*A Gypsy Good Time* is cleverly disguised as a bad crime novel. The characters (aside from the protagonist and the inital antagonist, Yvonna) are all stereotypes that Hasford obviously has a beef with. The plot is fairly predictable, but what makes it so fascinating is the ride you take to get to the end.

In this black tale, Hasford waxes poetic about anger, rage, fear, and the morality that accompanies it. The narrator, Dowdy Lewis, Jr., is the modern-day ronin, a masterless warrior who is bound to a well-defined code of honor and loyalty but lacks anyone or anything deserving of either. Dowdy falls hard for Yvonna LaBlaine, who falls (as much as she can) for Dowdy. She ends up missing; Dowdy begins his quest to find and save her.

Throughout this compelling narrative are insights into contemporary American society, culture, and thought and the moneymen, powerbrokers, and dimestore Napoleons who bring it down in their quest to satiate their greed. Each stereotypical character is crafted to make a specific point. *AGGT* is an allegory, and the lessons that Hasford wishes to teach us are not pretty ones. Perhaps it is the stark, ugly truth of this novel that prevented it from selling well. However, I am pleased that Mr. Hasford has chosen to speak out as he has with this and his previous novels, rather than selling out.

*AGGT* is a compelling read, a fascinating tale, and a necessary book for the libraries of the individuals willing to think for themselves. It will offend liberals and conservatives alike, and I believe that that was part of the point. Reminiscent of Nabokov's *Lolita* in its blunt pointedness of its criticsims and the realism of the love story surrouding it, *AGGT* deserves to be treated with just as much respect and fame.

It's unprecedented, alright. I've never seen anything like it. If you appreciate photography, and/or you're fascinated with psychology, and you have the intellectual curiosity to enjoy a new kind of documentary, buy this book.

The last time a book had this strong an effect on me was when I read Dalton Trumbo's "Johnny Got His Gun" in high school. Since then I've read many hundreds, perhaps thousands of books. I read an average of 4 books a week. I haven't seen anything really fresh for a very long time.

Most high school and college musicians have no trouble recognizing his music, but few know about the composer who wrote it. Paul Bierley has done a spectacular job of bringing us a portrait of one of the most jovial and unforgettable composers of band music who ever lived. His efforts will be particularly appreciated by band directors, because Mr. Bierley has put forth considerable effort to catalogue the many works which Fillmore composed and arranged: however, professional, amateur, and student musicians will also enjoy reading this book to learn the background of Fillmore's music. Mark Jones