Hendrix: The Illustrated Story from Gillian G. Gaar is an excellent book for what it is, which is an informative book about Hendrix' life heavily supplemented by a lot of wonderful photographs and memorabilia. This is not intended to be the definitive biography so to judge it against that standard makes no sense. This is an oversize coffee table book which happens to also be a very good read.

While this includes some photos you don't find everywhere, which makes it interesting to a student of music history this is primarily aimed at the fan. I think the writing will satisfy both the fan who remembers Hendrix (that would be old folks like me) as well as the younger fan who knows only a few of the myths about his life.

I would recommend this to anyone who is either a fan or a student of Hendrix and the early/early-mid period of the rock era. The pictures will enthrall and the writing will either inform or remind. The nostalgia is strong with this one.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Edelweiss. ( )

"Hendrix" is a gorgeous colorful book filled with top-notch photos, concert tickets, concert posters, album covers, and more. At the end can be found an incredibly extensive discography, lists of books and articles written about Hendrix and more. Even the pages without photos contain beautiful artwork surrounding the text. The photos and artwork alone are worth the price of admission.

The story of Hendrix's life is presented in meticulous fashion. This book, if anything, is clearly the product of extensive and painstaking research. A real effort was made to provide a plethora of detailed information, including descriptions seemingly every gig Hendrix ever played. At its best, the text shines when it provides anecdotes about his childhood and his concert tours such as the beef with Townsend at the Monterey Pop. It could have been even better with more anecdotes which would have brought things more to life. I had also hoped for more insight into Hendrix musical genius and into his lyrics.

Thanks to Voyageur Press for an advance copy. ( )