This book is a fascinating account of the life of Ravi Shankar. I was a little reluctant to pick up this book at first- -I thought to myself, "Ravi Shankar- pop star, a musician who lives on hype - who wants to read a fan book? If George Harrison hadn't stumbled across him, he would have been just another sitar player." But after reading this book, I have a much greater understanding and respect for Shankar and all that he has accomplished.

Shankar's early life was simply amazing. His first tour of the US was in 1932, when he was all of 12 years old. With that in mind, it makes perfect sense for Shankar to be the leader in bringing Indian classical music to the West, since he spent so many of his formative years in Paris and on tour throughout Europe and the US. During this time, he became familiar with Western audiences and their expectations, as well as with Western music traditions. It is this familiarity that has enabled him to be so successful at explaining Indian music to Westerners. But as this book details, Shankar was not only popular in the West, but long before George Harrison met him, he had built a very successful career in India. For example, he was the one who did the music for film director Satyajit Ray's Apu Trilogy, among so many other projects.

Shankar's influences on music in both India and the West are enormous and far-reaching. He was one of the first musicians to gain a following in world music, and he fought strongly against the marginalization of world music as a field only fit for ethnomusicologists. As described in this book, in India, he helped change attitudes towards musical performance and performers by demanding full attention from audiences and formal venues, much like classical performers in the West expect.

Interspersed throughout Shankar's text are short interludes from friends such as Yehudi Menuhin and George Harrison. The book includes hundreds of pictures that span Shankar's entire career, including the pre-World War II tours with his brother Uday. There is also a very informative glossary at the end, as well as a chronology and index.

Raga Mala is destined to be a classic of literature.
It is a biography, history, diary, and a basic primer
of Hindustani (North Indian) music.
As a beginning Sitar student under a Guru myself.
I appreciate Raviji's journey from student to master.
The life covers so many memorable moments of history.
His triumphs and pain are an inspiration to all who
are open enough to see it. There is not enough that
can be said to fully explain the depth of this book.
It is fair to say that most will not fully understand
it in one reading.
In closing, Raga Mala will be the textbook to be used
by all interested in Pandit Ravi Shankar, Indian music,
and how it has gained popularity in America since the
1960's. I recommend this book as in the top 5 of my
all time favorite books.

Regardless of how you come into this book, as a Beatles fan, as an admirer of Indian classical music, or someone who studies the Indian culture, you will come out of it thinking of Ravi Shankar as someone very special, but who shares the same passion for life as many of us. "Raga Mala" is his story through his words, from his days as a dancer to traveling out of India for the first time, and eventually setting a goal to spread his music and culture around the world. With celebrity comes fame, and with fame comes admiration, and there were many women who admired him, only for he to admire them back. His love of women is at times overshadowed by his love of food, which is something I never knew before this.

But he talks about his music as his core (at point during the book he compared the sitar to his wife), and gets in-depth about his mission to enlighten people with his music. He loved the hippies but hated their lifestyle, and felt that he could make them high, and higher, with his music.

"Raga Mala" shows a well-traveled and cultured man with the utmost respect for his culture, his people, his music, and life in general. At 81 years old, he knows his "old junk of a body" can't do the things it did when he was 15, but he refuses to slow down for anyone, including himself.

The other reviews of this book are right on; all I have to add, (or to emphasize), is that this book is not just for cellists. Any (bowed) string musician can gain a great deal from this book; in fact any musician, whatever the instrument, can benefit from dwelling on some of William Pleeth's ideas and viewpoints. It is for both the teacher and the student, the performer and the listener, the professional and the amateur. Furthermore -- the curious non-musician will find many benefits inside the cover of this book as well. It is a guide to philosophy and technique, teaching and history, repetoire and proper attitudes.

The string instruments were always a great mystery to me, so when my four year old started cello, I found this book a welcomed resource. Bill Pleeth, the pricipal author, is a world-famous instructor in London. His writing style takes you right into his studio and answers many, many questions about technique and, most of all, how to explore the versatility of this wonderful instrument. He will help parents who are helping their kids practice to practice with wonderment. And while the practicing will always be hard work, Pleeth makes it worthwhile. He helps take the student--even the youngest beginner--out of the set hand and first position to explore the instrument in its entirety. Worth the investment and time. A great read (and I tell you this as a professional book editor) and inspiring. So much so, I started cello lessons myself! Keep in mind that this is NOT an instruction book on playing the cello. It is, however, a priceless conversation with a master.

This is a great book for any cellist. Such detail is given to the subject that anyone from a beginner to a pro will find insights that will enhance their playing. Not only that, but it is well-written and enjoyable to read. It covers cello philosophy, technique, history, and repertoire. Every teacher and student should own this book.

Yes, this is one of the best books on music I have ever read, and would love to give it as a gift to others. PLEASE can't we have reprints and a video version too. I believe Canadian TV have the original.

I wrote a review of this book months ago. I felt that it was a good review because its message was very positive and indicated that this book should be reprinted. Just because a book is remote in terms of subject matter and its buying public is not hightech or highvolume, does not mean that the book is meaningless. This is one of the most valuable volumes I have ever read and I would like for the on-line world to know how excellent it really is: THE MUSIC OF MAN by Yehudi Mehuhin

This is the best. Because, music is sense and humor. This book has two of them. Menuhin was the best violonist of 20th Century. And when I saw the program's name on TV in 1979 I said "Hey this is wonderful" And I watched it every week as being happy. Now, 20 years later I want to buy and read those in this book...

gotten this book AGES ago! Wonderful, comprehensive...highly recommend this book! You won't be disappointed.

This is a fabulous book. It's one of the two best ones on homeopathy I've come across, and I use them both all the time, though this one is perhaps even more comprehensive, and with even more beautiful illustrations. (The other one is "The Complete Guide to Homeopathy" by Lockie and Geddes). For the interested layperson, this book will very much help you figure out what you can do for what ails you (and your family). I've had some great successes using it, as has my husband. It's quite a beautiful book as well, and makes a nice gift. I asked for it one year for my birthday, and have put it to good use ever since.

Comprehensive book that covers every major virtuoso from Corelli to Zukerman by a knowlegeable Russian violin scholar who lived when the great russian music was being composed.

This is the most complete book about violinists I have ever read. This is the book that will "fill in the gaps" of any missing knowledge you may have concerning the great violin soloists of the past.

(This is the paperback edition)

I'll say it again, this is essential reading for any violin lover!!!

This is a fair and thorough account of history of the violin and its masters. The late Mr. Schwartz left a work to be praised for decades: all due gratitude for his delegent and extensive research and his stellar authourship.

Chapters on early masters are especially impressive, with more than sufficient information and fair analysis on each artist. The simplistic, yet comprehensive and highly informative writing style of Mr. Schwartz make it a more enjoyable reading; anyone, even with minimal knowledge on violin, will find it accessible and pleasant to read. Not a single line in this book is boring, or pedantic; a personal tribute/annecdote at the end of each chapter on modern violinists, is often moving with the author's candour and endearing admiration for the artist.

This is the book for anyone who takes asanas seriously. There are so many variations and each asana properly explained.
If all you want is 1 yoga book, this is the book.
Note that this is Iyengar style yoga focusing on detailed alignment.
It is impossible for anyone to improve on this book as far as Iyengar yoga is concerned.

I have been priviledged to have a copy of this book since it was first published. Being a student of yoga, I was always watching for new books on Yoga. My teacher of the time had taken me as far as she knew to do. When I met BKS Iyengar through his book, my work started again. I thought I knew a lot, but this book showed me how much I didn't know about the practice of asana, bandhas and pranayama. (postures, lock and breathwork) I was overwhelmed with the amazing amount of instruction written and discovered quickly that by using these instructions, I could take my own body further than ever before. At that time, I was quite flexible and I thought, also strong. Light on Yoga is a book that allows one to move beyond any limited thinking and limitation in a healthy body and has an amazing therapeutic section for those that suffer dis-ease and limitations. This is truly the "bible" for the asana work and is considered that by many teachers and in all traditions. The details given when followed precisely will take you beyond yourself into the most subtle and deepest levels one can experience. The first 63 pages are a translation of the Yoga Sutra's. This is a book for those that have a teacher and regular class as well as the book for those that prefer to be self-taught. You won't find a better book anywhere.

Yehudi Menuhin is among the finest violinists of the twentieth century. Humphrey Burton's definitive biography of this outstanding musician begins with Yehudi's birth in New York to Russian Jewish immigrants. A prodigiously gifted youth, he gave his first solo recital at the age of eight and within the next five years because internationally acclaimed as a true prodigy of the violin. A visionary individualist quite capable of shocking traditionalists, Yehudi's postwar support for the conductor Wilhelm Furtwangler, and his determination to restore the defeated German nation to the cultural and political reputation that had been so devastated by the Nazi's and anti-semitism brought him into sharp conflict with the Jewish political establishment and displaced persons in Berlin. Still later he spoke out against apartheid in South Africa, Denounced the Soviet Union's oppressive policy toward writers and dissident; and actively support a number of idealistic cultural, social, political, and musical projects. Burton draws upon contemporary sources, unpublished family correspondence, and radio interviews for this richly textured biography, including Yehudi's stormy marriages. Yehudi Menuhin is "must" reading for his legions of fans and students of twentieth century classical music and musicians.

This book is a great service to music lovers. It corrects the errors and fills in the lacunae from Menuhin's own masterful "Unfinished Journey". For me, as the father of two musical daughters, it was helpful in providing greater perspective on what Menuhin's precocity looked up from his parents' point of view, and the decisions they made to allow its expression. Exhaustive note, and each chapter contains a list of recommended recordings, so one can follow along in the musical journey if one chooses.

Actually, when I bought this book, I was looking for thorough guidance on violin exercices for the daily practice, and therefore "The Compleat Violinist" could not fully satisfy me, but, nevertheless, it is certainly a superb and enriching piece of literature.

James Galway is an amazing musician, and this is a wonderful book. He has insitlled in me a deeper appreciation for the instrument itself. From history to techinque, every page encourages the reader to strive for nothing less than absolute beauty in creating music. While many professional musicians have a way of intimidating, Mr. Galway's approach is to build up one's ability and confidence. Although at this time I am an intermediate player at best, Mr. Galway's wit, humor, knowledge, and love of the flute will help me grow as a musician.

During early 1980s there weren't many books on Yoga and it was easy to spot this book. I was amazed by the number of photographs as well as the depth of asanas covered in this book. From a simple Standing posture to the most complex asana ever performed, Mr. Iyengar shares his experience in a way that even beginners can start practising Yoga w/o a teacher.

What I like most of this book is not that asanas, but the great, concise introduction to the philosophy of Yoga. In a nutshell his whole understanding of it has been condensed to a great advantage for the reader.

Another unique aspect of the book is the layout of the asanas, or groups thereof, for practise for a student - weekly progression can be accomplished by following the schedule. The asanas according to the category of physical ailments is another plus for either a student or a teacher.

Even a great book will have to have something missing? The posture photographs depicts the steps, but from another book (Yoga Self-Taught by Andre Van Lysbeth) I found it immensely helpful to look at photographs of common mistakes one can make/avoid while performing an asana.

While I have had this book for more than 20 years, it is only now that I refer to it more often - i.e., after I have passed the intermediate stage. That is because the sheer number of asanas covered as well as the precision with which Mr. Iyengar illustrates could more of daunting for the beginner; a beginner may think this is too much.

When most reviewers of this book refer to it as a "bible", they're not exagerating. It deals with everything one needs to know about the practice of hatha yoga. Every single pose is explained in detailed along with its benefits and there is a section regarding physical contra-indications. The written information is so dense however, that it is sometimes difficult to differenciate between one pose and another, or where one ends and the next follows. One major draw back to this edition, however, are the quality of the photographs: they are gloomy and dark b/w pictures that make some of the poses look like freak-show acts, with all do respect to Mr. Iyengar and Yoga. I must confess that if I've seen this book a year ago when I first started practicing yoga I will have skip it. But now I'm ready for it and I've read it thoroughly and have fall for it. This is a book that anyone who practices yoga must own. If you're a begginner, I will reccommend Iyengar's "Yoga: the Path to Holistic Health" which more contemporary and the 360 degree pictures are just excellent.

Guru Iyengar's book cant be missed for whoever is interested in yoga/spirtual stuff or the like. After reading the introduction, you will have a new insight into life and I personally read the introduction many times. And the instructions for the asanas, pranayama, and the banda are indispensible for every yoga student. I bought this book 8 years ago and I was amazed and started learning how to do yoga. In the book, Guru Iyengar said you need a teacher or a guru and its true. I tried to do it without a teacher for 6 years and got very little improvement and even hurt myself. It is very important you have a teacher because the book doesnt convey those minor details which is critical in every asana poses. I now go to local Iyengar Yoga class weekly and practice daily by myself and I feel I learn much much more and benefit much much more. It takes time, but doing yoga(Hatha Yoga, asana, pranayama) will equip you with good health and you will feel you start integrating your body, mind and spirit. Its just wonderful. I dont know what else to say. Go to a local Iyengar yoga center and start go to class and practice it!