American Magus Harry Smith: A Modern Alchemist

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Summary: They Broke the Mold..
Review: Harry Smith was a legend, a behind-the-scenes facilitator and cultural force. Harry was an avante-garde filmmaker, jazz fan, compiler of the seminal Anthology of American Folk Music, "Occultist" of a benevolent sort, and collector. Unfortunately Harry had his "demons" and was prone to destroying his valuable and unique belongings and creations, and lashing out and alienating his friends at times. His incredible skill at drawing was arguably ruined by drink and drugs. But when Harry died he was sorely missed. This book gives a taste of the aesthetic and mindscape of a unique American treasure. It is very well written and beautifully illustrated. It will amaze people who have not heard of Harry Smith and will bring a smile and a tear to those who knew him.

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Summary: This is a great introduction to this amazing artist.
Review: Harry Smith was an amazing artist and it is about time there is a book about him. I first met him in 1966, and there has been almost nothing written about his amazing accomplishments until now. If you want to understand the one of the most important influences on Andy Warhol, Bob Dylan, and Allan Ginsberg (pardon my spelling), this is a must. He is one of the most important figures in the evolution of American art.

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Summary: Intriguing portrait of a very complex man
Review: I read this book because I was interested in the man who compiled "The Anthology of American Folk Music." By reading these interviews, I have a feeling that what I learned is much more authentic than a straight biography could ever provide. The multiple perspectives are sometimes puzzling and dizzying, but through it all you come to see someone who sought to "unite the opposites", perceive patterns, make connections in what was most of the time highly enjoyable and insightful combinations.

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Summary: Harry Smith from those who knew and didn't know him
Review: This book is great for those interested in hearing all the rumors about this great American eccentric, but it fails as a comprehensive book for those who want to read more about his life and studies. Despite the repitition over interviewees covering the same material over and over, the visual element in the book is reproduced quite well. I think a better editing job on the book would have held me better. But for those interested in Harry Smith, this book is a must, as well as the book of interviews released earlier this year, "Think of the Self Speaking: Harry Smith Selected Interviews"