hey i know! WHY don't we write a book about prince right here. RIGHT. NOW.

MODS!!! STICKY THIS THREAD.

okay, i'll go first. never mind about my crap punctuation, the editors will clean that up later.

Once upon a time there was a guy named prince who was born on or about June 7, 1958. dude grew up along to be a total hottie and world famous musician, and along the way, he.....

(here is where the next fan puts in their bit) :

You are missing some, http://www.princevault.co...blications and http://www.princevault.co...bliography

[Edited 8/14/13 8:58am]

Govinda, I didn't know the French book, Prince: le dictionnaire by Christophe Geudin. Could you tell me about the contents of the book? Would you recommend it? Thank you.

govinda said:

Javi said:Govinda, I didn't know the French book, Prince: le dictionnaire by Christophe Geudin. Could you tell me about the contents of the book? Would you recommend it? Thank you. This is a proper dictionnary JAVI... A to Z on everything related to Prince, as I do have this book only since a couple of weeks, I didn`t read it yet properly so can`t really recommend it. But it looks like an important book to have, for any french spoken fan.

It seems interesting. As far as I know, there isn't a book of that kind in English. Of course, The Vault is an essential reference book, but it's not really a dictionnary.

-------

So thanks for the info. I'll make some research and I may buy it.

1.A Biggie is "Prince, Behind the music and the masks" by Ronin Ro 2010

2. Another lesser one is Prince by Steven Ivory from 1985, a cheap paperback that mostly warbles on about Purple Rain, aimed at fairweather fans, still and interesting novlety.

3.Another is "A guide to the music of Prince, by Geoff Brown 1995 (A small CD sized book) and excellent volume where the author (A Afro Carribean Briton) reveiws all of the songs off his official albums from 4 U to Come.

4.Then "Sign o the Times" by Michaelangelo Martis (I think) one of the 33 and a third books

5. Nilsens other books, Prince a documentary (1990 edition, 1993 edition and 1998 edition titled Days of Wild) and of course his biggie, the vault from 2004

6. John W Duffy "Prince an Illustrated Biography" 1992 a cash in on the Documentary series but great photos of him.

7. A Barnes and Noble sold thing called Prince in pictures?

8. Carlton Books - Prince again a small cd sized book, had a copy, pages kept falling out, full of mistakes such as a photo of Prince c.Nude Tour and the caption "Prince on stage in his first tour 1978" 1994 and again a british thing.

Not forgetting the gajillion articles about him in Rolling Stone, Creem and other music magazines.

And 2 more earlies

1. Jon Bream - Inside the Purple Reign - 1984/85? The purple rain era, started the first spout of writing and books about him.

2. Barney Hoskyns - Imp of the Perverse 1988 (One of the funniest, some great shots and off the wall writing style.

that was funnier in my head

Adorecream said:

4.Then "Sign o the Times" by Michaelangelo Martis (I think) one of the 33 and a third books

Which is rubbish, judging by plenty of reviews I've read.

Indeed, Michaelangelo Martis' book on Sign O' The Times is very mediocre. Such a shame that an album as relevant as that hasn't been chosen by a better reviewer.

My opinions of the Prince books from good to nad. I have not rated any I haven't read. Feel to add or change the list

Essential (Ultimate and concise books about Prince, not perfect but close to it)

Dave Hill - Prince A pop life 1989 (Great 80s bio of his life and music to that time, a great introduction and one of the few 80s books that was not star struck) A

Per Nislen - DMSR The first decade 1998 (Again excellent detail and a non gossipy writing style, the listings of his studio time in the back are great too, but it does only go up to 1987) This book is an essential bible for any fan or casual listener. A++

Per Nilsen - The Vault 2004 (Again great detail - high quality) A+

Matt Thorne - Prince 2012 (A great musical run down on Prince's career, but not too much other stuff about his life, but every hardcore fan and bootleg collector Needs this. A

Good (May be a bit flawed, but essentially useful and helpful)

Per Nilsen - Prince a Documentary 1990 and 1993 editions (Still excellent but dated now) A-

Per Nilsen - Days of Wild (1998 -1999 - as above, great but superseded by vault) A-

Liz Jones - Slave to the Rhythm 1998 - Great for detail on the Slave and Emancipation period Prince, a bitch sketchy and gossipy in parts but generally great B-

Hahn Alex - Posessed the rise and fall of Prince 2003 (Good but very controversial, this book reviews his life and career to 2002 very well, but he is very catty, speaks to a lot of disgruntled ex employees and members and deconstructs Prince, he slags off most of the music, a great but not complimentary book, this book divides fans and has put a lot of people off, its for that reason alone I feel everyone needs to read it.) B+

Ronin Ro - Prince Behind the Masks 2010 - detailed and up to the date, a few errors and things. B+

Average - Satisfactory (Typical Prince books, some good info or shots but a lot of filler, gossip, crap, bad writing or all 3, for completists mostly)

John Bream - Inside the Purple Reign 1984 (Star struck Purple Rain era novelty, but good early look at Prince then) C

Barney Hoskins - Imp of the Perverse 1988 (Gossipy but interesting account of the 80s Prince)C+

John Duffy - Prince an illustrated Biography 1992? (Fairly good photo journal of his life to early 90s, but essentially a rip off of the Documentary series by Nilsen) C

Prince - 1994 Carlton Books forget the author, a good is some what brief and gossipy overview of Prince's career to 1994. Very Colourful and good pictures C

Geoff Brown - A guide to the music of Prince -1995 As above, but discusses each track from For You to Come, generally good and almost in the next category up, but short and a bit gossipy, some good pictures though. C+/B-

Jason Draper - Chaos, Disorder and Revolution - 2008, (average if somewhat lightweight book about his career, skims post 1992 era and the writing style is dry, the big advantage being the lack of gossip and cattiness) C+

Toure - I would die 4 U - 2012/13 - Very average and short read on Prince, deals with themes well, but hardly a complete picture, again no pictures, probably not a good book for beginners and really barely makes this level. C-/D+

Flawed and Mediocre, Strictly for completists

Brian Morton - A Thief in the Temple - 2007 - Disjointed and all over the place shirt book, too much time is spent exploring themes and the book is very basic yet hard to read. Again not for beginners. Its dry and obviously a non fan. This is the Economist does Prince. D+

Prince and Randee St Nicholls - 21 Nights - 2008, a badly cobbled collection of photos like a tour book, some poetry turns out to be bad doggerel and repeated song lyrics and deathless cliches like "Real Musicians playing real music". This is self indulgent pap and unless you like sexy shots of him with scantily clad girls draped around his arms, this is to be avoided. Barely makes this level. The enclosed CD also has some of the weakest music he has ever recorded. The fact it was in clearance bins weeks after its release is also a sign how bad this book was. D

Terrible, Avoid at all costs

Steven Ivory - Prince, 1985, very cheap and nasty journalistic trash written after Purple Rain success, aimed at non discriminating teenage fans, its the reading level of most Justin Bieber fans (14 and about to leave school). Some facts, but a lot speculation, bad grainy photos and gossipy trite written in a childish cloying style, an interesting oddity and nothing more. F

Michaelangelo Martis - Sign o the Times 33 1/3 books - 200? - Badly written review of Prince's most seminal album, spends a lot of time comparing it to other albums and little reveiweing songs as a whole, gets carried away with metaphors and cliches and is too short and lightweight to be taken seriously, avoid D-

So theres my opinions, feel free to comment or praise. I have not read the French book some one alluded too mostly as I only know about 50 words in French and have not seen the Pictorial book by Jason Draper from a few years ago either.

[Edited 8/20/13 15:40pm]

[Edited 8/20/13 15:40pm]

[Edited 8/20/13 15:41pm]

[Edited 8/20/13 15:42pm]

Amazed no one has commented on my reviews yet, are they spot on, or no one cares. I hate it when I spend ages doing a post and no one notices.

Mods, maybe you should sticky this thread so everyone can voice their opinions about Prince books, just like they have with his musical eras.

Adorecream said:

Amazed no one has commented on my reviews yet, are they spot on, or no one cares. I hate it when I spend ages doing a post and no one notices.

Mods, maybe you should sticky this thread so everyone can voice their opinions about Prince books, just like they have with his musical eras.

Agreed.


I apreciate your post and will use it as a reference.

Deserves a sticky.

Adorecream said:

Amazed no one has commented on my reviews yet, are they spot on, or no one cares. I hate it when I spend ages doing a post and no one notices.

Mods, maybe you should sticky this thread so everyone can voice their opinions about Prince books, just like they have with his musical eras.

I've only read a few of the books, but I thought you massively underrated Barney Hoskyns "Imp of the Perverse". I don't know why you called it "gossipy" as it's almost totally focused on the music. Sure, it's a small book, but Hoskyns knows his music, has good taste and an engaging style. He brings a personal touch to it and places Prince in a broader musical context. Great format and photos too. I'm biased though as it was the first Prince book I ever read. But I think others would find it quite charming as a time-piece if nothing else.

One book that really was "gossipy" was the Liz Jones one which you ranked higher than Hoskyns'. It was good, but Jones is too shallow to really stimulate. It's also way too focused on the "Emancipation" period which is of little interest now.

I certainly agree with you about Dave Hill's and Per Nilsen's tomes though. They are fantastic. Both of them are a credit to Prince. Crucially, they focus on his golden years and treat them with the seriousness they deserve.

[Edited 8/20/13 16:39pm]

midnightmover said:

Adorecream said:

Amazed no one has commented on my reviews yet, are they spot on, or no one cares. I hate it when I spend ages doing a post and no one notices.

Mods, maybe you should sticky this thread so everyone can voice their opinions about Prince books, just like they have with his musical eras.

I've only read a few of the books, but I thought you massively underrated Barney Hoskyns "Imp of the Perverse". I don't know why you called it "gossipy" as it's almost totally focused on the music. Sure, it's a small book, but Hoskyns knows his music, has good taste and an engaging style. He brings a personal touch to it and places Prince in a broader musical context. Great format and photos too. I'm biased though as it was the first Prince book I ever read. But I think others would find it quite charming as a time-piece if nothing else.

One book that really was "gossipy" was the Liz Jones one which you ranked higher than Hoskyns'. It was good, but Jones is too shallow to really stimulate. It's also way too focused on the "Emancipation" period which is of little interest now.

I certainly agree with you about Dave Hill's and Per Nilsen's tomes though. They are fantastic. Both of them are a credit to Prince. Crucially, they focus on his golden years and treat them with the seriousness they deserve.

[Edited 8/20/13 16:39pm]

Good point, I have not read either book for a while, may go back and read them and then re evaluate them. Thanks for the comments.

midnightmover said:

I've only read a few of the books, but I thought you massively underrated Barney Hoskyns "Imp of the Perverse". I don't know why you called it "gossipy" as it's almost totally focused on the music. Sure, it's a small book, but Hoskyns knows his music, has good taste and an engaging style. He brings a personal touch to it and places Prince in a broader musical context. Great format and photos too. I'm biased though as it was the first Prince book I ever read. But I think others would find it quite charming as a time-piece if nothing else.

Exactly. I don't agree with Hoskyns' opinion about a lot of music, but the man is a great writer. I recall really appreciating his book. (Yes it is dated, but many Prince books are. Consider them partly views on a bygone era.)

One book that really was "gossipy" was the Liz Jones one which you ranked higher than Hoskyns'. It was good, but Jones is too shallow to really stimulate. It's also way too focused on the "Emancipation" period which is of little interest now.

Jones was one of the dozens of scribes who got a half hour interview with Prince around the time of Emancipation's release (remember how even months later those interviews kept popping up in magazines?). She milked that flimsy material into a book which IIRC is mostly a scrapbook collection coupled with a bunch of articles she didn't even write. It's a fairly horrible "book" that is basically a time capsule of the Emancipation era -- which is an era that is best forgotten.

Jon Bream's book isn't great, but it is the source for a large chunk of the info we know about Prince's pre-fame life. It is rumored Prince bought the rights so it would never be republished -- but of course the cat was already out of the bag. (Wasn't Bream pissed at Nilsen because he thought that DMSR lifted too much from his book without giving enough credit?) I'd recommend it to fans because a) it is the source of that info, and thus you really shouldread it; and b) it is a valuable document of that era.

Oh, and I can recommend Dez Dickerson's book. Not a great read (could have done with an editor, and an "interviewer" to go deeper into some stories), but it is a rare first-hand account of one of Prince's musicians.

By the way, GoodReads is usually a good source to check what people think of various books. Of course the Prince-related books are barely reviewed, because so few of P's fans seem to be not computer literate enough to venture beyond the Org. Come on folks, get organized! Don't post your info here and watch it get drowned out by threads about Prince's ass, use the tools that are available!

• http://www.goodreads.com/...ith_Prince
• http://www.goodreads.com/...-it-up-2-0
• http://www.goodreads.com/...ys-of-wild
• http://www.goodreads.com/...turn-it-up
• http://www.goodreads.com/...267-prince
• http://www.goodreads.com/...-as-prince
• http://www.goodreads.com/...562-prince
• http://www.goodreads.com/...760-prince
• http://www.goodreads.com/...858.Prince
• http://www.goodreads.com/...rple_Reign
• http://www.goodreads.com/...447.Prince
• http://www.goodreads.com/...urple-rain
• http://www.goodreads.com/...-the-vault
• http://www.goodreads.com/...473-prince
• http://www.goodreads.com/...ld-die-4-u
• http://www.goodreads.com/...819-prince
• http://www.goodreads.com/...167.Prince
• http://www.goodreads.com/...041-prince
• http://www.goodreads.com/...ocumentary
• http://www.goodreads.com/...ex_Romance
• http://www.goodreads.com/...575.Prince

.

[Edited 8/23/13 14:33pm]

If there's anyone out there willing to sell the uptown books 'Days of wild' and 'Turn it up' please orgnote me.

[Edited 8/31/13 5:45am]

govinda said:

Thanks everybody, especially Adorecream for your very interesting reviews. So now another question, what`s the best book(s) for you guys? For me it`s "The lyrics of Prine Rogers Nelson" by C. Leigh McInnis, Jr and "Prince" by Toure.

[Edited 8/31/13 5:45am]

I love Dave Hill's A Pop Life, that's a very insightful book. Sadly, it's an old book now, it was published in 1989 or something, so it doesn't cover the following decades.

-------

Matt Thorne's recent book looks good, but I haven't read it yet.

Javi said:

govinda said:

Thanks everybody, especially Adorecream for your very interesting reviews. So now another question, what`s the best book(s) for you guys? For me it`s "The lyrics of Prine Rogers Nelson" by C. Leigh McInnis, Jr and "Prince" by Toure.

[Edited 8/31/13 5:45am]

I love Dave Hill's A Pop Life, that's a very insightful book. Sadly, it's an old book now, it was published in 1989 or something, so it doesn't cover the following decades.

-------

Matt Thorne's recent book looks good, but I haven't read it yet.

Yeah I loved Dave Hill's book too. A smart writer who really knew what he was talking about. It came out in the year between Lovesexy and Batman, which you could argue is the perfect time to stop a Prince bio as Prince-world was never quite as fascinating after that. Still, it would be fascinating to have an updated version to see what Hill thinks now.

[Edited 9/2/13 10:13am]

"DMSR" by Per Nilsen is the only one worth a damn.

"Thief In The Temple", "Prince" by Matt Thorne and Alex Hahn's "Possessed" are all pretty mediocre at best and not worth bothering with.

midnightmover said:

Javi said:

I love Dave Hill's A Pop Life, that's a very insightful book. Sadly, it's an old book now, it was published in 1989 or something, so it doesn't cover the following decades.

-------

Matt Thorne's recent book looks good, but I haven't read it yet.

Yeah I loved Dave Hill's book too. A smart writer who really knew what he was talking about. It came out in the year between Lovesexy and Batman, which you could argue is the perfect time to stop a Prince bio as Prince-world was never quite as fascinating after that. Still, it would be fascinating to have an updated version to see what Hill thinks now.

[Edited 9/2/13 10:13am]

Indeed. Many people ask Per Nilsen for an update of his book, and that'd be nice, but an update of Dave Hill's would be very welcome too.

My favourite still has to be "DMSR Prince the First Decade" by Per Nilsen, I just love the detail, the style of writing and the amount it contains, having the studio information in the back is cool too. I feel my opinion may be prejudiced also by the fact I am a big fan of Prince's first decade of music, more than I am of his later stuff.

Which is why I really want to get "Days of Wild" and the Vault badly. I am also really a big fan of Matt Thornes book last year, again its got all the detail, but it lacks a bit of the personal stuff about Prince that Nilsen has in his books. A Pop life by Dave Hill is right up there too and Possessed is a good read as well. Its very balanced in a bias way. Ronin Ro's book is also a lot better than a lot of people would make it out to be as well.

I did re read "Imp of the Perverse" abd still thought it was a bit gossipy and fluffy, I also re read Thief in the Temple and it is still dreadful, semi accountant and semi ghetto in its feel, he really just rushes through all the post Lovesexy stuff.

One other book too is something called "Year of the Prince" published by Sharon books, I have only seen a few scans of pages and it has a lot of pictures. It seems the author just wants to do Prince, but it also has a picture of Prince's purple house on the Kiowa Trail and other oddities.

I will see this book in full next month when I visit her, it dates from 1984 apparently and is a total Purple Rain Cash in. Has anyone else seen this book?

Adorecream said:

One other book too is something called "Year of the Prince" published by Sharon books, I have only seen a few scans of pages and it has a lot of pictures. It seems the author just wants to do Prince, but it also has a picture of Prince's purple house on the Kiowa Trail and other oddities.

I will see this book in full next month when I visit her, it dates from 1984 apparently and is a total Purple Rain Cash in. Has anyone else seen this book?

i have a copy. It's more a magazine than a book, 50 odd pages of colour and bw pics up to purple rain, live shots, studio pics etc, no pics of the house though. there are also interview snippets and other forgettable text. its mainly photos.

Adorecream said:

Which is why I really want to get "Days of Wild" and the Vault badly.

you don't really need Days of Wild, all the uptown info was revised and updated in the Vault, it's all you need.