Jim Morrison: Life, Death, Legend

I was'nt aware of this biography until it sort of jumbed in my lab during a trip around on Amazon, and that for a mere 0,95 cents for a mint hardback copy, so what else was there to do than buy it? It's been many years since I read "No One Gets Out of Here Alive", so I felt like I needed some catching up on the Doors/Morrison history. The big question asked, is if this biography gets under Morrisons skin or not? Who is to tell? Did ANYBODY ever got in under his skin? I seriously doubt it. However, Stephen Davis has done a really good job describing the day-to-day struggle of a band who's front man obvious from early on was on his way to hit rock bottom. Now, writing a biography is more or less an editing process of other peoples material and that's what this book is mostly about, but then again a pretty good editing job! There are quite a few errors (like claiming Jim suggested the name Steppenwolf to John Kay's band Sparrow, when we all know that their producer Gabriel Mekler came up with that idea). Finally, never ever write a biograhy without an index. It's a major crime against us amateur rock archeologists who so much depends on an extensive index.

Of all the Morrison books I’ve read and documentaries I’ve watched, this rings most true. Especially his death, not sensationalize, just so very sad.

I read it to learn about Jim and the band The Doors, very entertaining and I learned a lot about them

Whoa, what can I say about this book? Almost done with it, and it's been a very wild ride. There is so much info in this book that I never knew about Jim, and his crazy, wild moods. Calm, sweet, polite and gentle one minute, and an absolute wild man the next! Sadly, with all the drugs and drinking he did, I'm amazed that he lived as long as he did. He was vulgar and disgusting much of the time, and many of these accounts are described in detail, but only happened when he was wasted.The book is very sad and poignant. Jim was a gifted poet and voracious reader with a high IQ, and never had aspirations to become a singer. yet ended up being in one of the top bands of the sixties. The book kept my interest much of the time, and there aren't really any drawn-out, boring parts. It keeps you wondering what will happen next. For people who are hungry for information about Jim, you can't go wrong with this book.

Very well done, I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

One of what will be the endless books about this enigmatic genius, so publicly prominent, yet so privately unfathomable. I believe the author pushes his own agenda of everyone who is talented and good looking being a "latent homosexual" but apart from the author (in my opinion) revealing his own fantasies (because after all, Morrision was an Adonis), the book adds a little more to the history and the myth. To come to grips with Morrison one should start with the music of the Doors, the songs, and then delve into his poetry, most of which was published posthumously.There is, as one could have predicted, not just a market place for books about Morrison's life, but as with Bob Dylan, a deep open cut mine being explored by those seeking academic awards. A veritable avalanche of Masters and Doctoral theses, most of which don't reveal much understanding of his work. I guess, if like Shakespeare you are smarter than everyone around you, not many people can do much more than admire or criticize.

I've been looking for a book about Jim Morrison for quite some time. This was a good book and I couldn't put it down. I will order other books this author has written.

It is true that while reading you're wondering how Davis could get all these minute details of how many shots of Whiskey Jimbo had had on one particular night. However, Davis has indeed created a very compelling narrative that got me hooked from the get go so that I simply had to plow through the book (to my wife's discontent) in just a little over two weeks. I believe that Davis took a lot of effort to compile all those various sources and organized in a most appealing fashion. The only thing that shocked me was the vulgar language that the author uses now and them. All in all, this is a great read and I'm glad I didn't read Densmore's lament first since Jim is the demigod that I wanted to get to know better and Davis delivers in many ways.

Having read another biog a few years ago I chose this one to take on hols. I couldn't put it down. As other reviewers have stated this is "a warts 'n all" book, lengthy at 450+ pages but not overwhelming. I was familiar with JM's music, a few of the Doors' problems and his use of drugs. I wasn't aware of his continual disagreements with the other group members once he'd formed the Doors with Ray Manzarek. The background to his womanising, heavy drinking, fascination with sex and death, his Jekyll & Hyde character, and his poetry are all covered in depth in Davis' book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who hasn't done an in-depth read into JM's life before.

Being a Doors fan since the mid 70's and having read numerous books on both the Doors and Jim Morrison i did find this book a riveting read and a great insight to the man and the band. Not sure about the references written about Jim regarding the abuse and homosexuality as i have never heard this before. The end for Jim was very sad in fact i would say pretty disturbing, if this is true the french authorities should be ashamed of themselves. I would recommend this read over 40,years after Jim Morrison s death he still lives on.

I've read most of the main biographies on Jim Morrison/Doors,and must say this book is by far the most complete and interesting to read.It gives a picture of a man not god-like but human like us all.More detailed than most books,showing his darker side. Racist,Sodomist,Drunk,Junkie,Bisexual,Woman beater,Shy, Impotent,Washed-up rock star,Morbid.All these are mentioned about the star in this book.If you think of Jim Morrison as a god-like icon don't read this book,but if you want to mostly read the facts,go ahead.

By far the best bio I have ever read. It is warts an all and doesn't pull punches in regards to Jim's personality and the often strained relationship with the other guys in the band -- especially towards the end where his relationship with them seems to have totally broken down. This is strength of this book -- it doesn't get sucked into myth and nostalgia. Davis relies on the strength of his research. If you are a fan you will love Jim and the band even more and this incredible tale will stay with you. His last months in Paris are really heart rending.Only book I have ever picked up and re-read and cannot recommend it enough.Quite simply a must.

Absolutely fascinating read. The author touches on every subject I wanted to know about and more. Answers many questions and is very hard to put down.