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Ultimate Illustrated History vs Backtracks Books
While I'm awaiting the arrival of my copy of High Voltage RNR: The Illustrated History, I wondered if anyone here has compared it to the coffee table book in the deluxe version of Backtracks. Are the photos similar in places or are the 2 books completely different photos?
I hope it's different because I'm buying that soon and also the AC/DC in the Studio now the Aussie Dollar is up (Y)
got it since 5 days, but havent had time to take a look inside :(
I got it and have read through it. To be honest, I liked the Backtracks book much better. There was like 5pics in the Illustrated History that I haven't seen before. I was kinda disappointed but the writing is quite good. I'm still glad I got it though.
I still haven't gotten my book and I pre-ordered it in August. I went to a local Chapter's yesterday and they told me that the ISBN # has changed without notice from the original (online to the in store actual book). So for anyone that has ordered it online from Amazon, Chapters, or any other online store there may be a problem for you. I canceled my online order now, and will be picking the book up in-store during the week.
I got mine last week in-store. I have to say it's an alright book, but there are better. I found a few errors as well! It drives me nutz whenever I see errors in these types of books (biographies). Especially when albums are referenced incorrectly, dates are wrong and band members are credited with the wrong instrument (p 56 "...Sabbath drummer Geezer Butler...). Even in the contents page they say that all the info has been reviewed to be accurate. However there are multiple inaccuracies in the book! I wish people would be more careful with editing in any biography/book so it reads properly and correctly when dealing with history. At least the books I've read, the one that has been the most consistent with accuracies is Maximum RNR. I just wish people and editors would be more careful and watch what they put on the page.
Received mine last week also. I have to agree with 'Nick Of Time' in that the book is nice, but some inconsistencies and errors exist. Not sure if there is a book 100% accurate being this is my first biography book on AC/DC, so I will have to check out the 'Maximum RNR' book to see how that compares. I must say I like the "spinning Angus" on the cover :)
I've read "Maximum", "Two Sides to Every Glory" by Paul Stenning and "Why AC/DC Matters" by Anthony Bozza. The last book didn't read like a bio (and shouldn't) but it was an interesting read on how the bands musicianship makes them good as they are. That book is good for musicians in that it describes the band in terms of their musical strengths. "Two Sides" had a multitude of errors: (said Live at the Atlantic Studios performance would "for the basis of the bands first live album [If You Want Blood]" p.80), ("AC/DC played the song 'Back in Black' when they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Steven Tyler of Aerosmith in 2003" p. 132) amongst them that caught my eye first read 3 years ago. "Maximum" is a great read, with a very low error count (by me). It's pretty spot on! Even goes more in-depth on topics than "Two Sides." It call it a tie between both Stenning and Englehart/Durieux for the Bon Scott passing story. They both go pretty in-depth for that topic. I'd for sure recommend "Maximum RNR" for anyone wanting a great introductory read to AC/DC. The AC/DC encyclopedia is a good book, but it almost seems to under-developed. The pictures are cool. Anyone else notice the FOTS tour poster on page 126, with Phil's autograph on it? However it's a good addition to Maximum RNR for me.
@ Nick Thanks again for the rundown and info on the books available. I've checked Amazon.com and there are a few available, so I will have to convince the wife to get another book, I'm, thinking an early Christmas gift :)
Just finished reading "Maximum RNR" and I agree after reading it, I liked how it touches on the roots of the members and is well done regarding the in-depth biographies on the start of the band and how it covers the albums that were released by chapter. Have not read the "Ultimate History" book which is still sitting in its shipping box, but will have to compare it to "Maximum".
@Nick I sure am glad you recommended the "Maximum" book which I picked up and must say it is exactly as you said: in-depth and low-error count. I really tells us the history and roots of the band members and goes into detail regarding their touring history. I also have am 3/4 of the way through the "Illustrated" book, however am disappointed by the many quotes from other sources. The positive about this one is there are many pics, but as far as wanting a true biography on the band, stick with "Maximum".