Rate this book

When Giants Walked The Earth: A Biography Of Led Zeppelin (2008)

by Mick Wall(Favorite Author)

3.89 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

1409103196 (ISBN13: 9781409103196)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Orion

review 1: LOVE LOVE LOVE Loved this book... I understand the negative reviews about the writing style, but that is what I liked the most about it (except for the subject matter of course). I think the narrative adds to the mystique of the band and what one might presume happened. No one in the band can probably remember the specifics, and if they did, they probably would put a different spin on it now to protect themselves... but the discussion about Page / Beck and "You Shook Me" was fascinating to me. This take is the reverse of an oral history - it gives it even a non-fiction slant to it. I embraced it.
review 2: This is an awesome book. I'm not sure anyone else is as qualified or prepared to put in as much hard work delving into the history and current status of... more each Zep member as Mick Wall.But be prepared: for a rock book, this is a pretty heavy read, in that I found myself going over pages more than once repeatedly to better absorb all the facts and colourful characters (of which there are loads). But I was so grossly interested in the formation and success of Led Zep that I could not stop ploughing ahead.The complaints of other reviewers, mainly that the occult portion of the book drags on and that the italicized made-up first person passages are awkward and goofy, have merit. But personally, my knowledge of the occult was scant, and its impact on Zep's music is undeniable; so its inclusion is fundamental and in fact pretty fascinating. As for the italicized first person accounts, once you get your head around what Wall is aiming for they can be pretty entertaining and informative. It's also gutsy for a writer to throw them in there in the midst of a full-on biopic. I liked 'em, but hey, I'll admit I'm in the minority.Now for the sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll: it's all in there and more. Wall has personally interviewed each member of Zep including Bonzo, at least once and generally many more times. He knew Peter Grant quite well too, it seems and doesn't hold back on any stories (Bonzo and Grant in particular come off as out of control). Crucially, although Wall has had the pleasure of having tea with both Page and Plant separately, he's not adverse to throwing daggers at each and telling it like it is. Ultimately, though, he leaves it for the reader to determine whose points are more valid in the will they or wont they reunite saga. Finally, the writing itself is very good. Wall paints vivid depictions of places as disparate as Wales, Knebworth and Los Angeles to set the scene for some glorious Zep jams.One of those books I'll be referring to often, and perhaps reading in its entirety all over again sooner or later. less

Download links for: When Giants Walked the Earth: A Biography of Led Zeppelin

Advertising