Rating: 
Summary: Great stories, but edited too heavily for length
Review: As a long-time subscriber to Dave Meltzer's "Wrestling Observer Newsletter", a slightly disappointing aspect of the book "Tributes" is the heavy editing for length that was done to the wrestler biographies as compared to how they originally appeared in the newsletter. For example, the Bruiser Brody biography, which is perhaps Meltzer's most famous, is edited down to a mere six pages of text. Something definitely gets lost in the translation. However, it is nice to have all of these biographies in book form so I no longer have to dig through my pile of over 10 years worth of newsletters to get to the articles I want. The addition of many rare photographs make it a great overall package. I really would have liked it if they would have put the complete biographies from the newsletter into the book, however, even in its edited form this is definitely a must have for any serious fan of pro wrestling.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome book....
Review: Couldn't put this book down, really helps you understand the careers of guys such as Giant Baba and Fritz Von Erich, whom many younger fans would not have heard about.This is genuinely touching and shows some of the sacrifices these men made to entertain.
Rating: 
Summary: Sensational book
Review: Dave Meltzer is the greatest wrestling journalist to come along. There are too many of these journalists who crusade against wrestling and try to take away the crediblity that the sport deserves. Meltzer honors the memories of many legends of the squared circle who have passed away. It is written with the highest level of class and esteem. This is something for the wrestling world to be proud of, because Meltzer gives wrestling that level of crediblity that it deserves. After reading articles from the Phil Muchnicks and Mike Mooneyhams, it is a breath of fresh air to read someone pay tribute to these icons who all contributed so many great things to the world of professional wrestling. This book helps immoratalize the place that they truly deserve in the the history of pro wrestling. Meltzer should cover more books such as the greatest matches and other topics. I have not always agreed with Dave Meltzer's opinion over the years, but he does a great credit to wrestling. He is a fair minded wrestling journalist who obviously loves the business and it is just wonderful thing to see the quality of work that he can put together. Thank you, Dave, because without you and your fine work over the last 20 years, we wouldn't get the fair just well written side of professional wrestling.
Rating:
Summary: A great history lesson
Review: If you are looking for an independent (ie non-WWE based)retrospective on the careers of some of the more influential wrestlers that died in the late 80's to present, this a great one. Meltzer is objective in remembering wrestlers from Andre the Giant to Eddie Gilbert while making sure to give each of their careers the proper historical perspective.
With the following that many of these wrestlers had, its refreshing to find someone like Meltzer give them the obituaries they deserves (as the mainstream media has always shied away from making a big deal out of it.) People such as Gordon Solie, Brian Pillman and Owen Hart deserve just as much of a sendoff -- often moreso -- than the athletes, entertainers and politicians that are written about posthumously in newspapers.
There were a few minor errors with timelines and such, but nothing overwhelming. Overall, most wrestling fans (at least the ones like me that grew up loving WWF, NWA, Stampede and AWA) will find this required reading.
Rating:
Summary: Good book but facts were not completely right
Review: It's a good book but I found somethings in it to be very wrong. Such as the Firing of Spicolli. Not even accurate. There were a few other things but I don't remember them off the top of my head.
Rating:
Summary: If You Don't Buy This, Then You're Not a Wrestling Fan
Review: Nobody in the world knows more about the history of pro wrestling than Dave Meltzer, whose newsletter I've happily subscribed to for well over 10 years. He also is an incredible writer and extremely fair and objective in his critique. So it is no surprise that this collection of obituaries is an absolute must-read for anyone who dares to call himself/herself a wrestling fan. Dave evaluates each wrestler's career highlights and lowlights fairly and honestly, with tons of interesting information you'll be surprised to find out. For those used to WWF fluff pieces, beware for some pleasant stories and facts about real wrestling history that prove what an incredibly successful business this was before 1984, unlike Vince McMahon would like you to beileve. Buy or die!
Rating:
Summary: Wrestling History written by the best.
Review: Obituaries are often the best way to present a history of a person, place, or thing. These stories cover different eras of wrestling and do a great job of covering the person, the place, and the wrestling industry. Wrestling History is only well written in a handful of places, although with good recent entries, it may be up to two handfuls. This book is certainly among the best of its kind. If anything, it could be longer. I hope this is the start of more books by Dave Meltzer. He's busy writing daily for his website and for his weekly newsletter, but I hope he can consolidate his vast knowledge into more great books.
Rating:
Summary: Very informative, very respectfully done
Review: This book is not based on morbid details or fascination with deaths of the included wrestlers. What it is, is a very well researched and written series of tributes covering some of wrestlings notable performers. The writings of Dave Meltzer are informative on each of these performers careers and what made these men special in the world of wrestling. The book is a quick easy read that is divided up into sections based on the particular man being given the tribute. There are many wonderful full color pictures throughout the entire book. This is a good book for those who want to learn more about the history of individual wrestlers covered.
Rating:
Summary: Wrestling Observer's Tributes
Review: This effort by Dave Meltzer was very thorough and comprehensive.
Unfortunately it did not contain any information or tributes to
Dick Murdoch or Adrian Adonis, which was my only gripe. Each
tribute is a collection of pictures, career history and the
behind-the-scenes look at what took place. It mentions not
only the death, but the circumstances that led up to the death.
It is more than just a stand obituary. This book is actually
a collection of mini-biographies about each wrestling personality. We learn about the politics behind the business
a little bit. Dave Meltzer is best known for his Wrestling
Observer newsletter, and for being one of the best pro wrestling
journalists in the world. This book is a must have on any
wrestling fan's to buy list. I would recommend buying it.
Rating:
Summary: Tragic Realies Of Sadly Human Super-Heroes
Review: This has to be one of the saddest books I've ever ordered. That's not a negative opinion. The basis of this book is a sort of snapshot at the lives and deaths of some of wrestling's biggest names. Meltzer has done his research and tells the truths that maybe we wouldn't really want to know about these people. The great majority of these wrestling stars were lost due to alcohol abuse, drug addiction, and the pursuit of the top of the wrestling ladder. Owen Hart is deservedly the first "salute" in this book and the chronology of events around his tragic accidental death will leave you in tears. He truly was a great figure and is missed. Most of the others had very sad events surrounding their passings. This is a "coffee table" style book and is very nicely done. If you have been a wrestling fan for a long time, you will look at these photos and read these stories and remember the events as they are told. Newer fans will appreciate the price many wrestlers paid to entertain us. Great book!
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