Syd Barrett: Crazy Diamond: The Dawn of Pink Floyd [Paperback]

Mike Watkinson (Author), Pete Anderson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2001

Learn all about Barrett’s career as lead member of the original Pink Floyd, his subsequent release from the group, and solo career. A revealing investigation into the life of a reclusive cult genius.

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Omnibus Press; New edition edition (October 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0711988358
• ISBN-13: 978-0711988354
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,126,685 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Biography, December 4, 2003

By 

Jack Barrett "tool108" (ash of the wishbone) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Syd Barrett: Crazy Diamond: The Dawn of Pink Floyd (Paperback)

This is an excellent summary of Syd's bizarre and very entertaining life. It covers everything, from birth, childhood, teen years, stardom and the mental decline and everything after. The book keeps pace very well and there are no spots that lag or become boring; I read it in one day I was so entrigued. It tells you things about Syd that you couldnt find out otherwise, intricate details that are often ommited. It also features many interviews with people that knew Syd. There are several rare pictures of him in the book. This is a great picture of the madcap and his unique genius. Highy Reccomended.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very engrossing book., February 25, 2006

By 

D. E. Witmyer (Altoona, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Syd Barrett: Crazy Diamond: The Dawn of Pink Floyd (Paperback)

Crazy Diamond: Syd Barrett and the Dawn of Pink Floyd is a good read for any fan of the original Pink Floyd and their madcap leader. The price of admission is very affordable -- you will get a lot of literary bang for your buck. Myths are mentioned and often dispelled, truths emerge, and obscure details from his youth prove interesting. The authors are not overly sympathetic of Barrett and his often self-destructive lifestyle; but, they neither are they harsh or cruel.

As the book progresses, one can easily see why Syd Barrett is one of the most interesting figures in all of rock history. My only real gripe with the book concerns the somewhat striking lack of written details from Barrett's post-Floyd solo era of his music career. This is somewhat perplexing, given the public fascination with his idiosyncratically beautiful solo efforts.

However, the rest of the book is well-written and interesting. I'd recommend picking this one up.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Last Word on the Legend?, May 31, 2005

By 

Seth T. Mullins "Author, 'Song of an Untamed ... (Eugene, Oregon) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Syd Barrett: Crazy Diamond: The Dawn of Pink Floyd (Paperback)

For his many fans, Syd Barrett's mystique can never be explained to satisfaction. But this book, at least, provides all the last clues we need to probe the mystery on our own. Also it explodes some of the negative rumors and exaggerations that cling to the myth of Syd. An exhilarating plunge into the mind of a genius!