The Ties That Bind: Bruce Springsteen A to E to Z [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Gary Graff (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up–What distinguishes Willis's work from the many other guides to world religions? In a word, personality. Alphabetically arranged encyclopedic entries note sources (not pronunciation), and provide cross-references. The volume's wide scope includes Norse myth, Mithraism, ley lines, Kwanzaa, and Merlin; Santeria, Hasidism, and Sufis are mentioned but not indexed. American orientation makes Mormonism's entry five times that of Jainism, Dwight Moody's longer than Mahatma Gandhi's, and John Eliot's longer than both. B.C.E. replaces B.C., but the Western Wall appears as "Wailing Wall," and Judaism's view of the Fall is missing. There is an entry for abortion but none for homosexuality, and spotty coverage of ethno- or primal religions (but sympathetic entries on Gaia, Ghost Dance, and Feminist Theology). Entries on the Benedictines and Ten Commandments are misleading, and the Archbishop of Canterbury should not be called "Reverend Williams." Nevertheless, this is a fascinating book because it is suffused with an individual mind. Entries are intellectually expanded by unexpected quotations and connections challenging readers to think or to smile. Many questions are raised and left open-ended. Willis has a distinctive voice, and a lucid and engagingly immediate style. He is especially enlightening on Buddhism and Hinduism. The occasional black-and-white photos and engravings are adequate, but the book's appeal lies in its lively writing and thoughtful, personal approach.–Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George's School, Newport, RI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

Product Description
A labor of love, "The Ties That Bind" is an encyclopedic examination of the people, places, events, and recordings significant in the artistry and thirty-plus year career of one of America’s most eminent and enduring rock icons. Ranging from the Academy Awards to Warren Zevon and all points in between (including the mighty E Street Band), the encyclopedia examines all aspects of the Springsteen universe, including artistic, intellectual, and personal relationships, influences and the influenced, significant others, career evolution, recordings, side ventures, political forays, geographic bases, and, of course, legendary shows and venues.

With 300 entries (plus sidebars) and 100 photos (many previously unpublished), this is the first book that systematically and objectively chronicles Springsteen’s life and music. Plus, "The Ties That Bind" provides lists of concert appearances, television appearances, and E Street Band tribute bands and tribute albums; the text of Springsteen’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame speeches; and a lyric index, amid other comprehensive indexing.

Damon Gough (Badly Drawn Boy) and Mike Mills (of R.E.M.) each contribute the nicely written forewords.

Award-winning journalist, Gary Graff, is assisted by an elite ensemble of music writers hailing from Backstreets magazine, Rolling Stone, No Depression, and elsewhere, including Chris Phillips, Steve Knopper, Robert Santelli, Daniel Durchholz, Erik Flannigan, Robert Bader, Michael Norman, Jonathan Pont, Lynne Margolis, Matt Lee, and Jeffrey Zaslow.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 600 pages
• Publisher: Visible Ink Press; illustrated edition edition (April 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578591570
• ISBN-13: 978-1578591572
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #794,162 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nearly 300 entries gather facts to help students, June 6, 2004

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Religion Book: Places, Prophets, Saints, and Seers (The Seeker Series) (Library Binding)

If it's a comprehensive, encyclopedic view of key religious figures, prophets, deities and places which is needed, Jim Willis' The Religion Book is the book for you. Nearly 300 entries gather facts to help students and readers understand common religious topics, from Celtic Druids and Native American spirituality to Greek gods, Judaism, and India religions. The Religion Book is recommended as an essential overall library reference.

10 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST-HAVE FOR ANY BRUCE FAN!, April 29, 2005

By	Deanokat (Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

Old and new fans alike will love this Bruce Springsteen resource. Everything you've always wanted to know about the Boss...and more! If you like Bruce, you have to have this book.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the one, June 3, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Religion Book (Paperback)

If you want to know what in the world is going on with the religions of the world today, this is the book you need to have. It covers all the "biggies," plus some fascinating little-known stuff about just about every religion you would ever want to explore. It's a big book. But it's an easy read without insulting your intelligence. This guy knows his stuff!