took a lot of time and patience. How I finally got them was to bid in the last minute of the auction. Crappy of me I know but it worked.
They are both decent books but written very differently. I've read them each a couple times.
They are both decent books but written very differently. I've read them each a couple times.
Lisser-
Please explain how the books are different.
Please explain how the books are different.
Freestone's book's good. EARLY YEARS is brilliant. AS IT BEGAN has its moments, it was written by Jacky so with some bands input, but... it's not the best...
"Queen and I. The Brian May Story." is good as well, IMO
"Queen and I. The Brian May Story." is good as well, IMO
I have never heard of this one. Did Brian write his own autobiography, or did he have someone write it with and for him?
Also year it was published?
"Queen and I. The Brian May Story." is good as well, IMO
I have never heard of this one. Did Brian write his own autobiography, or did he have someone write it with and for him?
Also year it was published?
Laura Jackson wrote it. 1994 year. It contains a lot of exclusive interviews, some good photos (for instance, Brian in school with short hair, wow!). As I know it authorized by Brian. Very good book, IMO, as well as Lesley-Ann Jones' "Freddie Mercury. The Definitive Biography".
"Queen and I - The Brian May Story" by Laura Jackson
Published by Smith Gryphon, 1994
ISBN 1 85685 099 4 (paperback)
ISBN 1 85685 062 5 (hardback)"