Riveting and educational! A page turner! Marty Mann was an incredible woman and we finally get to read about her life in detail. This is a must read for those who are recovering from alcoholism, those affected by alcoholism, social service and public health providers and legislatures. We have much to learn from Marty Mann and we must continue her mission today.

As its title implies, A Biography Of Mrs. Marty Mann, The First Lady Of Alcoholics Anonymous is the uplifting life story of a singularly strong and incredible woman - one who crusaded to teach all of America, men and women, that alcoholism is a treatable disease. Her life, which spanned most of the 20th century encompasses despair, hope, and redemption through crusading to battle the pernicious evils of alcoholism, and perhaps just as bad, ignorance about the nature of alcoholism. In Marty's own words, "People who dislike the terms 'alcoholic' and 'alcoholism' should consider the alternative of not knowing what was the matter with them and could believe only that they were hopelessly insane." An unforgettable biography of one of America's most fervent public-health reformers.

Marty Mann was one of the first women in Alcoholics Anonymous and was the founder of the National Council on Alcoholism. She did travel extensively telling her story. She wrote this book describing the path and progression of the disease of alcoholism. The book is most helpful in describing the types of alcoholics; from daily maintenance drinker to the binge drinker. In her book the progression of the disease of alcoholism is detailed; if the reader thinks he/she has an alcohol problem this book makes it clear where he/she is on the path of dependency. After reading this book years ago, I knew I was a binge drinker, 13 years into my dependency. Fortunately, it also was clear that my life expectancy was about 20 more years. That and her description of her new life sober in AA, made it possible for me to write this 20 years later sober.

I was disappointed with this book due to the fact it needs to be updated from 1997. It only covers Beatles memorabilia, not records or albums. Didn't cover autographs. Only covers pricing for early Beatles items, nothing current or the Beatles as individual artists. If you need a price guide for early items and don't mind the book being outdated by 4 yrs, this is the book for you.

This 225 page softbound volume (3rd edition) contains a wealth of information for the Beatles fan. It covers every type of Beatles collectible. Major topics range from Yellow Submarine, Pinback Buttons, Pennants and Books to Movie Items, Record Promo Items, Fan Club Items, Trading Cards and concert items. Scores of items are pictured in full color and black and white. Each item is described in detail. There is even info on reproductions and counterfeits. Everything is priced, although prices are from 1997. Every Beatles fan, collector or not will enjoy this great compendium. Add it to your collection.

This 240 page, softbound 3rd edition has more than 400 full color and over 400 large, sharp photos covering more than 1,500 Beatles collectibles. Many of these items were not previously documented. There are more than 300 new items from the previous editions of this book. You'll find plenty of text accompanying the pictures, descriptions and values. Topics range from Yellow Submarine, pinback buttons, books, magazines, sheet music, record promotion, trading cards, to fan club items, concert tickets, original ads and how to identify repro and counterfeit items. A treasure trove of information and a joy to browse. Every Beatles fan will enjoy !