Primary Format: Paper | |
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ISBN: | 9781611688511 |
Published: | 02/09/2016 |
Pages: | 192 |
Size: | 5.5 x 8 in. |
Subject(s): | Music Biography and Letters |
The most provocative parts of the book are when Benson moves away from writing about the Dead qua Dead and tells us about his and others’ experiences of the band. Chapter 31 in particular, which narrates a trip to a Jerry Garcia Band concert, is full of fascinating details and perspective related to what makes rock shows exciting.
—Library Journal
Anyone who acknowledges the inherent validity of someone else’s spiritual experience-and becoming a Deadhead was nothing if not a spiritual transformation-will find a fascinating wealth of information in Michael Benson’s glorious manifesto. He gets what being a Deadhead was about, and he can write it, while also being historically perceptive. Besides, the book is fun!
—Dennis McNally, Grateful Dead publicist, author of A Long Strange Trip and On Highway 61
With Why the Grateful Dead Matter Michael Benson has conjured an alternate nation-and a book for those who take their (electric) Kool-Aid by the pitcher.
—Fred Goodman, author of Allen Klein: The Man Who Bailed out the Beatles, Made the Stones, and Transformed Rock ’n’ Roll
MICHAEL BENSON has written about music, sports, crime, film, the military, and politics for a number of national publications. He is the author of many books, including The Devil at Genesee Junction and Murder in Connecticut. He lives in Brooklyn and is a lifelong follower of the Grateful Dead.