LaFollette's Autobiography, is a well written outline of his political struggles, as he saw them up to the time of the writing in October, 1912. The book was written just after LaFollette had concluded his campaign for the 1912 Republican Presidential Nomination. This spirited pronouncement of the Progressive program can be divided into two parts. The first part deals with the political struggles and accomplishments which LaFollette made during his career in Wisconsin state politics, concluding with his service as Governor. In the section, LaFollette tells the story of his fight against machine politics to achieve a more open political process and the struggle against the representatives of the railroads in his effort to bring the lines into the tax system on a par with other taxpayers. Those goals having been accomplished, LaFollette moved on to achieve state regulation of railroad rates. The second section of the book deals with his involvement on the national political scene. This covers the issues with which LaFollette was interested, particularly railroad regulation. The last parts of the book is devoted to a report of LaFollette's unsuccessful bid for the 1912 Republican Presidential nomination, won by President William Howard Taft. Toward the end the book turns into an attack on the record of Theodore Roosevelt, who had effectively ended LaFollette's bid for the Presidency when he entered the 1912 race by usurping LaFollette's position as the bearer of the Progressive banner. LaFollette engages in an examination of Roosevelt's record to establish the point that Roosevelt was never a true Progressive. The main difference seems to be that LaFollette was unwilling to compromise on the Progressive agenda, willing to fight indefinitely for victory, whereas Roosevelt is depicted as willing to espouse the Progressive agenda and then agree to political compromises which were not to LaFollette's satisfaction. The conclusion of the book calls for the preservation of the Progressive movement in the Republican Party and blasts Theodore Roosevelt for splitting the movement by the creation of the Progressive Party. Ironically, LaFollette would bolt the GOP to form a Progressive Party to support his own Presidential bid twelve years later. Although the details may be a bit boring for the general reader, LaFollette's Autobiography is an interesting read for anyone interested in LaFollette or the Progressive Era.

If the archival video footage of the songs had been shown in their entirety, I would rate this DVD a 10+. That stuff is out there, these clips are teasers. In fact, I own some old FM concert VHS tapes which I purchased when new (Tusk documentary, Mirage tour, etc). I look at the vaults on The Very Best of Fleetwood Mac cd and wonder why not DVD? Frustrating, they would look and sound great. Still, I never saw the Rumours photo session footage which is included on this DVD and that was an unexpected treat even if it was too short. I knew at the time of Rumours release that there was a lot of turmoil going on in the band but had no idea to what extent until I watched these interviews. All's well now apparently since they have a new cd due out in April. I sure will miss Christine, though. I recommend this DVD to any old diehard Fleetwood Mac fans who crave anything from those good old days and also to the new ones so that you can learn about their history.

First off, let me say that several people have reviewed this item incorrectly. The item above is NOT the AUDIO DVD of the Rumours album (DVD-A). The Audio DVD is a completely different experience than the item you are looking at. This item is a regular "movie" visual-type DVD that includes interviews with the band and that breaks down the music peice by peice. It's been on TV before...and, it's been available on VHS for quite a long time. With that said...

Being a huge FM and Stevie fan, I purchased this on DVD hoping that it might have additional footage or features that were not on the VHS (which, of course I have already). Well sadly, there is nothing additional on the DVD. However, this is still such a GREAT thing to have. It's absolutely amazing to listen to Stevie, alone at her candlelit piano, singing "Dreams". It makes me cry because it's so beautiful. That 30 seconds of video ALONE is worth the purchase price. It's incredible to hear the music "taken apart" at the soundboard, instrument by instrument, sound by sound, voice by voice. It really helps you understand and appreciate the painstaking process this was for all of them. If you've never seen it, you really should buy it - on either format - DVD or VHS - it really makes no difference.

I've read several reviews of this DVD and have some advice. Learn how to operate your DVD player! I've heard people say they were expecting a documentary,and people expecting the Rumours album uninterrupted. This DVD contains both and is an excellent investment for any Fleetwood Mac or music fan in general.

For Fleetwood Mac fans, the opportunity to hear Go Your Own Way, followed by Silver Springs is priceless and the way that these songs were meant to be heard--point/counterpoint. For those of us out there who have been listening to this album since 1977, you will be astounded by the harmonies, the instrumentals, and vocals that have never been heard before, even on the highest quality CD.

For the general music fan, Fleetwood Mac fan or not, this DVD is pure musical craftsmanship! The sound quality, vocals, etc. are top notch and can be enjoyed by anyone with a love and/or knowledge of music that stands the test of time. The music on Rumours is not dated in any way. The theme of love lost, covered in Dreams, Go Your Own Way, and Silver Springs, to name a few, along side the theme of love found, covered by You Make Loving Fun, Don't Stop, and Songbird are as timely today as they were in 1977. In other words, something for everyone, and a cut above the rest.