THE BEST GUITAR ENCYCLOPEDIA EVER!!!, 09 Feb 2007
THIS IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE GUITAR MANUAL AROUND. IDEAL FOR COLLECTORS AND MAKERS ALIKE. EVERY MAKE AND MODEL EXPLAINED!!!I PERSONALLY COLLECT GUITARS AND THIS WAS VERY HELPFULL INDEED. THE BOOK IT'S SELF IS VERY COLLECTABLE AND HARD TO FIND IN IT'S ORIGINAL PRINT.

Very comprehensive compulsive reading for a type..., 22 Mar 2005
Well it is if this is your thing: pictures and histories of brands of guitars. Every conceivable manufacturer is in here and in some detail. It'll have you trawling second hand shops for that rarity in no time.

Great book, great pictures, very addictive!

Ellectric Guitars: The Illustrated Encyclopedia, 25 Nov 2002
Tony Bacon has succeeded in compiling the best encyclopaedia on electric guitars that I have seen yet. This is a wonderfully illustrated record of almost any make of commercially sold electric guitar from budget priced axes to the great names in the world of the electric guitar. Even forgotten names like ‘Egmund’ can be found along with many other makes that I had never heard of before. The photographic illustrations are very high quality and are accompanied by detailed descriptions of the guitars, notes on their designers and histories of the factories that produced and still produce these marvellous instruments. I would especially recommend this book to anyone who is a serious collector, player or builder of the electric guitar.

THE BEST GUITAR ENCYCLOPEDIA EVER!!!, 09 Feb 2007
THIS IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE GUITAR MANUAL AROUND. IDEAL FOR COLLECTORS AND MAKERS ALIKE. EVERY MAKE AND MODEL EXPLAINED!!!I PERSONALLY COLLECT GUITARS AND THIS WAS VERY HELPFULL INDEED. THE BOOK IT'S SELF IS VERY COLLECTABLE AND HARD TO FIND IN IT'S ORIGINAL PRINT.

Very comprehensive compulsive reading for a type..., 22 Mar 2005
Well it is if this is your thing: pictures and histories of brands of guitars. Every conceivable manufacturer is in here and in some detail. It'll have you trawling second hand shops for that rarity in no time.

Great book, great pictures, very addictive!

Ellectric Guitars: The Illustrated Encyclopedia, 25 Nov 2002
Tony Bacon has succeeded in compiling the best encyclopaedia on electric guitars that I have seen yet. This is a wonderfully illustrated record of almost any make of commercially sold electric guitar from budget priced axes to the great names in the world of the electric guitar. Even forgotten names like ‘Egmund’ can be found along with many other makes that I had never heard of before. The photographic illustrations are very high quality and are accompanied by detailed descriptions of the guitars, notes on their designers and histories of the factories that produced and still produce these marvellous instruments. I would especially recommend this book to anyone who is a serious collector, player or builder of the electric guitar.

Tedious, 12 Mar 2008
Its great for getting you to sleep at night. The content is pretentious. I could go on but just do not waste your money.Very disappointing.

More 'miscellany' than 'encyclopedia', 25 Dec 2007
I just don't think that this can be called 'A [let alone, The] Bob Dylan Encyclopedia'. Also, the more serious Dylan fan will probably find they know most of what's in it. For a far more substantial volume about Dylan's work read the same author's 'Song and Dance Man III: The Art of Bob Dylan'... surely the best book on Dylan. Gray is a great commentator on Dylan's lyrics.

The road goes on forever, 12 Dec 2007
Dylan was once quoted as saying "...can't understand why so many spend their lives thinking of me-I mean why don't these people get a life?"
Which is easy enough to say but not really to apply-after all Dylan IS the life many have chosen either to write books or just spend time reading them.There is a mighty lot out there-including the magnificent Scrapbook as well as the booklets inside every other Dylan reissue!
So what is it like I wonder for anyone today who gets into Dylan after buying one of the many Essential or Greatest Hits CDs? There is after all over 40 years of music available-everything's on CD except the 1973 album of Self Portrait leftovers-but I suppose that will soon come.
You certainly need books to understand what the man is about-more so than any other artist.
It was rather different in the 60s when you were thrown in at the deep end-not helped by the vast amount of nonsense from Dylan himself during an interview.Or LPs like John Wesley Harding which had a sleeve note nothing to do with the contents but nearer to his own book called Tarantula-which defies anyone even today to get past the first few pages! And then the rumoours-the motorbike accident and very little new stuff for a couple of years.The Self Portrait album which was mainly full of cover versions-a misunderstood album at the time but really no more than the first album which was the same thing.Dylan has never been big headed enough to just do his own songs-he's always done covers and I'm looking forward to his first one of Beatles songs
Me? I like cover versions of Dylan songs and Dylan covers himself with increasing regularity.He's always remained in the same turf where folk,country,Gospel and blues rule.Mainly Dylan is a master plagiarist-he'll rewrite any song and pass it off as his own -its easier than saying Trad arr Dylan. Or sometimes it isn't-Subterranean Homesick Blues is as most people know by now modelled on a Chuck Berry one-after all Dylan once wanted to be Little Richard and was a frustrated rock'n'roller for his first 3 albums-but that was his way in.By 1965 Dunhill's Lou Adler handed a 20 year old "street poet" called Philip Sloan a few Dylan albums and told him to get some of the songs copied. He did and Eve Of Destruction was the result.
The study of Dylan never ends because he makes sure of that.Like the 26 part Radio Bob series where Dylan becomes an expert on American music and important enough as to warrant at least 2 CDs.
I also like Dylan tributes and there's CDs of those too-not just covers but songs inspired by him. Such as David Peel's The Ballad of Bob Dylan.
Today there are just 3 key names-the Beatles and Bob Dylan and Elvis.
And thats via the amount of literature and music they inspire.
Think about it-who else was ever like Bob Dylan?



Great Eclectic Information Spoilt by Smart Alecky Tone, 26 Feb 2007
This is a really good source book of information for the Dylan fan and possibly others. It is far reaching and detailed in parts. The major problem is the author's smart alec way - we know he thinks Dylan is the greatest talent of the twentieth century and most of his readers will agree with him but does he have to include so many put downs of other artists because they are, in his eyes, inferior. Even Paul Simon and Paul McCartney get this treatment - seen as much lesser talents - I just wish that I had a bit of that lesser talent! Mr Gray you spoil your thorough research and clear writing by including these value laden and often misplaced judgements - the book doesn't need them.

A magnificent and illuminating guide to Bob Dylan's universe., 24 Aug 2006
This hefty 736 page tome is an utterly engrossing encyclopedia which represents the fruits of over 30 years' assiduous research by that doyen of Dylan writers, Michael Gray.
As well as detailed analyses of many of Dylan's songs and albums there's an astonishingly wide range of entries from Blind Willie McTell & Sleepy John Estes to Arthur Rimbaud & William Blake.
'The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia' is an entertaining and illuminating guide to Dylan's universe which, in the words of the author, will "open up a wider world, to be sent down a thousand boulevards".
Anyone with the slightest interest in Dylan should get hold of a copy of this magnificent, literate and endlessly fascinating book which also includes a searchable CD-rom of the entire text.

THE BEST GUITAR ENCYCLOPEDIA EVER!!!, 09 Feb 2007
THIS IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE GUITAR MANUAL AROUND. IDEAL FOR COLLECTORS AND MAKERS ALIKE. EVERY MAKE AND MODEL EXPLAINED!!!I PERSONALLY COLLECT GUITARS AND THIS WAS VERY HELPFULL INDEED. THE BOOK IT'S SELF IS VERY COLLECTABLE AND HARD TO FIND IN IT'S ORIGINAL PRINT.

Very comprehensive compulsive reading for a type..., 22 Mar 2005
Well it is if this is your thing: pictures and histories of brands of guitars. Every conceivable manufacturer is in here and in some detail. It'll have you trawling second hand shops for that rarity in no time.

Great book, great pictures, very addictive!

Ellectric Guitars: The Illustrated Encyclopedia, 25 Nov 2002
Tony Bacon has succeeded in compiling the best encyclopaedia on electric guitars that I have seen yet. This is a wonderfully illustrated record of almost any make of commercially sold electric guitar from budget priced axes to the great names in the world of the electric guitar. Even forgotten names like ‘Egmund’ can be found along with many other makes that I had never heard of before. The photographic illustrations are very high quality and are accompanied by detailed descriptions of the guitars, notes on their designers and histories of the factories that produced and still produce these marvellous instruments. I would especially recommend this book to anyone who is a serious collector, player or builder of the electric guitar.

Tedious, 12 Mar 2008
Its great for getting you to sleep at night. The content is pretentious. I could go on but just do not waste your money.Very disappointing.

More 'miscellany' than 'encyclopedia', 25 Dec 2007
I just don't think that this can be called 'A [let alone, The] Bob Dylan Encyclopedia'. Also, the more serious Dylan fan will probably find they know most of what's in it. For a far more substantial volume about Dylan's work read the same author's 'Song and Dance Man III: The Art of Bob Dylan'... surely the best book on Dylan. Gray is a great commentator on Dylan's lyrics.

The road goes on forever, 12 Dec 2007
Dylan was once quoted as saying "...can't understand why so many spend their lives thinking of me-I mean why don't these people get a life?"
Which is easy enough to say but not really to apply-after all Dylan IS the life many have chosen either to write books or just spend time reading them.There is a mighty lot out there-including the magnificent Scrapbook as well as the booklets inside every other Dylan reissue!
So what is it like I wonder for anyone today who gets into Dylan after buying one of the many Essential or Greatest Hits CDs? There is after all over 40 years of music available-everything's on CD except the 1973 album of Self Portrait leftovers-but I suppose that will soon come.
You certainly need books to understand what the man is about-more so than any other artist.
It was rather different in the 60s when you were thrown in at the deep end-not helped by the vast amount of nonsense from Dylan himself during an interview.Or LPs like John Wesley Harding which had a sleeve note nothing to do with the contents but nearer to his own book called Tarantula-which defies anyone even today to get past the first few pages! And then the rumoours-the motorbike accident and very little new stuff for a couple of years.The Self Portrait album which was mainly full of cover versions-a misunderstood album at the time but really no more than the first album which was the same thing.Dylan has never been big headed enough to just do his own songs-he's always done covers and I'm looking forward to his first one of Beatles songs
Me? I like cover versions of Dylan songs and Dylan covers himself with increasing regularity.He's always remained in the same turf where folk,country,Gospel and blues rule.Mainly Dylan is a master plagiarist-he'll rewrite any song and pass it off as his own -its easier than saying Trad arr Dylan. Or sometimes it isn't-Subterranean Homesick Blues is as most people know by now modelled on a Chuck Berry one-after all Dylan once wanted to be Little Richard and was a frustrated rock'n'roller for his first 3 albums-but that was his way in.By 1965 Dunhill's Lou Adler handed a 20 year old "street poet" called Philip Sloan a few Dylan albums and told him to get some of the songs copied. He did and Eve Of Destruction was the result.
The study of Dylan never ends because he makes sure of that.Like the 26 part Radio Bob series where Dylan becomes an expert on American music and important enough as to warrant at least 2 CDs.
I also like Dylan tributes and there's CDs of those too-not just covers but songs inspired by him. Such as David Peel's The Ballad of Bob Dylan.
Today there are just 3 key names-the Beatles and Bob Dylan and Elvis.
And thats via the amount of literature and music they inspire.
Think about it-who else was ever like Bob Dylan?



Great Eclectic Information Spoilt by Smart Alecky Tone, 26 Feb 2007
This is a really good source book of information for the Dylan fan and possibly others. It is far reaching and detailed in parts. The major problem is the author's smart alec way - we know he thinks Dylan is the greatest talent of the twentieth century and most of his readers will agree with him but does he have to include so many put downs of other artists because they are, in his eyes, inferior. Even Paul Simon and Paul McCartney get this treatment - seen as much lesser talents - I just wish that I had a bit of that lesser talent! Mr Gray you spoil your thorough research and clear writing by including these value laden and often misplaced judgements - the book doesn't need them.

A magnificent and illuminating guide to Bob Dylan's universe., 24 Aug 2006
This hefty 736 page tome is an utterly engrossing encyclopedia which represents the fruits of over 30 years' assiduous research by that doyen of Dylan writers, Michael Gray.
As well as detailed analyses of many of Dylan's songs and albums there's an astonishingly wide range of entries from Blind Willie McTell & Sleepy John Estes to Arthur Rimbaud & William Blake.
'The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia' is an entertaining and illuminating guide to Dylan's universe which, in the words of the author, will "open up a wider world, to be sent down a thousand boulevards".
Anyone with the slightest interest in Dylan should get hold of a copy of this magnificent, literate and endlessly fascinating book which also includes a searchable CD-rom of the entire text.

Fabulous Jazz Theory Book, 13 Oct 2005
I've only just got the book, so these are my first implressions.

I'm really impressed with this. It's beautifully printed and bound with that really nice binding system that O'Reilly use for their technical books so it stays open and lies flat.

The contents are very well written and explain things simply without being condescending. I've been reading quite a few different books on intervals and chord construction recently, this is by far the best I've come across.

The writers seem to have struck a good balance between a readable tutorial and a useful reference. I really like the format and the exercises that are liberally sprinkled all through the text look very useful . I have the feeling this is going to be keeping me very busy for the next couple of months.

I can't recommend this highly enough.

THE BEST GUITAR ENCYCLOPEDIA EVER!!!, 09 Feb 2007
THIS IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE GUITAR MANUAL AROUND. IDEAL FOR COLLECTORS AND MAKERS ALIKE. EVERY MAKE AND MODEL EXPLAINED!!!I PERSONALLY COLLECT GUITARS AND THIS WAS VERY HELPFULL INDEED. THE BOOK IT'S SELF IS VERY COLLECTABLE AND HARD TO FIND IN IT'S ORIGINAL PRINT.

Very comprehensive compulsive reading for a type..., 22 Mar 2005
Well it is if this is your thing: pictures and histories of brands of guitars. Every conceivable manufacturer is in here and in some detail. It'll have you trawling second hand shops for that rarity in no time.

Great book, great pictures, very addictive!

Ellectric Guitars: The Illustrated Encyclopedia, 25 Nov 2002
Tony Bacon has succeeded in compiling the best encyclopaedia on electric guitars that I have seen yet. This is a wonderfully illustrated record of almost any make of commercially sold electric guitar from budget priced axes to the great names in the world of the electric guitar. Even forgotten names like ‘Egmund’ can be found along with many other makes that I had never heard of before. The photographic illustrations are very high quality and are accompanied by detailed descriptions of the guitars, notes on their designers and histories of the factories that produced and still produce these marvellous instruments. I would especially recommend this book to anyone who is a serious collector, player or builder of the electric guitar.

Tedious, 12 Mar 2008
Its great for getting you to sleep at night. The content is pretentious. I could go on but just do not waste your money.Very disappointing.

More 'miscellany' than 'encyclopedia', 25 Dec 2007
I just don't think that this can be called 'A [let alone, The] Bob Dylan Encyclopedia'. Also, the more serious Dylan fan will probably find they know most of what's in it. For a far more substantial volume about Dylan's work read the same author's 'Song and Dance Man III: The Art of Bob Dylan'... surely the best book on Dylan. Gray is a great commentator on Dylan's lyrics.

The road goes on forever, 12 Dec 2007
Dylan was once quoted as saying "...can't understand why so many spend their lives thinking of me-I mean why don't these people get a life?"
Which is easy enough to say but not really to apply-after all Dylan IS the life many have chosen either to write books or just spend time reading them.There is a mighty lot out there-including the magnificent Scrapbook as well as the booklets inside every other Dylan reissue!
So what is it like I wonder for anyone today who gets into Dylan after buying one of the many Essential or Greatest Hits CDs? There is after all over 40 years of music available-everything's on CD except the 1973 album of Self Portrait leftovers-but I suppose that will soon come.
You certainly need books to understand what the man is about-more so than any other artist.
It was rather different in the 60s when you were thrown in at the deep end-not helped by the vast amount of nonsense from Dylan himself during an interview.Or LPs like John Wesley Harding which had a sleeve note nothing to do with the contents but nearer to his own book called Tarantula-which defies anyone even today to get past the first few pages! And then the rumoours-the motorbike accident and very little new stuff for a couple of years.The Self Portrait album which was mainly full of cover versions-a misunderstood album at the time but really no more than the first album which was the same thing.Dylan has never been big headed enough to just do his own songs-he's always done covers and I'm looking forward to his first one of Beatles songs
Me? I like cover versions of Dylan songs and Dylan covers himself with increasing regularity.He's always remained in the same turf where folk,country,Gospel and blues rule.Mainly Dylan is a master plagiarist-he'll rewrite any song and pass it off as his own -its easier than saying Trad arr Dylan. Or sometimes it isn't-Subterranean Homesick Blues is as most people know by now modelled on a Chuck Berry one-after all Dylan once wanted to be Little Richard and was a frustrated rock'n'roller for his first 3 albums-but that was his way in.By 1965 Dunhill's Lou Adler handed a 20 year old "street poet" called Philip Sloan a few Dylan albums and told him to get some of the songs copied. He did and Eve Of Destruction was the result.
The study of Dylan never ends because he makes sure of that.Like the 26 part Radio Bob series where Dylan becomes an expert on American music and important enough as to warrant at least 2 CDs.
I also like Dylan tributes and there's CDs of those too-not just covers but songs inspired by him. Such as David Peel's The Ballad of Bob Dylan.
Today there are just 3 key names-the Beatles and Bob Dylan and Elvis.
And thats via the amount of literature and music they inspire.
Think about it-who else was ever like Bob Dylan?



Great Eclectic Information Spoilt by Smart Alecky Tone, 26 Feb 2007
This is a really good source book of information for the Dylan fan and possibly others. It is far reaching and detailed in parts. The major problem is the author's smart alec way - we know he thinks Dylan is the greatest talent of the twentieth century and most of his readers will agree with him but does he have to include so many put downs of other artists because they are, in his eyes, inferior. Even Paul Simon and Paul McCartney get this treatment - seen as much lesser talents - I just wish that I had a bit of that lesser talent! Mr Gray you spoil your thorough research and clear writing by including these value laden and often misplaced judgements - the book doesn't need them.

A magnificent and illuminating guide to Bob Dylan's universe., 24 Aug 2006
This hefty 736 page tome is an utterly engrossing encyclopedia which represents the fruits of over 30 years' assiduous research by that doyen of Dylan writers, Michael Gray.
As well as detailed analyses of many of Dylan's songs and albums there's an astonishingly wide range of entries from Blind Willie McTell & Sleepy John Estes to Arthur Rimbaud & William Blake.
'The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia' is an entertaining and illuminating guide to Dylan's universe which, in the words of the author, will "open up a wider world, to be sent down a thousand boulevards".
Anyone with the slightest interest in Dylan should get hold of a copy of this magnificent, literate and endlessly fascinating book which also includes a searchable CD-rom of the entire text.

Fabulous Jazz Theory Book, 13 Oct 2005
I've only just got the book, so these are my first implressions.

I'm really impressed with this. It's beautifully printed and bound with that really nice binding system that O'Reilly use for their technical books so it stays open and lies flat.

The contents are very well written and explain things simply without being condescending. I've been reading quite a few different books on intervals and chord construction recently, this is by far the best I've come across.

The writers seem to have struck a good balance between a readable tutorial and a useful reference. I really like the format and the exercises that are liberally sprinkled all through the text look very useful . I have the feeling this is going to be keeping me very busy for the next couple of months.

I can't recommend this highly enough.

A Must-Have Book!, 08 Feb 2006
If you are into musical theatre this book is for sure a must-have! It is packed full of wonderful colour photos and info on 101 Broadway shows. I have many books on this genre, but this one is probably the best as far as photos go. If you enjoy looking as well as reading, buy this one today. A huge book, would look good on anyone's coffee table.

THE BEST GUITAR ENCYCLOPEDIA EVER!!!, 09 Feb 2007
THIS IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE GUITAR MANUAL AROUND. IDEAL FOR COLLECTORS AND MAKERS ALIKE. EVERY MAKE AND MODEL EXPLAINED!!!I PERSONALLY COLLECT GUITARS AND THIS WAS VERY HELPFULL INDEED. THE BOOK IT'S SELF IS VERY COLLECTABLE AND HARD TO FIND IN IT'S ORIGINAL PRINT.

Very comprehensive compulsive reading for a type..., 22 Mar 2005
Well it is if this is your thing: pictures and histories of brands of guitars. Every conceivable manufacturer is in here and in some detail. It'll have you trawling second hand shops for that rarity in no time.

Great book, great pictures, very addictive!

Ellectric Guitars: The Illustrated Encyclopedia, 25 Nov 2002
Tony Bacon has succeeded in compiling the best encyclopaedia on electric guitars that I have seen yet. This is a wonderfully illustrated record of almost any make of commercially sold electric guitar from budget priced axes to the great names in the world of the electric guitar. Even forgotten names like ‘Egmund’ can be found along with many other makes that I had never heard of before. The photographic illustrations are very high quality and are accompanied by detailed descriptions of the guitars, notes on their designers and histories of the factories that produced and still produce these marvellous instruments. I would especially recommend this book to anyone who is a serious collector, player or builder of the electric guitar.

Tedious, 12 Mar 2008
Its great for getting you to sleep at night. The content is pretentious. I could go on but just do not waste your money.Very disappointing.

More 'miscellany' than 'encyclopedia', 25 Dec 2007
I just don't think that this can be called 'A [let alone, The] Bob Dylan Encyclopedia'. Also, the more serious Dylan fan will probably find they know most of what's in it. For a far more substantial volume about Dylan's work read the same author's 'Song and Dance Man III: The Art of Bob Dylan'... surely the best book on Dylan. Gray is a great commentator on Dylan's lyrics.

The road goes on forever, 12 Dec 2007
Dylan was once quoted as saying "...can't understand why so many spend their lives thinking of me-I mean why don't these people get a life?"
Which is easy enough to say but not really to apply-after all Dylan IS the life many have chosen either to write books or just spend time reading them.There is a mighty lot out there-including the magnificent Scrapbook as well as the booklets inside every other Dylan reissue!
So what is it like I wonder for anyone today who gets into Dylan after buying one of the many Essential or Greatest Hits CDs? There is after all over 40 years of music available-everything's on CD except the 1973 album of Self Portrait leftovers-but I suppose that will soon come.
You certainly need books to understand what the man is about-more so than any other artist.
It was rather different in the 60s when you were thrown in at the deep end-not helped by the vast amount of nonsense from Dylan himself during an interview.Or LPs like John Wesley Harding which had a sleeve note nothing to do with the contents but nearer to his own book called Tarantula-which defies anyone even today to get past the first few pages! And then the rumoours-the motorbike accident and very little new stuff for a couple of years.The Self Portrait album which was mainly full of cover versions-a misunderstood album at the time but really no more than the first album which was the same thing.Dylan has never been big headed enough to just do his own songs-he's always done covers and I'm looking forward to his first one of Beatles songs
Me? I like cover versions of Dylan songs and Dylan covers himself with increasing regularity.He's always remained in the same turf where folk,country,Gospel and blues rule.Mainly Dylan is a master plagiarist-he'll rewrite any song and pass it off as his own -its easier than saying Trad arr Dylan. Or sometimes it isn't-Subterranean Homesick Blues is as most people know by now modelled on a Chuck Berry one-after all Dylan once wanted to be Little Richard and was a frustrated rock'n'roller for his first 3 albums-but that was his way in.By 1965 Dunhill's Lou Adler handed a 20 year old "street poet" called Philip Sloan a few Dylan albums and told him to get some of the songs copied. He did and Eve Of Destruction was the result.
The study of Dylan never ends because he makes sure of that.Like the 26 part Radio Bob series where Dylan becomes an expert on American music and important enough as to warrant at least 2 CDs.
I also like Dylan tributes and there's CDs of those too-not just covers but songs inspired by him. Such as David Peel's The Ballad of Bob Dylan.
Today there are just 3 key names-the Beatles and Bob Dylan and Elvis.
And thats via the amount of literature and music they inspire.
Think about it-who else was ever like Bob Dylan?



Great Eclectic Information Spoilt by Smart Alecky Tone, 26 Feb 2007
This is a really good source book of information for the Dylan fan and possibly others. It is far reaching and detailed in parts. The major problem is the author's smart alec way - we know he thinks Dylan is the greatest talent of the twentieth century and most of his readers will agree with him but does he have to include so many put downs of other artists because they are, in his eyes, inferior. Even Paul Simon and Paul McCartney get this treatment - seen as much lesser talents - I just wish that I had a bit of that lesser talent! Mr Gray you spoil your thorough research and clear writing by including these value laden and often misplaced judgements - the book doesn't need them.

A magnificent and illuminating guide to Bob Dylan's universe., 24 Aug 2006
This hefty 736 page tome is an utterly engrossing encyclopedia which represents the fruits of over 30 years' assiduous research by that doyen of Dylan writers, Michael Gray.
As well as detailed analyses of many of Dylan's songs and albums there's an astonishingly wide range of entries from Blind Willie McTell & Sleepy John Estes to Arthur Rimbaud & William Blake.
'The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia' is an entertaining and illuminating guide to Dylan's universe which, in the words of the author, will "open up a wider world, to be sent down a thousand boulevards".
Anyone with the slightest interest in Dylan should get hold of a copy of this magnificent, literate and endlessly fascinating book which also includes a searchable CD-rom of the entire text.

Fabulous Jazz Theory Book, 13 Oct 2005
I've only just got the book, so these are my first implressions.

I'm really impressed with this. It's beautifully printed and bound with that really nice binding system that O'Reilly use for their technical books so it stays open and lies flat.

The contents are very well written and explain things simply without being condescending. I've been reading quite a few different books on intervals and chord construction recently, this is by far the best I've come across.

The writers seem to have struck a good balance between a readable tutorial and a useful reference. I really like the format and the exercises that are liberally sprinkled all through the text look very useful . I have the feeling this is going to be keeping me very busy for the next couple of months.

I can't recommend this highly enough.

A Must-Have Book!, 08 Feb 2006
If you are into musical theatre this book is for sure a must-have! It is packed full of wonderful colour photos and info on 101 Broadway shows. I have many books on this genre, but this one is probably the best as far as photos go. If you enjoy looking as well as reading, buy this one today. A huge book, would look good on anyone's coffee table.

Great fun, 07 Dec 2007
Though this is called an encyclopaedia, the way the authors write about the subject of Saturday night tv is far from dry and dull. They are brimming over with enthusiasm recalling some of the shows that are deservedly remembered or forgotten. There's just enough detail and background information while also covering an impressive list of shows - with some little gems of information along the way. Recommended.

THE BEST GUITAR ENCYCLOPEDIA EVER!!!, 09 Feb 2007
THIS IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE GUITAR MANUAL AROUND. IDEAL FOR COLLECTORS AND MAKERS ALIKE. EVERY MAKE AND MODEL EXPLAINED!!!I PERSONALLY COLLECT GUITARS AND THIS WAS VERY HELPFULL INDEED. THE BOOK IT'S SELF IS VERY COLLECTABLE AND HARD TO FIND IN IT'S ORIGINAL PRINT.

Very comprehensive compulsive reading for a type..., 22 Mar 2005
Well it is if this is your thing: pictures and histories of brands of guitars. Every conceivable manufacturer is in here and in some detail. It'll have you trawling second hand shops for that rarity in no time.

Great book, great pictures, very addictive!

Ellectric Guitars: The Illustrated Encyclopedia, 25 Nov 2002
Tony Bacon has succeeded in compiling the best encyclopaedia on electric guitars that I have seen yet. This is a wonderfully illustrated record of almost any make of commercially sold electric guitar from budget priced axes to the great names in the world of the electric guitar. Even forgotten names like ‘Egmund’ can be found along with many other makes that I had never heard of before. The photographic illustrations are very high quality and are accompanied by detailed descriptions of the guitars, notes on their designers and histories of the factories that produced and still produce these marvellous instruments. I would especially recommend this book to anyone who is a serious collector, player or builder of the electric guitar.

Tedious, 12 Mar 2008
Its great for getting you to sleep at night. The content is pretentious. I could go on but just do not waste your money.Very disappointing.

More 'miscellany' than 'encyclopedia', 25 Dec 2007
I just don't think that this can be called 'A [let alone, The] Bob Dylan Encyclopedia'. Also, the more serious Dylan fan will probably find they know most of what's in it. For a far more substantial volume about Dylan's work read the same author's 'Song and Dance Man III: The Art of Bob Dylan'... surely the best book on Dylan. Gray is a great commentator on Dylan's lyrics.

The road goes on forever, 12 Dec 2007
Dylan was once quoted as saying "...can't understand why so many spend their lives thinking of me-I mean why don't these people get a life?"
Which is easy enough to say but not really to apply-after all Dylan IS the life many have chosen either to write books or just spend time reading them.There is a mighty lot out there-including the magnificent Scrapbook as well as the booklets inside every other Dylan reissue!
So what is it like I wonder for anyone today who gets into Dylan after buying one of the many Essential or Greatest Hits CDs? There is after all over 40 years of music available-everything's on CD except the 1973 album of Self Portrait leftovers-but I suppose that will soon come.
You certainly need books to understand what the man is about-more so than any other artist.
It was rather different in the 60s when you were thrown in at the deep end-not helped by the vast amount of nonsense from Dylan himself during an interview.Or LPs like John Wesley Harding which had a sleeve note nothing to do with the contents but nearer to his own book called Tarantula-which defies anyone even today to get past the first few pages! And then the rumoours-the motorbike accident and very little new stuff for a couple of years.The Self Portrait album which was mainly full of cover versions-a misunderstood album at the time but really no more than the first album which was the same thing.Dylan has never been big headed enough to just do his own songs-he's always done covers and I'm looking forward to his first one of Beatles songs
Me? I like cover versions of Dylan songs and Dylan covers himself with increasing regularity.He's always remained in the same turf where folk,country,Gospel and blues rule.Mainly Dylan is a master plagiarist-he'll rewrite any song and pass it off as his own -its easier than saying Trad arr Dylan. Or sometimes it isn't-Subterranean Homesick Blues is as most people know by now modelled on a Chuck Berry one-after all Dylan once wanted to be Little Richard and was a frustrated rock'n'roller for his first 3 albums-but that was his way in.By 1965 Dunhill's Lou Adler handed a 20 year old "street poet" called Philip Sloan a few Dylan albums and told him to get some of the songs copied. He did and Eve Of Destruction was the result.
The study of Dylan never ends because he makes sure of that.Like the 26 part Radio Bob series where Dylan becomes an expert on American music and important enough as to warrant at least 2 CDs.
I also like Dylan tributes and there's CDs of those too-not just covers but songs inspired by him. Such as David Peel's The Ballad of Bob Dylan.
Today there are just 3 key names-the Beatles and Bob Dylan and Elvis.
And thats via the amount of literature and music they inspire.
Think about it-who else was ever like Bob Dylan?



Great Eclectic Information Spoilt by Smart Alecky Tone, 26 Feb 2007
This is a really good source book of information for the Dylan fan and possibly others. It is far reaching and detailed in parts. The major problem is the author's smart alec way - we know he thinks Dylan is the greatest talent of the twentieth century and most of his readers will agree with him but does he have to include so many put downs of other artists because they are, in his eyes, inferior. Even Paul Simon and Paul McCartney get this treatment - seen as much lesser talents - I just wish that I had a bit of that lesser talent! Mr Gray you spoil your thorough research and clear writing by including these value laden and often misplaced judgements - the book doesn't need them.

A magnificent and illuminating guide to Bob Dylan's universe., 24 Aug 2006
This hefty 736 page tome is an utterly engrossing encyclopedia which represents the fruits of over 30 years' assiduous research by that doyen of Dylan writers, Michael Gray.
As well as detailed analyses of many of Dylan's songs and albums there's an astonishingly wide range of entries from Blind Willie McTell & Sleepy John Estes to Arthur Rimbaud & William Blake.
'The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia' is an entertaining and illuminating guide to Dylan's universe which, in the words of the author, will "open up a wider world, to be sent down a thousand boulevards".
Anyone with the slightest interest in Dylan should get hold of a copy of this magnificent, literate and endlessly fascinating book which also includes a searchable CD-rom of the entire text.

Fabulous Jazz Theory Book, 13 Oct 2005
I've only just got the book, so these are my first implressions.

I'm really impressed with this. It's beautifully printed and bound with that really nice binding system that O'Reilly use for their technical books so it stays open and lies flat.

The contents are very well written and explain things simply without being condescending. I've been reading quite a few different books on intervals and chord construction recently, this is by far the best I've come across.

The writers seem to have struck a good balance between a readable tutorial and a useful reference. I really like the format and the exercises that are liberally sprinkled all through the text look very useful . I have the feeling this is going to be keeping me very busy for the next couple of months.

I can't recommend this highly enough.

A Must-Have Book!, 08 Feb 2006
If you are into musical theatre this book is for sure a must-have! It is packed full of wonderful colour photos and info on 101 Broadway shows. I have many books on this genre, but this one is probably the best as far as photos go. If you enjoy looking as well as reading, buy this one today. A huge book, would look good on anyone's coffee table.

Great fun, 07 Dec 2007
Though this is called an encyclopaedia, the way the authors write about the subject of Saturday night tv is far from dry and dull. They are brimming over with enthusiasm recalling some of the shows that are deservedly remembered or forgotten. There's just enough detail and background information while also covering an impressive list of shows - with some little gems of information along the way. Recommended.

Amazing, 11 Mar 2007
I don't normally say this about any book on drumming, but this truly is in a class of its own. The book contains 3 different groove ideas (written in standard drum notation) and a chart of the basic structure for each track. These grooves range from very easy "only been playing a month" type stuff and the way to stuff that is challenging to grade 8 students. And then we come to the tracks themselves. They are quality recordings with a top class band and actually manage to capture the feel of everything from heavy rock to small group swing to mambos and calypsos.

The only downside is that the cds are mp3 cds - so you need a computer. And that there are no drums on the cd's - so nothing to copy if you cant read music (although everyone should be able to read drum music shouldn't they!). There are also no fills detailed, but part of the fun is working out the extra bits for your self.

Buy it, it really will take your playing to the next level.

THE BEST GUITAR ENCYCLOPEDIA EVER!!!, 09 Feb 2007
THIS IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE GUITAR MANUAL AROUND. IDEAL FOR COLLECTORS AND MAKERS ALIKE. EVERY MAKE AND MODEL EXPLAINED!!!I PERSONALLY COLLECT GUITARS AND THIS WAS VERY HELPFULL INDEED. THE BOOK IT'S SELF IS VERY COLLECTABLE AND HARD TO FIND IN IT'S ORIGINAL PRINT.

Very comprehensive compulsive reading for a type..., 22 Mar 2005
Well it is if this is your thing: pictures and histories of brands of guitars. Every conceivable manufacturer is in here and in some detail. It'll have you trawling second hand shops for that rarity in no time.

Great book, great pictures, very addictive!

Ellectric Guitars: The Illustrated Encyclopedia, 25 Nov 2002
Tony Bacon has succeeded in compiling the best encyclopaedia on electric guitars that I have seen yet. This is a wonderfully illustrated record of almost any make of commercially sold electric guitar from budget priced axes to the great names in the world of the electric guitar. Even forgotten names like ‘Egmund’ can be found along with many other makes that I had never heard of before. The photographic illustrations are very high quality and are accompanied by detailed descriptions of the guitars, notes on their designers and histories of the factories that produced and still produce these marvellous instruments. I would especially recommend this book to anyone who is a serious collector, player or builder of the electric guitar.

Tedious, 12 Mar 2008
Its great for getting you to sleep at night. The content is pretentious. I could go on but just do not waste your money.Very disappointing.

More 'miscellany' than 'encyclopedia', 25 Dec 2007
I just don't think that this can be called 'A [let alone, The] Bob Dylan Encyclopedia'. Also, the more serious Dylan fan will probably find they know most of what's in it. For a far more substantial volume about Dylan's work read the same author's 'Song and Dance Man III: The Art of Bob Dylan'... surely the best book on Dylan. Gray is a great commentator on Dylan's lyrics.

The road goes on forever, 12 Dec 2007
Dylan was once quoted as saying "...can't understand why so many spend their lives thinking of me-I mean why don't these people get a life?"
Which is easy enough to say but not really to apply-after all Dylan IS the life many have chosen either to write books or just spend time reading them.There is a mighty lot out there-including the magnificent Scrapbook as well as the booklets inside every other Dylan reissue!
So what is it like I wonder for anyone today who gets into Dylan after buying one of the many Essential or Greatest Hits CDs? There is after all over 40 years of music available-everything's on CD except the 1973 album of Self Portrait leftovers-but I suppose that will soon come.
You certainly need books to understand what the man is about-more so than any other artist.
It was rather different in the 60s when you were thrown in at the deep end-not helped by the vast amount of nonsense from Dylan himself during an interview.Or LPs like John Wesley Harding which had a sleeve note nothing to do with the contents but nearer to his own book called Tarantula-which defies anyone even today to get past the first few pages! And then the rumoours-the motorbike accident and very little new stuff for a couple of years.The Self Portrait album which was mainly full of cover versions-a misunderstood album at the time but really no more than the first album which was the same thing.Dylan has never been big headed enough to just do his own songs-he's always done covers and I'm looking forward to his first one of Beatles songs
Me? I like cover versions of Dylan songs and Dylan covers himself with increasing regularity.He's always remained in the same turf where folk,country,Gospel and blues rule.Mainly Dylan is a master plagiarist-he'll rewrite any song and pass it off as his own -its easier than saying Trad arr Dylan. Or sometimes it isn't-Subterranean Homesick Blues is as most people know by now modelled on a Chuck Berry one-after all Dylan once wanted to be Little Richard and was a frustrated rock'n'roller for his first 3 albums-but that was his way in.By 1965 Dunhill's Lou Adler handed a 20 year old "street poet" called Philip Sloan a few Dylan albums and told him to get some of the songs copied. He did and Eve Of Destruction was the result.
The study of Dylan never ends because he makes sure of that.Like the 26 part Radio Bob series where Dylan becomes an expert on American music and important enough as to warrant at least 2 CDs.
I also like Dylan tributes and there's CDs of those too-not just covers but songs inspired by him. Such as David Peel's The Ballad of Bob Dylan.
Today there are just 3 key names-the Beatles and Bob Dylan and Elvis.
And thats via the amount of literature and music they inspire.
Think about it-who else was ever like Bob Dylan?



Great Eclectic Information Spoilt by Smart Alecky Tone, 26 Feb 2007
This is a really good source book of information for the Dylan fan and possibly others. It is far reaching and detailed in parts. The major problem is the author's smart alec way - we know he thinks Dylan is the greatest talent of the twentieth century and most of his readers will agree with him but does he have to include so many put downs of other artists because they are, in his eyes, inferior. Even Paul Simon and Paul McCartney get this treatment - seen as much lesser talents - I just wish that I had a bit of that lesser talent! Mr Gray you spoil your thorough research and clear writing by including these value laden and often misplaced judgements - the book doesn't need them.

A magnificent and illuminating guide to Bob Dylan's universe., 24 Aug 2006
This hefty 736 page tome is an utterly engrossing encyclopedia which represents the fruits of over 30 years' assiduous research by that doyen of Dylan writers, Michael Gray.
As well as detailed analyses of many of Dylan's songs and albums there's an astonishingly wide range of entries from Blind Willie McTell & Sleepy John Estes to Arthur Rimbaud & William Blake.
'The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia' is an entertaining and illuminating guide to Dylan's universe which, in the words of the author, will "open up a wider world, to be sent down a thousand boulevards".
Anyone with the slightest interest in Dylan should get hold of a copy of this magnificent, literate and endlessly fascinating book which also includes a searchable CD-rom of the entire text.

Fabulous Jazz Theory Book, 13 Oct 2005
I've only just got the book, so these are my first implressions.

I'm really impressed with this. It's beautifully printed and bound with that really nice binding system that O'Reilly use for their technical books so it stays open and lies flat.

The contents are very well written and explain things simply without being condescending. I've been reading quite a few different books on intervals and chord construction recently, this is by far the best I've come across.

The writers seem to have struck a good balance between a readable tutorial and a useful reference. I really like the format and the exercises that are liberally sprinkled all through the text look very useful . I have the feeling this is going to be keeping me very busy for the next couple of months.

I can't recommend this highly enough.

A Must-Have Book!, 08 Feb 2006
If you are into musical theatre this book is for sure a must-have! It is packed full of wonderful colour photos and info on 101 Broadway shows. I have many books on this genre, but this one is probably the best as far as photos go. If you enjoy looking as well as reading, buy this one today. A huge book, would look good on anyone's coffee table.

Great fun, 07 Dec 2007
Though this is called an encyclopaedia, the way the authors write about the subject of Saturday night tv is far from dry and dull. They are brimming over with enthusiasm recalling some of the shows that are deservedly remembered or forgotten. There's just enough detail and background information while also covering an impressive list of shows - with some little gems of information along the way. Recommended.

Amazing, 11 Mar 2007
I don't normally say this about any book on drumming, but this truly is in a class of its own. The book contains 3 different groove ideas (written in standard drum notation) and a chart of the basic structure for each track. These grooves range from very easy "only been playing a month" type stuff and the way to stuff that is challenging to grade 8 students. And then we come to the tracks themselves. They are quality recordings with a top class band and actually manage to capture the feel of everything from heavy rock to small group swing to mambos and calypsos.

The only downside is that the cds are mp3 cds - so you need a computer. And that there are no drums on the cd's - so nothing to copy if you cant read music (although everyone should be able to read drum music shouldn't they!). There are also no fills detailed, but part of the fun is working out the extra bits for your self.

Buy it, it really will take your playing to the next level.


Tedious, 12 Mar 2008
Its great for getting you to sleep at night. The content is pretentious. I could go on but just do not waste your money.Very disappointing.

More 'miscellany' than 'encyclopedia', 25 Dec 2007
I just don't think that this can be called 'A [let alone, The] Bob Dylan Encyclopedia'. Also, the more serious Dylan fan will probably find they know most of what's in it. For a far more substantial volume about Dylan's work read the same author's 'Song and Dance Man III: The Art of Bob Dylan'... surely the best book on Dylan. Gray is a great commentator on Dylan's lyrics.

The road goes on forever, 12 Dec 2007
Dylan was once quoted as saying "...can't understand why so many spend their lives thinking of me-I mean why don't these people get a life?"
Which is easy enough to say but not really to apply-after all Dylan IS the life many have chosen either to write books or just spend time reading them.There is a mighty lot out there-including the magnificent Scrapbook as well as the booklets inside every other Dylan reissue!
So what is it like I wonder for anyone today who gets into Dylan after buying one of the many Essential or Greatest Hits CDs? There is after all over 40 years of music available-everything's on CD except the 1973 album of Self Portrait leftovers-but I suppose that will soon come.
You certainly need books to understand what the man is about-more so than any other artist.
It was rather different in the 60s when you were thrown in at the deep end-not helped by the vast amount of nonsense from Dylan himself during an interview.Or LPs like John Wesley Harding which had a sleeve note nothing to do with the contents but nearer to his own book called Tarantula-which defies anyone even today to get past the first few pages! And then the rumoours-the motorbike accident and very little new stuff for a couple of years.The Self Portrait album which was mainly full of cover versions-a misunderstood album at the time but really no more than the first album which was the same thing.Dylan has never been big headed enough to just do his own songs-he's always done covers and I'm looking forward to his first one of Beatles songs
Me? I like cover versions of Dylan songs and Dylan covers himself with increasing regularity.He's always remained in the same turf where folk,country,Gospel and blues rule.Mainly Dylan is a master plagiarist-he'll rewrite any song and pass it off as his own -its easier than saying Trad arr Dylan. Or sometimes it isn't-Subterranean Homesick Blues is as most people know by now modelled on a Chuck Berry one-after all Dylan once wanted to be Little Richard and was a frustrated rock'n'roller for his first 3 albums-but that was his way in.By 1965 Dunhill's Lou Adler handed a 20 year old "street poet" called Philip Sloan a few Dylan albums and told him to get some of the songs copied. He did and Eve Of Destruction was the result.
The study of Dylan never ends because he makes sure of that.Like the 26 part Radio Bob series where Dylan becomes an expert on American music and important enough as to warrant at least 2 CDs.
I also like Dylan tributes and there's CDs of those too-not just covers but songs inspired by him. Such as David Peel's The Ballad of Bob Dylan.
Today there are just 3 key names-the Beatles and Bob Dylan and Elvis.
And thats via the amount of literature and music they inspire.
Think about it-who else was ever like Bob Dylan?



Great Eclectic Information Spoilt by Smart Alecky Tone, 26 Feb 2007
This is a really good source book of information for the Dylan fan and possibly others. It is far reaching and detailed in parts. The major problem is the author's smart alec way - we know he thinks Dylan is the greatest talent of the twentieth century and most of his readers will agree with him but does he have to include so many put downs of other artists because they are, in his eyes, inferior. Even Paul Simon and Paul McCartney get this treatment - seen as much lesser talents - I just wish that I had a bit of that lesser talent! Mr Gray you spoil your thorough research and clear writing by including these value laden and often misplaced judgements - the book doesn't need them.

A magnificent and illuminating guide to Bob Dylan's universe., 24 Aug 2006
This hefty 736 page tome is an utterly engrossing encyclopedia which represents the fruits of over 30 years' assiduous research by that doyen of Dylan writers, Michael Gray.
As well as detailed analyses of many of Dylan's songs and albums there's an astonishingly wide range of entries from Blind Willie McTell & Sleepy John Estes to Arthur Rimbaud & William Blake.
'The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia' is an entertaining and illuminating guide to Dylan's universe which, in the words of the author, will "open up a wider world, to be sent down a thousand boulevards".
Anyone with the slightest interest in Dylan should get hold of a copy of this magnificent, literate and endlessly fascinating book which also includes a searchable CD-rom of the entire text.

THE BEST GUITAR ENCYCLOPEDIA EVER!!!, 09 Feb 2007
THIS IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE GUITAR MANUAL AROUND. IDEAL FOR COLLECTORS AND MAKERS ALIKE. EVERY MAKE AND MODEL EXPLAINED!!!I PERSONALLY COLLECT GUITARS AND THIS WAS VERY HELPFULL INDEED. THE BOOK IT'S SELF IS VERY COLLECTABLE AND HARD TO FIND IN IT'S ORIGINAL PRINT.

Very comprehensive compulsive reading for a type..., 22 Mar 2005
Well it is if this is your thing: pictures and histories of brands of guitars. Every conceivable manufacturer is in here and in some detail. It'll have you trawling second hand shops for that rarity in no time.

Great book, great pictures, very addictive!

Ellectric Guitars: The Illustrated Encyclopedia, 25 Nov 2002
Tony Bacon has succeeded in compiling the best encyclopaedia on electric guitars that I have seen yet. This is a wonderfully illustrated record of almost any make of commercially sold electric guitar from budget priced axes to the great names in the world of the electric guitar. Even forgotten names like ‘Egmund’ can be found along with many other makes that I had never heard of before. The photographic illustrations are very high quality and are accompanied by detailed descriptions of the guitars, notes on their designers and histories of the factories that produced and still produce these marvellous instruments. I would especially recommend this book to anyone who is a serious collector, player or builder of the electric guitar.

Tedious, 12 Mar 2008
Its great for getting you to sleep at night. The content is pretentious. I could go on but just do not waste your money.Very disappointing.

More 'miscellany' than 'encyclopedia', 25 Dec 2007
I just don't think that this can be called 'A [let alone, The] Bob Dylan Encyclopedia'. Also, the more serious Dylan fan will probably find they know most of what's in it. For a far more substantial volume about Dylan's work read the same author's 'Song and Dance Man III: The Art of Bob Dylan'... surely the best book on Dylan. Gray is a great commentator on Dylan's lyrics.

The road goes on forever, 12 Dec 2007
Dylan was once quoted as saying "...can't understand why so many spend their lives thinking of me-I mean why don't these people get a life?"
Which is easy enough to say but not really to apply-after all Dylan IS the life many have chosen either to write books or just spend time reading them.There is a mighty lot out there-including the magnificent Scrapbook as well as the booklets inside every other Dylan reissue!
So what is it like I wonder for anyone today who gets into Dylan after buying one of the many Essential or Greatest Hits CDs? There is after all over 40 years of music available-everything's on CD except the 1973 album of Self Portrait leftovers-but I suppose that will soon come.
You certainly need books to understand what the man is about-more so than any other artist.
It was rather different in the 60s when you were thrown in at the deep end-not helped by the vast amount of nonsense from Dylan himself during an interview.Or LPs like John Wesley Harding which had a sleeve note nothing to do with the contents but nearer to his own book called Tarantula-which defies anyone even today to get past the first few pages! And then the rumoours-the motorbike accident and very little new stuff for a couple of years.The Self Portrait album which was mainly full of cover versions-a misunderstood album at the time but really no more than the first album which was the same thing.Dylan has never been big headed enough to just do his own songs-he's always done covers and I'm looking forward to his first one of Beatles songs
Me? I like cover versions of Dylan songs and Dylan covers himself with increasing regularity.He's always remained in the same turf where folk,country,Gospel and blues rule.Mainly Dylan is a master plagiarist-he'll rewrite any song and pass it off as his own -its easier than saying Trad arr Dylan. Or sometimes it isn't-Subterranean Homesick Blues is as most people know by now modelled on a Chuck Berry one-after all Dylan once wanted to be Little Richard and was a frustrated rock'n'roller for his first 3 albums-but that was his way in.By 1965 Dunhill's Lou Adler handed a 20 year old "street poet" called Philip Sloan a few Dylan albums and told him to get some of the songs copied. He did and Eve Of Destruction was the result.
The study of Dylan never ends because he makes sure of that.Like the 26 part Radio Bob series where Dylan becomes an expert on American music and important enough as to warrant at least 2 CDs.
I also like Dylan tributes and there's CDs of those too-not just covers but songs inspired by him. Such as David Peel's The Ballad of Bob Dylan.
Today there are just 3 key names-the Beatles and Bob Dylan and Elvis.
And thats via the amount of literature and music they inspire.
Think about it-who else was ever like Bob Dylan?



Great Eclectic Information Spoilt by Smart Alecky Tone, 26 Feb 2007
This is a really good source book of information for the Dylan fan and possibly others. It is far reaching and detailed in parts. The major problem is the author's smart alec way - we know he thinks Dylan is the greatest talent of the twentieth century and most of his readers will agree with him but does he have to include so many put downs of other artists because they are, in his eyes, inferior. Even Paul Simon and Paul McCartney get this treatment - seen as much lesser talents - I just wish that I had a bit of that lesser talent! Mr Gray you spoil your thorough research and clear writing by including these value laden and often misplaced judgements - the book doesn't need them.

A magnificent and illuminating guide to Bob Dylan's universe., 24 Aug 2006
This hefty 736 page tome is an utterly engrossing encyclopedia which represents the fruits of over 30 years' assiduous research by that doyen of Dylan writers, Michael Gray.
As well as detailed analyses of many of Dylan's songs and albums there's an astonishingly wide range of entries from Blind Willie McTell & Sleepy John Estes to Arthur Rimbaud & William Blake.
'The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia' is an entertaining and illuminating guide to Dylan's universe which, in the words of the author, will "open up a wider world, to be sent down a thousand boulevards".
Anyone with the slightest interest in Dylan should get hold of a copy of this magnificent, literate and endlessly fascinating book which also includes a searchable CD-rom of the entire text.

Fabulous Jazz Theory Book, 13 Oct 2005
I've only just got the book, so these are my first implressions.

I'm really impressed with this. It's beautifully printed and bound with that really nice binding system that O'Reilly use for their technical books so it stays open and lies flat.

The contents are very well written and explain things simply without being condescending. I've been reading quite a few different books on intervals and chord construction recently, this is by far the best I've come across.

The writers seem to have struck a good balance between a readable tutorial and a useful reference. I really like the format and the exercises that are liberally sprinkled all through the text look very useful . I have the feeling this is going to be keeping me very busy for the next couple of months.

I can't recommend this highly enough.

A Must-Have Book!, 08 Feb 2006
If you are into musical theatre this book is for sure a must-have! It is packed full of wonderful colour photos and info on 101 Broadway shows. I have many books on this genre, but this one is probably the best as far as photos go. If you enjoy looking as well as reading, buy this one today. A huge book, would look good on anyone's coffee table.

Great fun, 07 Dec 2007
Though this is called an encyclopaedia, the way the authors write about the subject of Saturday night tv is far from dry and dull. They are brimming over with enthusiasm recalling some of the shows that are deservedly remembered or forgotten. There's just enough detail and background information while also covering an impressive list of shows - with some little gems of information along the way. Recommended.

Amazing, 11 Mar 2007
I don't normally say this about any book on drumming, but this truly is in a class of its own. The book contains 3 different groove ideas (written in standard drum notation) and a chart of the basic structure for each track. These grooves range from very easy "only been playing a month" type stuff and the way to stuff that is challenging to grade 8 students. And then we come to the tracks themselves. They are quality recordings with a top class band and actually manage to capture the feel of everything from heavy rock to small group swing to mambos and calypsos.

The only downside is that the cds are mp3 cds - so you need a computer. And that there are no drums on the cd's - so nothing to copy if you cant read music (although everyone should be able to read drum music shouldn't they!). There are also no fills detailed, but part of the fun is working out the extra bits for your self.

Buy it, it really will take your playing to the next level.


Tedious, 12 Mar 2008
Its great for getting you to sleep at night. The content is pretentious. I could go on but just do not waste your money.Very disappointing.

More 'miscellany' than 'encyclopedia', 25 Dec 2007
I just don't think that this can be called 'A [let alone, The] Bob Dylan Encyclopedia'. Also, the more serious Dylan fan will probably find they know most of what's in it. For a far more substantial volume about Dylan's work read the same author's 'Song and Dance Man III: The Art of Bob Dylan'... surely the best book on Dylan. Gray is a great commentator on Dylan's lyrics.

The road goes on forever, 12 Dec 2007
Dylan was once quoted as saying "...can't understand why so many spend their lives thinking of me-I mean why don't these people get a life?"
Which is easy enough to say but not really to apply-after all Dylan IS the life many have chosen either to write books or just spend time reading them.There is a mighty lot out there-including the magnificent Scrapbook as well as the booklets inside every other Dylan reissue!
So what is it like I wonder for anyone today who gets into Dylan after buying one of the many Essential or Greatest Hits CDs? There is after all over 40 years of music available-everything's on CD except the 1973 album of Self Portrait leftovers-but I suppose that will soon come.
You certainly need books to understand what the man is about-more so than any other artist.
It was rather different in the 60s when you were thrown in at the deep end-not helped by the vast amount of nonsense from Dylan himself during an interview.Or LPs like John Wesley Harding which had a sleeve note nothing to do with the contents but nearer to his own book called Tarantula-which defies anyone even today to get past the first few pages! And then the rumoours-the motorbike accident and very little new stuff for a couple of years.The Self Portrait album which was mainly full of cover versions-a misunderstood album at the time but really no more than the first album which was the same thing.Dylan has never been big headed enough to just do his own songs-he's always done covers and I'm looking forward to his first one of Beatles songs
Me? I like cover versions of Dylan songs and Dylan covers himself with increasing regularity.He's always remained in the same turf where folk,country,Gospel and blues rule.Mainly Dylan is a master plagiarist-he'll rewrite any song and pass it off as his own -its easier than saying Trad arr Dylan. Or sometimes it isn't-Subterranean Homesick Blues is as most people know by now modelled on a Chuck Berry one-after all Dylan once wanted to be Little Richard and was a frustrated rock'n'roller for his first 3 albums-but that was his way in.By 1965 Dunhill's Lou Adler handed a 20 year old "street poet" called Philip Sloan a few Dylan albums and told him to get some of the songs copied. He did and Eve Of Destruction was the result.
The study of Dylan never ends because he makes sure of that.Like the 26 part Radio Bob series where Dylan becomes an expert on American music and important enough as to warrant at least 2 CDs.
I also like Dylan tributes and there's CDs of those too-not just covers but songs inspired by him. Such as David Peel's The Ballad of Bob Dylan.
Today there are just 3 key names-the Beatles and Bob Dylan and Elvis.
And thats via the amount of literature and music they inspire.
Think about it-who else was ever like Bob Dylan?



Great Eclectic Information Spoilt by Smart Alecky Tone, 26 Feb 2007
This is a really good source book of information for the Dylan fan and possibly others. It is far reaching and detailed in parts. The major problem is the author's smart alec way - we know he thinks Dylan is the greatest talent of the twentieth century and most of his readers will agree with him but does he have to include so many put downs of other artists because they are, in his eyes, inferior. Even Paul Simon and Paul McCartney get this treatment - seen as much lesser talents - I just wish that I had a bit of that lesser talent! Mr Gray you spoil your thorough research and clear writing by including these value laden and often misplaced judgements - the book doesn't need them.

A magnificent and illuminating guide to Bob Dylan's universe., 24 Aug 2006
This hefty 736 page tome is an utterly engrossing encyclopedia which represents the fruits of over 30 years' assiduous research by that doyen of Dylan writers, Michael Gray.
As well as detailed analyses of many of Dylan's songs and albums there's an astonishingly wide range of entries from Blind Willie McTell & Sleepy John Estes to Arthur Rimbaud & William Blake.
'The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia' is an entertaining and illuminating guide to Dylan's universe which, in the words of the author, will "open up a wider world, to be sent down a thousand boulevards".
Anyone with the slightest interest in Dylan should get hold of a copy of this magnificent, literate and endlessly fascinating book which also includes a searchable CD-rom of the entire text.

Absorbing and extremely helpful, 17 Sep 2005
This is the only book you will ever need if you wish to study for your grade 4 theory exam, or simply to discover a hidden world of how music is put together and the reasons behind all those rules. Every essential detail for grade 4 is covered here, including awkward time signatures such as 9/16 and 12/16, the introduction of the alto clef, a brief overview on ornaments, keys up to five sharps and flats, breves, intervals, the chromatic scale, double sharps and flats... there is enough in this book to keep the serious theory student immersed for hours at a time, and the simplistic layout ensures that the student can easily study from this book. There are appropriate amounts of exercises for you to practice newly learned skills, and, as ever, a handy list of all the new concepts which you will be expected to know at grade 4, in both Italian and French. Everything is explained clearly and this is a real bonus.

In short, this book allowed me to enjoy theory lessons, and as a result I went on to buy "Music Theory in Practice Grade 5" and sat my grade 5 exam with considerable confidence. This is an absolutely indispensible guide to grade 4 music theory.

Absorbing and extremely helpful, 13 Jun 2005
This is the only book you will ever need if you wish to study for your grade 5 theory exam, or simply to discover a hidden world of how music is put together and the reasons behind all those rules. Every essential detail for grade 5 is covered here, including rare irregular time signatures, the introduction of the tenor clef, transposition, voices in score, intervals, cadences, ornaments, keys up to six sharps and flats, composing melodies... there is enough in this book to keep the serious theory student immersed for hours at a time, and the simplistic layout ensures that the student can easily study from this book. There are appropriate amounts of exercises for you to practice newly learned skills, and, as ever, a handy list of all the new concepts which you will be expected to know at grade 5, in both Italian and German. Everything is explained clearly and this is a real bonus.

In short, this book allowed me to enjoy theory lessons, and as a result I sat my grade 5 exam with considerable confidence. This is an absolutely indispensible guide to grade 5 music theory.

A helpful hand for those dreaded theory exams, 23 Jan 2002
This book is a great help at trying to get you to understand all of the theory work that is involved and as i am doing a crash course in theory to do grade 5 theory coming up they are of great help to get where you want. The way that they are in seperate exercises help you no matter what your age are so whether you are 8 or 40 the book wont confuse you, if you are older it wont patronise you and if you are only young then you wont be confused by any 'technical jargon'. All of the theory books work well as a complete set of books and in the back is a glossary of all of the words that are needed for each particualr grade which helps the resion as you are only learning what is really needed to be learnt. The books are superb value and are the special aid to those who hate theory.

A good revision guide for those doing theory exams, 27 Feb 2001
As a music student about to do his Grade 5 theory exam, I would say this is a very helpful aid in studying for it. This book, along with the other theory workbooks for grades 1,2,3 and 4 take in everything that could come up in the exam. The books are very thorough and detailed, with exercises on everything from key signatures, chords and their placement at cadential points to composition, all of which are examined. At the end of the book are some exercises which are laid out in the test format for extra practice. From a students point of view, their detailed exercises are very tedious, but they have to be done to prepare adequately for the test. A good investment for those doing the ABRSM Grade 5 theory test.

THE BEST GUITAR ENCYCLOPEDIA EVER!!!, 09 Feb 2007
THIS IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE GUITAR MANUAL AROUND. IDEAL FOR COLLECTORS AND MAKERS ALIKE. EVERY MAKE AND MODEL EXPLAINED!!!I PERSONALLY COLLECT GUITARS AND THIS WAS VERY HELPFULL INDEED. THE BOOK IT'S SELF IS VERY COLLECTABLE AND HARD TO FIND IN IT'S ORIGINAL PRINT.

Very comprehensive compulsive reading for a type..., 22 Mar 2005
Well it is if this is your thing: pictures and histories of brands of guitars. Every conceivable manufacturer is in here and in some detail. It'll have you trawling second hand shops for that rarity in no time.

Great book, great pictures, very addictive!

Ellectric Guitars: The Illustrated Encyclopedia, 25 Nov 2002
Tony Bacon has succeeded in compiling the best encyclopaedia on electric guitars that I have seen yet. This is a wonderfully illustrated record of almost any make of commercially sold electric guitar from budget priced axes to the great names in the world of the electric guitar. Even forgotten names like ‘Egmund’ can be found along with many other makes that I had never heard of before. The photographic illustrations are very high quality and are accompanied by detailed descriptions of the guitars, notes on their designers and histories of the factories that produced and still produce these marvellous instruments. I would especially recommend this book to anyone who is a serious collector, player or builder of the electric guitar.

Tedious, 12 Mar 2008
Its great for getting you to sleep at night. The content is pretentious. I could go on but just do not waste your money.Very disappointing.

More 'miscellany' than 'encyclopedia', 25 Dec 2007
I just don't think that this can be called 'A [let alone, The] Bob Dylan Encyclopedia'. Also, the more serious Dylan fan will probably find they know most of what's in it. For a far more substantial volume about Dylan's work read the same author's 'Song and Dance Man III: The Art of Bob Dylan'... surely the best book on Dylan. Gray is a great commentator on Dylan's lyrics.

The road goes on forever, 12 Dec 2007
Dylan was once quoted as saying "...can't understand why so many spend their lives thinking of me-I mean why don't these people get a life?"
Which is easy enough to say but not really to apply-after all Dylan IS the life many have chosen either to write books or just spend time reading them.There is a mighty lot out there-including the magnificent Scrapbook as well as the booklets inside every other Dylan reissue!
So what is it like I wonder for anyone today who gets into Dylan after buying one of the many Essential or Greatest Hits CDs? There is after all over 40 years of music available-everything's on CD except the 1973 album of Self Portrait leftovers-but I suppose that will soon come.
You certainly need books to understand what the man is about-more so than any other artist.
It was rather different in the 60s when you were thrown in at the deep end-not helped by the vast amount of nonsense from Dylan himself during an interview.Or LPs like John Wesley Harding which had a sleeve note nothing to do with the contents but nearer to his own book called Tarantula-which defies anyone even today to get past the first few pages! And then the rumoours-the motorbike accident and very little new stuff for a couple of years.The Self Portrait album which was mainly full of cover versions-a misunderstood album at the time but really no more than the first album which was the same thing.Dylan has never been big headed enough to just do his own songs-he's always done covers and I'm looking forward to his first one of Beatles songs
Me? I like cover versions of Dylan songs and Dylan covers himself with increasing regularity.He's always remained in the same turf where folk,country,Gospel and blues rule.Mainly Dylan is a master plagiarist-he'll rewrite a