All Men Have Secrets [Paperback]

Tom Gallagher (Editor), Michael Campbell (Editor), Murdo Gillies (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1995

The Smiths were one of the most revered English bands of the 1980s. Their songs were original and witty. This book contains stories about Smiths songs and the people to whom they meant so much. There are true stories of brief encounters set to the tune of "How Soon Is Now", of foolish actions in rhythm with "This Charming Man" and broken hearts set to the sound of "Reel Around the Fountain". Here are tales of what it meant to be young and living during the 1980s, as told by numerous twenty and thirtysomething men and women. The stories range from funny to sad.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Virgin Pub (November 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0863698743
• ISBN-13: 978-0863698743
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,142,057 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most interesting book concerning songs, January 8, 2003

By 

M. D. Tschaepe "mdtschaepe" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: All Men Have Secrets (Paperback)

This is the type of book that should be available in reference to all great bands (eg., The Stone Roses, the The, New Order, etc.), but it is especially apropos that it is a book about songs by the Smiths. Each chapter is devoted to what people think concerning all the Smiths' songs, and the most interesting stories by far are those concerning the first time someone heard a specific song by the Smiths and how it touched them. "All Men Have Secrets" is not only wonderful for those who identify with the songs, but also for those interested in the general melancholy undertones to the 80s that are often not depicted in films from the time period. It's unfortunate that this book is out of print. Really it is quite splendid. Most Smiths fans will identify with at least one of the pieces concerning a song - and all will find differences between themselves and the opinions of others.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well, I helped write it, and I think it's fab!, September 12, 2000

By 

russ thomas (Bristol, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: All Men Have Secrets (Paperback)

Well, I was amazed to read that the reviewer above thought the book contained some lies...well, I contributed several pieces to the book, and can say, hand on heart, all mine were true.

The book is, agreed, more of a fan's thing, but anyone who's just getting to know this wonderful band should have a peek....it always fascinates me when I read or hear about other people's interpretations of what they think a song means, or what the track means to them personally.... it deepens the whole meaning of a song, and helps you look at the track with a different perspective, from a new angle....

Anyway, the book's a gem, highly recommended, I just hope it's not been deleted?

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book is wonderful for anyone, June 4, 1999

By 

Tonia([e-mail]) (Charlotte, North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: All Men Have Secrets (Paperback)

I like this book very much. I think the best thing about this book is that perhaps not only Smiths fans will like it. There are lots of really awesome stories in it, that any miserable person would like to read. The stories all relate to Smiths songs of course, but some of the writers are really good at telling and the result is very emotional stuff. I am a devout fan of the Smiths and Morrissey, and I enjoyed not only seeing how other people found the music to be life altering, but also seeing how these people lived in their own words. It's an awesome book.