Syd Barrett: Crazy Diamond: The Dawn Of Pink Floyd (Paperback)

by Mike Watkinson (Author), Pete Anderson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Learn all about Barrett’s short-lived 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. B/w photos.

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Omnibus Press (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 (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #536,823 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 50 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 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.

10 of 10 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)

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:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book !!!, July 13, 2006

By	F.J - See all my reviews

Sadly enough I finished this book only 2 weeks before Syd died and found it to be very informative and easy to read. Syd's story is by most standards a sad one, but for all we know he lived his life in the way he wanted it lived. R.I.P Syd.