The definitive reference book on the manics (Everything (A Book About Manic Street Preachers) - Simon Price)

Member Name: CabbageBeans

Product:	Everything (A Book About Manic Street Preachers) - Simon Price
Date:	01/07/09 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Well researched and written

Disadvantages: Sometimes Price can veer somewhat more towards subjectivity rather than objectivity

As someone who'd grown up being a casual fan of the band, without really knowing too much about them other than them being 'that great band who's guitarist went missing', this was a compelling read that provided a comprehensive biography of the band; from starting out as a group of bored teenagers playing covers of the Clash in the front room, to becoming critically acclaimed and award-winning stars of British 1990s rock. Price's writing style is very readable, and to the most part draws fair judgments and conclusion; revering the band without being outlandish and over the top, as is the danger of a fan-written biography. Having become quite a fan of the band myself, I've found the book a very useful reference point, and it also features a number of colour image pages - including the now infamous '4real' NME photograph. I thoroughly recommend this both to the more hardcore of fans, as well as to those with a passing interest in the band and their music.

Summary: A compelling and informative read