This yellow hardback book is out of print, so it is pricey. If you are a die hard fan of Monkee history, of any generation, mine being 2nd, then this book is for you. It is like a Chronological History of the Monkees, which is probably a more apt title of the book, in my opinion. It is well done, lots of factoids packed with all black and white photos in 307 pages. The style in which the info is presented feels kind of like a school annual. The book does in some ways it seem older than mid-1980s when it was published.
I like how it is chornological, year by year milestones of the Monkees, even in the post-Monkees years to 1986. There are lots of great rare black and white pictures of the guys from all eras as well. I also enjoyed how the authors displayed images of the band's releases in foreign countries and post Monkee releases; quite detailed. I also liked reading the week by week tracking of the Monkees songs on the Billboard chart. Also they found many obscure ads, photos, of the Monkees. All very interesting.
The only drawback appears to be the lack of details about the Monkees in 1969, while the 3 Monkees, minus Peter, appeared on numerous TV programs as guests. The Monkees also had toured with Sam and the Goodtimers; I wish there was more information here. I would like to know more about this weird era post-TV show. Also the cinematic flop, Head, has sparse info. To make up for that shortage, there is lots of info and pictures, too about the 4 Monkees in the 1970s and 80s.
One neat fact I did not realize was that cassette tapes were in use in 1969! - There was a photo of Head release on LP. 8 Track and cassette. It mentions that 5 Monkee albums were released on cassette in 1969. I thought cassettes were introduced a few years later, like 1974ish.
Other than my criticisms, this is a splendid book. If you are a serious collector, it is worth spending the extra money. I hope you find a good deal on it: I have not seen this book listed online for less than $50.
I would like to purchase/review some of the other Rock and Roll Reference Series books they had published. Topics include: Lots of Beatles books, such as the Beatles Bootlegs and "Who's New Wave In Music."
Add to book club
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Got a mobile device?
You’ve got a Kindle.
You’ve got a Kindle.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Enter your mobile phone or email address
Send link
Processing your request...
By pressing "Send link," you agree to Amazon's Conditions of Use.
You consent to receive an automated text message from or on behalf of Amazon about the Kindle App at your mobile number above. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Message & data rates may apply.
Flip to back Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
OK
The Monkees: A manufactured image : the ultimate reference guide to Monkee memories & memorabilia (Rock & roll reference series) Hardcover – January 1, 1987
by
Edward Reilly
(Author)
| Edward Reilly (Author) Find all the books, read about the author, and more. See search results for this author |
The Monkees are an American pop band that released music under their original incarnation between 1966 and 1970, with subsequent reunion albums and tours in the decades that followed. Assembled in Los Angeles in 1965 by Robert "Bob" Rafelson and Bert Schneider for the American television series The Monkees, which aired from 1966–1968, the musical acting quartet was composed of Americans Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork, and Englishman Davy Jones. The band's music was initially supervised by producer Don Kirshner.
Described by band member Micky Dolenz as initially being "a TV show about an imaginary band [...] that wanted to be The Beatles, [but] that was never successful", the actor-musicians soon became a real band. As Dolenz would later describe it, "The Monkees really becoming a band was like the equivalent of Leonard Nimoy really becoming a Vulcan."
For the first few months of their almost five-year initial career, the four actor-musicians were only allowed limited roles in the recording studio. This was due in part to the excessive time spent filming the TV series, which in turn limited the amount of time available to the group to rehearse and coalesce as a band. Nonetheless, Nesmith did compose and produce some songs from the beginning, and Peter Tork contributed limited guitar work on the Nesmith-produced sessions. They soon fought for and earned the right to collectively supervise all musical output under the band's name. Although the sitcom was canceled in 1968, the band continued to record music through 1971.
- Print length307 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherPierian Press
- Publication dateJanuary 1, 1987
- ISBN-100876502362
- ISBN-13978-0876502365
Inspire a love of reading with Amazon Book Box for Kids
Discover delightful children's books with Amazon Book Box, a subscription that delivers new books every 1, 2, or 3 months — new Amazon Book Box Prime customers receive 15% off your first box. Learn more.
Product details
- Publisher : Pierian Press; 0 edition (January 1, 1987)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 307 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0876502362
- ISBN-13 : 978-0876502365
- Item Weight : 4.45 pounds
- Best Sellers Rank: #5,523,479 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #13,609 in Rock Music (Books)
- #467,810 in Reference (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
Tell the Publisher!
I'd like to read this book on Kindle
Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
I'd like to read this book on Kindle
Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more
Read moreRead less
Customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
5 out of 5
4 global ratings
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2005
10 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2000
If you are looking for the DEFINITIVE reference book on everyone's favorite TV show ABOUT a rock and roll group...this is the one. I thought I knew a lot about the show and the guys, but thanks to Bill Chadwick (who was almost a Monkee, and was there for it all!), Maggie McManus (Monkees fan extrodinaire), and Ed Reilly (whose memorabilia collection I REALLY wish I had! ), this publication is the most comprehensive, detailed book regarding The Monkees ANYWHERE! In "A Manufactured Image", you will discover the day to day occurances and situations that took place from the very beginnings of Monkeemania, following the guys through the height of their popularity, through the dissolution of the cast and group, including Head and 33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee, and throughout their respective solo careers, up through their triumphant return in 1986. It was great to be able to follow Micky, Davy, Peter, and Mike through their trials and tribulations after the project ended, and it tied up a lot of loose ends to questions I had about where they were, and what they did between 1970 and 1986. As a fan of the music, I especially enjoyed the complete list of recordings, seeing the titles of the unreleased stuff up to the date of publication. You will also see a section on some of the hundreds of Monkee Collectables from throughout the years, hundreds and hundreds of wonderful pictures, a great number of them previously unreleased. Want to know how the TV show fared against Gilligan's Island and Gunsmoke? Want to know how long The Monkees had SEVEN albums on the charts at one time in 1986? It's all here! In addition, pictures of the 45's by the guys, both solo and with the group, along with LP covers from around the world, which was a real treat! I highly recommend this book as an excellent way to introduce new fans to the Monkees, as well as fans who want to learn more about their favorite "Pre-Fab" Four! You cannot go wrong with "A Manufactured Image"
20 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Top reviews from other countries
C Greengrass
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hey Hey, I'd reccomend this
Reviewed in Canada on April 22, 2018Verified Purchase
An awesome time capsule of all things Monkees. It's packed with info, has album and concert dates, and is quite a nice coffee table book. I love it. Well worth buying.