Rating: 
Summary: U2: Exegesis
Review: Niall Stokes has written one of the definitive books on U2 (along with Bill Flanagan's "U2 At the End of the World") with this massive, song-by-song exegesis of the U2 canon. Maybe not for the casual fan, "Into the Heart" is a must-own for the hardcore U2 fanatic. Stokes devotes at least a page to every song on every U2 album, and the writing isn't press-releasy fan worship, but a loving and critical analysis joined with commentary from the band members and such U2 cohorts as Brian Eno, Flood and Daniel Lanois (the fifth, sixth and seventh members of the band, by all accounts).For the most part, the book is insightful, informative and was no doubt exhaustively researched. It is beautifully designed and packed with never-before-seen photos of the band. Not only are all the albums dissected, but there's plenty of material covering the B-sides and "extra-curricular activities" of the band members. Fascinating stuff. Of course, U2 songs aren't terribly easy to pin down, and to my mind it's impossible to say definitively what "Bad" is all about, or "Wire," or "Promenade," or "With Or Without You." Mystery is a huge part of the music's allure, and while I appreciate Stokes' examination of Bono's sometimes incomprehensible lyrics, the mystery and magic of the band's music remains -- blessedly -- intact.
Rating:
Summary: U2: Exegesis
Review: Niall Stokes has written one of the definitive books on U2 (along with Bill Flanagan's "U2 At the End of the World") with this massive, song-by-song exegesis of the U2 canon. Maybe not for the casual fan, "Into the Heart" is a must-own for the hardcore U2 fanatic. Stokes devotes at least a page to every song on every U2 album, and the writing isn't press-releasy fan worship, but a loving and critical analysis joined with commentary from the band members and such U2 cohorts as Brian Eno, Flood and Daniel Lanois (the fifth, sixth and seventh members of the band, by all accounts). For the most part, the book is insightful, informative and was no doubt exhaustively researched. It is beautifully designed and packed with never-before-seen photos of the band. Not only are all the albums dissected, but there's plenty of material covering the B-sides and "extra-curricular activities" of the band members. Fascinating stuff. Of course, U2 songs aren't terribly easy to pin down, and to my mind it's impossible to say definitively what "Bad" is all about, or "Wire," or "Promenade," or "With Or Without You." Mystery is a huge part of the music's allure, and while I appreciate Stokes' examination of Bono's sometimes incomprehensible lyrics, the mystery and magic of the band's music remains -- blessedly -- intact.
Rating:
Summary: The most serious book about U2
Review: Simply the best U2 book you can find these days. If you're really into their music,their lyrics - this book is for you. It features exclusive interviews with the band and friends about each song, some great pictures and really fascinating stories. The only problem with it is the musical analysis. While the lyrical analysis is very deep, the musical is very dissatisfying. But generally, this is the best U2 book you can ever find.
Rating: 
Summary: A great item!!!
Review: This a great item. The reason it is, is that it's not only about U2 but it shows the evolution of a band from obscurity to best in the world. Its a great inspiration for musicians. The photos are great and it comments on all the songs from I will follow to Big girls are the best (B-Side). Its also objective and honest if songs were'nt great. I highly recommend this book. Good job Niall (and, Oh Yeah, U2!)
Rating:
Summary: Pretty darn good
Review: This book gives a lot of insight into the inspirations of the songs and the albums as a whole, although at times the author seems to know less about the origins of some songs than others. Overall it is a great book, the pictures and history are on par with the best U2 books out there, and the music is presented in a way that you rarely see in books such as this.
Rating:
Summary: A great book for ANY curious fan of U2's
Review: This book is a great way to find out what makes U2 , U2. It gives overveiws of new and old topics that have come up in the band member's Lifes. It gives the reasons behind "EVERY" song written by them including rarities and other works done for other artists. And with a renewing of it for every new Album it is a U2 fans dream come true (and more, even for non-Die hard fans this book is a great Coffie table piece for any musical eye.) It is nicely set in chronological order through each albumn and it contains Pictures of true eye candy and quotes from the Band Members themselves.
Rating:
Summary: A great book for ANY curious fan of U2's
Review: This book is a great way to find out what makes U2 , U2. It gives overveiws of new and old topics that have come up in the band member's Lifes. It gives the reasons behind "EVERY" song written by them including rarities and other works done for other artists. And with a renewing of it for every new Album it is a U2 fans dream come true (and more, even for non-Die hard fans this book is a great Coffie table piece for any musical eye.) It is nicely set in chronological order through each albumn and it contains Pictures of true eye candy and quotes from the Band Members themselves.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book if you're a U2 Fanatic. . .
Review: This book is a very entertaining read provided that you're approaching a fanatical level of U2-ness. It's wonderful in that nearly all of their songs are written about -- from the beginnings to All That You Can't Leave Behind -- another reviewer said it's only for songs before Zooropa, but this is most definitely not true. Furthermore, it has shorter narratives on many of their B-side tracks as well. That being said, the actual writing could be better -- it seems that Mr. Stokes had unprecendented access to Bono, Edge, Larry and Adam and while his interviewing must have been extensive, his writing style leaves much to be desired. He leaves things purposely vague and his attempts at sounding profound actually confuse and make things more opaque than they need be; U2 are excellent song-writers but the meanings behind their songs are much simpler than Mr. Stokes wants to let on -- his writing would benefit tremendously from increased lucidity. Nonetheless, the book makes for entertaining reading and allows for new insight into one of the greatest rock bands ever. . .
Rating:
Summary: u2 book
Review: this is a good book about u2 (an irish rock band). it has pictures too that i think all fans will like.
Rating:
Summary: Love It
Review: This is a great resource for any U2 fan. I especially love the story behind Drowning Man.
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