Robert Shaw: More Than a Life

Book Description

A gripping biography of the actor best known for his role in Jaws.

Customer Reviews:

Robert Shaw : More Than A Life.......2004-08-04

I have just finished reading Robert Shaw : More Than a Life and found it an interesting read. I knew little of Shaw before this book and always wondered why he was not given more credit as an actor. The book, which is filled with recollections from family and friends gives great insight into a truly complicated man. He was constantly conflicted about acting versus writing. He excelled at both. When he was happy in his work, he was happy in his life. The suicide of his father, the death by drugs and alcohol of his second wife Mary Ure and the early death of Erroly Flynn at age 51 (same age as Shaw) all influenced his life and his work. It was also interesting to learn of the tax problems that plagued Shaw and others who worked in and out of Britain. If you like biographies, movies, and men who lived bigger than life, I highly recommend this book.

More than a Life - more than a Star.......2002-08-04

This is an excellent and engrossing account of a complex, flawed, difficult, passionate, honest, immensely talented and hugely underrated actor, author and playwright.
The book provides a superb overview of his life, and provides a counter-balance to the only other completed (to date) biography, the rather more subjective view of his former manager John French.
Robert Shaw's brilliance as a performer and writer was underpinned by the early experience of his father's tragic suicide; the resultant fiery over-competitive will to succeed was best channelled in performances that displayed his talent for supreme intensity backed by intelligence. On this form Shaw commanded the camera; witness his scene-stealing in From Russia with Love and Jaws - then witness again in his other works; this is Gold standard British talent that is yet to be fully appreciated by his profession and public...this book helps redress the balance a bit and lets us know what we are now missing.

Robert Shaw, much more than just a great actor.......2002-04-13

My wife bought me this biography because she knows how big of a Robert Shaw fan I am. However, before reading this book, my knowledge of Shaw was limited to his work in the movies. I had no idea he was a brilliant writer as well as a father of ten. After reading this biography I read one of his books, The Man in the Glass Booth and realized how big of a talent he was with writing. It was mentioned several times in his biography that he enjoyed writing more than he enjoyed acting. It also tells about his time doing Shakespeare and there is a section about his time spent acting in Jaws. This is truly an exceptional biography about an exceptional actor/writer.

For my friend Robert because I love him.......2002-04-08

When I saw Mr Shaw for the first time (in Jaws)I was about nine years old.
Now I'm twenty and Shaw was far before mine time but I feel that he can learn me how to life because this great biographie from a man who I love and dream about.
I'm sure that I'm the most fanaticus of the "Shaws-fan" from the Netherlands.
I have a private archief from this unique person and I dream about him and think most of the time how sweet he was for childeren.
Mr Shaw is deep in my heart because I discover his live and read this colourful biographie and I will thank Garmean and Gaston for this great great great book, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book is the most best biography because the spirit that Shaw in his short live had give this book the most power.

(sorry for my bad english I think)

Love you all Gilian Schmidt,

the Netherlands

Robert Shaw - British Film Star........2001-05-27

While he never reached the mega-stardom of Sean Connery, Richard Burton, or Peter Sellers. Robert Shaw was still one of Britains major stars. A very talented, but difficult man, it is not hard to see why he had problems in his life. A tragic childhood experience (his father commited suicide), haunted Shaw all though his life. Determined to succeed, Shaw was over competitive, which alienated him from many people. Basically he was a decent man, who while had many faults, never had the self-disgust of Richard Burton, or the utter selfishness of Peter Sellers. 'From Russia with Love,' made him a star, but it was his role as 'Quint' the shark killer in 'Jaws,' which made him a major player in Hollywood, but success came to late, for like so many of the character,s Shaw played in his films, he had used all his skill and determination to get to the top, only to fail at the last minute. His death in 1978, at the early age of 51, robbed Britain of one of her truely international stars. A total family man, Shaw was also a talented author and playwright (something he was returning to at the time of his death). It's good to see a biography of this talented but neglected man. The authors do a completely fair study, pointing out his strengths as well as his faults. Recommeded.

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Robert Shaw - rehearsal genius
Must Buy
A must read
R. Shaw Reader
Belatedly Fascinating Picture of Choral Genius: Robert Shaw

The Robert Shaw Reader

Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0300104545

Book Description

Robert Shaw is considered to be the most influential choral conductor in American history. This is the first collection of his letters and notes about music ever published—at another time, it is the book Shaw would have written himself.
The letters are an invigorating mix of music history and analysis, philosophy, inspiration, and practical advice. Shaw examines technique, but only as a means to an end—he moves beyond that, delving into the essence of what music is and what it has to say to us. The heart of the book is composed of Shaw’s previously unpublished notes on fifteen major choral works, ranging from Bach’s B Minor Mass to Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms.
Often inspiring and sometime hilarious, these writings reveal the full breadth of Shaw’s knowledge, intensity, and humor.

Customer Reviews:

Robert Shaw - rehearsal genius.......2007-05-12

The book is an invaluable collection of Mr. Shaw's excellent rehearsal techniques, including his "building block" approach to learning new music. It's pedagogically sound. Another interesting section recounts his letters to his choirs about poor rehearsal attendance, tardiness, unexcused absences, etc. It was so gratifying to find out that the greatest choir director of the 20th century had many unfaithful attenders. Several of his Atlanta Symphony Chorus members failed to attend a full concert with the orchestra, in order to hear Pavarotti sing the same night!!! Shaw was furious. Every choir director should read this book.

Must Buy.......2007-02-14

This book is a must buy, if for nothing else, than for his analysis of some famous pieces. His analysis of the War Requiem is nothing short of awe inspiring. This man was one in a billion in terms of his thought process of music, and this book is a road map to greatness in choral conducting.

A must read.......2007-01-30

If you are at all serious about being a choral director, this book is a must. If you work with amateur choruses or school groups,the opening chapters will serve as a reminder that you are not alone in your experiences; they are universal. The later chapters give great insight to Shaw's musical thinking and the care with which he prepares his work. My only regret is that I did not run across this book sooner in my career.

R. Shaw Reader.......2006-11-10

What an inspiring book. This man did it all and was successful at it. I recommend this to all future and current teachers looking at teaching music of any kind. Rehearsal techniques, great stories, letters, etc.

Belatedly Fascinating Picture of Choral Genius: Robert Shaw.......2005-06-06

Sitting glued to radios-later to TV's, we loved the distinctive sounds of early Fred Waring Glee Club; Before we heard any name of their Creator, Robert Shaw. Lots of us sang Waring versions of Christmas Carols; Battle Hymn of the Republic; Onward Christian Soldiers; Dry Bones; surely, Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor, not-knowing who created crazy-looking phonetic syllables! We waited until mid-1950's to become aware of Robert Shaw's Collegiate Chorale and its successor the Robert Shaw Chorale. Most of us first heard early RCA records of JOY To The WORLD; A Treasury of EASTER SONGS (with young! picture of RS)++Christmas Hymns & Carols; followed by DEEP RIVER and Spirituals in 1957.

Professors Blocker & Page paint vivid pictures of early years of Robert Shaw! Moving on to Chapter 2- THOUGHTS ON MUSIC, SINGING, REAHEARSAL, PERFORMANCE...we're introduced to his fascinating Choral Notes from 1970 to 1996. My favorite section is titled QUIET SINGING and COUNT-SINGING. Anyone lucky enough to sing in his rehearsals was exposed to quiet-singing (above a whisper)-- My good fortune began in Westminster Choral Workshops of 1973, 75, 77, again in 1986 Saratoga Springs, Carmina Burana & Brahms' German Requiem.

When Blocker named Shaw's absolute minimum essentials include, (as Caroline spoke to me, He has perfect rhythm; He knows the Time night or day to the minute with no clocks!) "Music is Order in Sound and Time!" Only God knows how many unique singing souls he introduced to permanent essentials ingrained in their music!

I must delve into his longest, most valued Chapter of CONDUCTING THE MASTERPIECES! Naturally he starts with Bach's B-Minor Mass and Bach's Passions of St. John and St. Matthew... Added to the longer Masterpieces we find Rachmaninoff's "The Bells" followed by "Liebeslied, Schicksalslied, Nanie" by Brahms! It seems as if anyone writing about Shaw, "Blocker could not escape temptation to include Gustav Mahler, Mozart's Mass in C Minor, Hymns and Christmas Carols, Verdi's Requiem or Poulenc's Stabat Mater!

In PREACHING THE GOSPEL(OF THE ARTS) we are graciously gifted by complete texts of 7 speeches given to Memorial Church of Harvard, Choral Societies, Atlanta Emory Lectures. I was deeply shocked to see exact text of his NPR Celebration of Bach's 200th anniversary in 1984, "Worship and the Fine Arts!"

In Chap V-CELEBRATIONS OF THE RITUALS OF LIFE we see an intimate 7 page Eulogy for Peter Harrower's Memorial Service. He was one of the great Bass-Baritones of Shaw's Atlanta Symphony Choral Performances and Premier vocal coach of GA State Music Students including my wife, Barbara in the mid-1960s!

After first perusing this lengthy biography in B/N one fine day, it took several readings for it to compare favorably with early-"Dear People." I am genuinely impressed to discover this closely intimate account, including Sir Robert's love for sung, written, and even, The Divinely Spoken Word from St. John, Chapter 1... Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

Voice-Overs : A Practical Guide with CD (Theatre Arts (Routledge Paperback))

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Voice-Overs is EXCELLENT!
So You 've Got A Nice Voice

Voice-Overs : A Practical Guide with CD (Theatre Arts (Routledge Paperback))
Bernard Gr Shaw
Manufacturer: Theatre Arts Book
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0878301151

Book Description

Voice-Overs is an insider's guide to voicing radio and television commercials. Bernard Graham Shaw draws upon his nearly 20 years of voice-work experience to teach valuable studio skills, such as how far away to stand from a microphone, and offers practical advice on how to build a voice-over career. The book includes scripts written for advertisements, documentaries, and training films, as well as helpful tips on interpreting your lines and looking after your voice. Voice-Overs also features a comprehensive list of on-line resources and contact addresses, an extensive glossary of voice-over terms, and free CD with backing tracks that can be used with the scripts in the book to make your own demo tape.

Customer Reviews:

Voice-Overs is EXCELLENT!.......2002-10-26

I found this book and the accompanying CD extremely helpful in timing, do's and dont's and how to slow down or speed up to fit in a spot. The accompanying jingles and examples are fantastic!

So You 've Got A Nice Voice.......2001-11-24

This book makes it clear that having a 'nice voice' is as much a guarantee of geting voice-over work as 'having two hands' is a guarantee of being a famous concert pianist.

The book is very detailed and thorough with many examples of scripts for the reader to try out. There is also a free CD with the book which has examples of good and bad voice-overs together with many backing tracks and jingles to accompany the scripts in the book.

Customer Reviews:

Holy freakin' moly.......2005-03-04

The used prices on this book are scandalous. That said, this is easily one of the best books on The Doors, period.

This book is exactly what it says, a chronicle of every Doors show ever played, with information provided where available (and where people could remember). Obviously, many entries are more complete than others, particularly later on as concerts were better covered, etc. Where possible, entries includes the date, venue, attendance, set list(s), support acts, a brief synopsis with notes on the show (how they sounded, if Jim was wrecked, if they messed up a song), etc, etc.

Absolutely the Bible of Doors bootleg collectors, this book flew in the face of claims from the band members themselves that concert tapes didn't exist, when, in fact, author Greg Shaw obviously reviewed concert tapes for many of the entries here. The Doors responded by releasing a box set that disappointed Doors boot fanatics, then wound up slowly releasing some of these shows that we'd heard about for years (Cobo Hall, Detroit, Aquarius Theater, etc).

This book really should be back in print, it's much more valuable than another tell-all about the band or about Morrison. Excellent rock book. Not sure it's worth the ridiculous amounts that some are selling it for, but if you can find it for less, it's just a no-brainer.

Reprinted w/ permission from The Doors Collectors Magazine.......1999-05-07

The Doors On The Road by Greg Shaw
by Tarn C. Stephanos

Ask anyone who has had the opportunity to see The Doors in concert and chances are they will refer to it as having been one of the most amazing experiences of their life. During the May 1969 Critique interview Robby Krieger recognized that people often attended Doors concerts for the "religious experience." I believe that Jim Morrison, the shaman at the helm of the Doors phenomenon, recognized that, as do most, if not all, Doors fans.

Like the impact of the medieval Crusaders who spread their words of wisdom to every unenlightened hamlet, village, and individual so too the impact of The Doors whose message of inner freedom created a concert experience akin to a pagan celebration. Seeing the Doors live was nothing short of a religious sacrament and the arena in which the band played was a house of prayer.

But until recently Doors fans have been without a chronicle of performance locations, dates, and set lists. For years Doors tape collectors could only guess at where and when The Doors played live and what sort of songs constituted their usual live repertoire. With the release of the book The Doors On The Road by Greg Shaw, Doors fans finally have a book that meticulously traces the live history of The Doors from their genesis in Rick and the Ravens to their solo projects. This book is a welcome addition to the library of every Doors fanatic and lover of rock 'n' roll.

The Doors On The Road logs not only the dates and locations of every Doors concert but also the set lists of most shows and the names of the opening acts. It includes contemporary reviews that indicated whether The Doors gave their all, whether they were plagued by equipment problems, or if Jim was drunk and hung upside down like a vampire bat for most of the show. The book is complete with dates of recording sessions, and album and single releases of Doors and solo projects.

Perhaps the most important revelation in the book, considering Morrison's aptitude for poetry, is the listing of poems he recited during various songs throughout the different venues. At the Singer Bowl gig in New York (August 2, 1968) Jim recited an extensive selection of poetry all of which is listed in the book. This, and hundreds of other fascinating insights about Doors appearances can be found within the pages of Shaw's The Doors On The Road.

Doors fans interested in the Miami concert and its consequences will be amazed by the book's inclusion of the complete transcript of Jim's conversation with the audience (drawn from the audience tape) as well as a listing of every canceled concert.

Not all bands are able to use the live forum as an arena to cultivate ideas and translate their inner visions into songs. For some bands like the Beatles and the Beach Boys the live experience was nothing more than a distraction from the creative process. Their greatest creations came to life behind closed doors in the studio. Bands such as The Doors, the Grateful Dead, and Phish created their greatest masterpieces onstage. By the Doors' own admission, they preferred small, intimate clubs where they could mold their songs like clay in the hands of an artist, reshaping some songs, merging others. The Doors released stunning studio material but it was through the live forum they could break free either lyrically or musically. Only by performing live could they attain true freedom.

Doors concert tape collectors will find Greg Shaw's The Doors On The Road to be a priceless source of live Doors related information. One exciting revelation corrects the source of the tape thought to be the Doors' first show of their two shows January 17, 1970 at the Felt Forum in New York City. It turns out this first show was really the second show! The first show has never surfaced amongst tape collectors though it was officially taped for Absolutely Live. Doors tape collectors may also be surprised to learn that many of their most coveted live Doors tapes are incomplete, some missing the encores, others missing the opening acts. The number of times The Doors performed their legendary "The Celebration Of The Lizard" on stage is amazing. And for ages I thought one price of the Miami incident was the loss of the Soft Parade tour which meant that Soft Parade tunes were rarely performed live. Shaw's mention of a surprising number of live versions of "The Soft Parade" "Touch Me" and "Tell All The People" will wet the chops of every lover of the Soft Parade album.

The beauty and importance of Greg Shaw's book is that it will cater to the hardcore as well as casual Doors fan. There is, quite literally, something in its pages for everyone. Whether a fan wants to know when and where The Doors played the day they were born, or if they want to find out whether a certain Doors song was ever performed live, and if so where, this is the book to own. The set lists are as complete as possible considering the state of original documentation. Shaw's lists were drawn from concert tapes, media reviews, and the memories of those who lived it. There is detailed information regarding the disastrous Miami concert and the gigs lost, as well as a detailed bibliography listing scores of Doors books, videos and official and unofficial live Doors concert releases. Unlike other Doors books, this one doesn't just retell the story of The Doors, rather it is a historical document useful for in-depth research or casual reading.

My advice is to grab yourself a copy of Greg Shaw's The Doors On The Road, find yourself a hollow tree trunk, get out of the rainstorm, and have a brainstorm. This is one book no true Doors fan should be without.

My rating is A++. HIGHLY recommended

Exactly what you want for information on The Doors concerts........1999-01-21

The book gives dates of every show and a description of each - sometimes alot, sometimes none, depending on the show's significance. I was hoping for more pictures of the band matched up to it's respectful concert but this is where the book lacks for serious Doors collectors. I like using the book for chronological reasons and to set the story straight of when and where each concert actually took place. Some of the dates are approximations and are listed as such. Some shows not even the surviving band members can remember or place a date and time on. However the author has gone to extreme measures to provide the reader with the most accurate details as possible and, although the pictures are scattered and few, it does have many rare posters, handbills, and fliers of the bands concert dates. Overall it is a great book for to the point accurate and detailed accounts of the magical ride of The Doors from 1965 to their most recent appearances without the late Jim Morrison. I recommend this book and praise it for the amount of research that went into this book and the effort taken to stick to the actual, non-fictional information. If you are trying to figure out when The Doors played and where - Stop! This book does it for you and that's why it is a valuable book for all serious Doors fans. Enjoy!

A Must for DOORS fans!.......1998-04-26

Through the author's obviously extensive research, we are given a backstage pass to one of America's most influential groups of the 60's. Mr Shaw does not pretend that this is the last word on the subject(in fact, he leaves his email address at the beginning for updates) but this is a clear picture of the performance aspect with as much info as possible. Dates, set-lists and venues are here as well as a review of the show. No punches are pulled from Mr Morrison who did not give consistent performances every night. Given his personality who could expect him to? The work also goes into the post-Morrson life of the band culminating in the induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Jan. 93. Doors on the Road is also filled with photos all the way through their career. Enjoyable from beginning "until The End." Thanks Greg Shaw. Ladies and Gentlemen, from Los Angeles,Ca, THE DOORS!!!!!

Honkers and Shouters: The Golden Years of Rhythm and Blues

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Honkers and Shouters: The Golden Years of Rhythm and Blues
Arnold Shaw
Manufacturer: Macmillan Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Jazz Age: Popular Music in the 1920s

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American pop music in the 20s
This book was a fantastic overview of the music of the era.
This book was a fantastic overview of the music of the era.

The Jazz Age: Popular Music in the 1920s
Arnold Shaw
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0195060822

Book Description

F. Scott Fitzgerald named it, Louis Armstrong launched it, Paul Whiteman and Fletcher Henderson orchestrated it, and now Arnold Shaw chronicles this fabulous era in his marvelously engrossing book, appropriately called The Jazz Age. Enriching his account with lively anecdotes and inside stories, he describes the astonishing outpouring of significant musical innovations that emerged during the "Roaring Twenties"--including blues, jazz, band music, torch ballads, operettas, and musicals--and sets them against the background of the Prohibition world of the Flapper and the Gangster. The Jazz Age offers an insider's view into the significant developments and personalities of the jazz age, including the maturation and Americanization of the Broadway musical theater, the explosion of the arts celebrated in the Harlem Renaissance, the rise of the Classic Blues Singers, and the evolution of ragtime into stride piano. It also contains a bibliography, detailed discography, and listings of the songs of the twenties in Variety's "Golden 100" and of films featuring singers and songwriters of the era.

Customer Reviews:

American pop music in the 20s.......2007-05-04

This goody describes American popular and show music during the period; Jazz was one of these forms and interacted in a number of ways with the other music. It's essential to show the proper place of jazz in the American music scene, but is more a basic introduction for anyone interested in the period.

This book was a fantastic overview of the music of the era........1999-11-04

I thought this book was captivating! It captured the essence of the music of that time. Jazz is such music of the soul. In a sense, you feel as if you know what it was like in the 1920's. When the jazz was jazz.

This book was a fantastic overview of the music of the era........1999-11-04

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A CLASSIC SCORE
Very fine and very usable
Messiah: New Novello Choral Edition
Excellent
Shaw edition stands out!

Messiah
George Frideric Handel
Manufacturer: Novello
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0853602115
Release Date: 1998-12-31

Product Description

A sacred oratorio arranged for SATB with piano part. Edited, with piano reduction, by Watkins Shaw. Paper Edition

Customer Reviews:

A CLASSIC SCORE.......2007-08-26

This revised choral score of Handel's famous MESSIAH is destined to become the performance standard. This new edition carefully revises and collates the different manuscripts of the famous score, and gives the performer a
version closest to what Handel intended. Watkins Shaw's scrupulous editing and copious and helpful notes, and the easy-to-read printing make this a must for the serious musician.

Very fine and very usable.......2006-12-04

This very fine edition is perfectly suitable for the listener wishing to follow along to a recording or a performance (why people do this at a live performance, I do not know). But it is also a very affordable vocal score for performance.

It has several advantages. First, the printing is clear and easy to read. Second, the keyboard accompaniment isn't simply for a rehearsal pianist. It provides an organist a quite usable arrangement and the rehearsal pianist guidance as to what to play and what can be left out. Third, it doesn't have German that one has to ignore as one finds in other editions.

I have had my copy for many years and used it more than most folks ever will use theirs. Yes, I did find it useful to put some clear plastic covering on and had to re-glue the spine once. But that is trivial for the use it has provided me.

Strongly recommended.

Messiah: New Novello Choral Edition.......2005-09-27

I received the music in a timely manner and the music was in perfect condition!!!

Excellent.......2002-12-30

As a choir student who just learned Messiah for the first time, I found this edition a wonderful work. It is not only a pleasure for Messiah purists (see review below) but also for those newly introduced to Handel's work. I loved using the Watkins Shaw Edition so much!

Shaw edition stands out!.......2000-08-27

After many readings and performances from other editions, the Watkins Shaw edition stands out as being the most authoritative and being the closest to the original score with most, if not all, of Handel's original markings. Having studied both Schirmer and Oxford editions, this edition has the most to offer the true musical purist, especially from an accompanimental standpoint. The six page preface is extremely helpful in pinpointing performance notes to exacting ornamentation to accurate rhythmic interpretations. A must have for your choral music library!

Ozzy Talking: Ozzy Osbourne in His Own Words (In His Own Words)

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cheese and pie
Cool
Awesome

Ozzy Talking: Ozzy Osbourne in His Own Words (In His Own Words)
Ozzy Osbourne , and Harry Shaw
Manufacturer: Omnibus Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0711992908

Book Description

Ozzy Osbourne has always been able to give as good as he gets, seemingly oblivious to nasty band break-ups, rip-offs, alcoholism and even a reputation for eating live animals in public. Yet somehow Ozzy, ever invincible, comes up smiling. Nowadays he's a hero to millions of metal boys, the patron of Ozzfest and, miraculously, still standing tall and proud. Here's his own take on everything, from the birmingham slaughterhouse through Black Sabbath to his solo career and Ozzfest, in his own inimitable words...

Customer Reviews:

cheese and pie.......2005-02-11

Jason Ham
1.He help start Black Sabbath.
2.He pissed on the Alamo.
3.He got kicked out of Black Sabbath.
He lives in England.
The main character is Ozzy.
He got kicked out of Black Sabbath.

Cool.......2003-01-20

This book was kinda weird, but so is Ozzy himself. He is a real freak!!!

Awesome.......2002-10-29

This book is sort of a biography on Ozzy. It's great because it shows only what Ozzy, himself, said(it also has pices of what the members of Black Sabbath had to say). Its pieced together very well and is excellent for any Ozzy fan. Plus the price is right.

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WIT, PERCEPTION AND INFURIATING DIDACTICISM
Fascinating Criticism, Howls of Laughter
The Perfect Wagner Critic
A shining example of Shaw's art of musical criticism

The Perfect Wagnerite
George Bernard Shaw
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486217078

Book Description

Brilliant criticism of the Ring Cycle, with provocative interpretation of politics, economic theories behind the Ring.

Customer Reviews:

WIT, PERCEPTION AND INFURIATING DIDACTICISM.......2007-03-08

Wagner, it's often said, has had more books written about him than anyone in history with the exceptions of Napoleon and Jesus Christ. This is one of the most fascinating, coming as it does from George Bernard Shaw, a penetrating music critic under the pen-name Corno di Bassetto as well as the familiar dramatist.

This is GBS's take on Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung. It is a predictable mix of Shavian wit, perception and frustratingly obstinate didacticism. There is no doubt about the seriousness with which Shaw takes this massive work. He clearly sees it, still fairly fresh in people's experience as it was when his book was written, as one of the seminal works of his time. He writes to prove how much deeper its philosophy was than the simple charming fairy tale many took it for at the time. That he sees it essentially as a Shavian/Fabian fable is hardly surprising. If the book has a weakness it is, as Deryck Cooke points out in his excellent `I Saw the World End', that the whole argument is too narrow, too one-track to accommodate the many facets and many different interpretations that can all, quite justifiably, be placed on the Ring. This of all operatic works is bigger than any of its commentators. Even Shaw was aware of that.

"Only those of wider consciousness can follow it breathlessly, seeing in it the whole tragedy of human history and the whole horror of the dilemmas from which the world is shrinking today," he wrote.

When he wrote the book, Shaw intended it for the Wagner novice, helping them to a fuller understanding of the work - or, at least, how he saw it. It perhaps shouldn't be recommended for that purpose these days, but it still remains an essential read for anyone who has already started down the road to becoming a Perfect Wagnerite. Chances are you won't agree with some/most/any of it. But it is still a fascinating read for anyone with a serious interest in Wagner's works.

Fascinating Criticism, Howls of Laughter.......2001-10-09

I have read almost all of Shaw's published works which have come within my reach. I see the deterioration in the quality of his work as the aging process set in, and of his defense of such people as Djerjinski and Stalin. When he is profound, he is very profound and when he is off the mark he is way out in zoonieland. This book, fortunately, shows more of his great skill at criticism and assimilation of background data than his equally great skill at polemics. Remember, the compositionof the _Ring_ was an event of the past for him, and he was able to use historical source material. But what caught my attention was that the London newspapers of his own day ran letters trying to reconcile the "Brunhilde problem" in _Gotterdamerung_. All of this was a burning issue to the London intelligentsia. But, to the point: BUY this book because it is HILARIOUS, in the best sense of that word. This is Shaw, maybe not at his level best, but close to it. Learn while you laugh! The ideas propounded in this book have been burned into my memory because I have read them over and over. Read this book if you can appreciate subtle jokes.

The Perfect Wagner Critic.......2000-07-26

If we're going to have a voice worthy of critiquing the great master, it might as well be Shaw. For those who have not read any Shaw, he's a wickedly entertaining writer, though a bit high brow at times. This is a book for the Wagnerite and the layman alike, but expect to get a little insulted if you belong to the latter category. As to the philosophies in this little book, just about everyone who likes the Ring has their own unique opinion about its deep political/spiritual meanings, including Shaw. And although everything he writes seems obvious enough to him, I can't say I'm completely convinced by all his ideas. The book is certainly worth reading, however, just to hear the Shaw's elegant take on the musical masterpiece. (also, at least some of his ideas must be right) Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the book is its attack on Gotterdammerung, the beloved finale of the Ring. Shaw argues it is nearly devoid of underlying meaning and is a superficial conclusion to an otherwise philosophically sound work. As a final note, I appreciate the Mark Twain-like ascerbic criticism of society which seems incorrigibly imprinted in Shaw's style. This book is entertaining, and in certain places, profound. I give it four stars. (maybe 5 if he hadn't criticized Brahms!)

A shining example of Shaw's art of musical criticism.......1999-04-02

About twenty years ago, the BBC World Service introduced me to readings from G. B. Shaw's musical criticisms. The readings showed me that critique is as much an art as the subject of the critique. This pamphlet is a shining example of Shaw's art of criticism. Shaw presents the story, he gives some musical analysis, but most of all he presents the "Ring" in a philosophical and politcal slant that only Shaw could do. I suspect that the philosophy and politics are more Shaw's than Wagner's. Great for thosw who like Wagner and G.B.Shaw. Good for someone new to Der Ring des Nibelungen.

Average customer rating:

Gangstas paradise
An English Take

Westside: Young Men and Hip Hop in L.A.
William Shaw
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0684865068

Book Description

From acclaimed author and journalist William Shaw comes this probing exploration of the dreams and realities of seven young African-American men struggling to make it in Southcentral Los Angeles, the world capital of gangsta rap and West Coast hip hop.

In the late eighties, hip hop was revolutionized by the hard new sound that exploded from Los Angeles. The exhilarating and shocking new music described a place where guns, sex, and life are cheap and disposable and where the struggle for success, stability, and respect is hard fought. The seven young subjects of this hauntingly beautiful chronicle have all grown up in a neighborhood riddled with violence where the notion of manhood seems constantly under threat -- and all of them dream of transforming this urban experience into the platinum success enjoyed by their heroes, rappers such as Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre. The sometimes troubled products of a ruthless environment, they look to hip hop as their only viable form of expression, as their key to survival, and as their greatest hope for escape.

Equal parts music journalism, travel writing, and urban history, Westside is literary non-fiction at its best, revealing a place and a way of life rarely seen and little understood by outsiders.

Customer Reviews:

Gangstas paradise.......2001-06-08

This is an amazing docu-story which is as insightful as it is a fantastic story. Shaw descibes his innocent journey into one of americas fearsome suburbs. He tells how the wannabe rappers and gangstas of south central LA let this white reporter into their homes and lives. His experiences make for a fantastic story, but you also get to see how these young men live sometimes by hope alone. It is the history of the area, the music and the future of the young stars. Brilliant

An English Take.......2001-06-04

West Side is the American release of a British book called Westsiders: Stories of Boys in the Hood. I picked this book up in London this Spring and it was a worthwhile find. Shaw's strength is his unflagging objectivity; he is truly multicultural. He does not pretend to excuse or to pander to any of his characters. He does an excellent job of reporting their successes and setbacks in a compassionate and respectful way.

The book is incredibly informative and really helps to dispel myths about South Central, gang culture, and West Coast rap. There's an extensive history of South Central neighborhoods that provides an unexpected perspective on the place. There's also a three page description of the drug sherm and its effects. In short, there's information here you won't find any place else if you really want some insight into Southern California urban culture.

This broad view could not have been achieved, I am convinced, if Shaw were a music critic or just another head looking to cash in on his hobby. This is a book for the anthropologist gangsta that lurks in so many rap fans, including me.

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