Finally, an encyclopedia that covers the folk and blues artists that I love. Very informative and well written, Stambler's book is a must for those who want to learn about the many musicians who have helped to shape the unique American genres of music. For true fans of music history and trivia buffs, I also recommend checking out Stambler's other two music encyclopedias-'Country Music: The Encyclopedia,' and 'The Encyclopedia of Rock, Pop, & Soul.'

As a music lover, I found this book to be both comprehensive and informative. Not only does it cover the notable figures in folk and blues, from the biggest stars to the unsung geniuses, but it does so with style and erudition. Many of the entries appear to be based on first hand interviews and contain information I have been unable to find anywhere else. I recommend this book for anyone with an interest in the vast field of folk and blues.

Comprehensive, stimulating, brings all these compelling characters, from Blind Lemon Jefferson to Cisco Houston, and their world to life!

There is probably no greater man in American history than Bill Walton. His incisive NBC/ABC/ESPN commentary over the years has served as a kind of chorus for the complexities of contemporary life; and his pre-game analysis transcends usual sports babble to become biting satire and social commentary. All of this on top of the fact that he was the most gifted athlete of his generation, tragically hampered by knee injuries. This book deals very little with Walton's modern exodus through the world of Grateful Dead shows and volleyball, into the hallowed halls of sports journalism; but it does provide a good introduction to the post-moves and fundamentals that were, in essence, the early education of a genius. If Naismith is his Hegel; then John Wooden was his Marx; and Walton has become the most subversive philosopher of our generation. Just listen to him the next time he comments on a pair of free throws during the NBA finals. It isn't just mindless chatter. It's a call to arms for every thinking man watching the Nets v. the Spurs. All four of us.

I'm not a huge fan of country music, but I found this encyclopedia, with its many interviews and interesting tidbits, to be a fascinating read. The author seems to have amazing access to many of the most prominent country music stars and fills his accounts with witty accounts of the stars' lives. In short, I recommend this book highly.

Given to me as a gift, I don't know how many times I chucked it across the room out of sheer frustration. First of all, look at the title! I don't care what dictionary you use, but when I look up "encyclopaedia" in mine it's defined as "information on all branches of knowledge or of one subject."

Apparently Mr. Stambler does not think, using just three of the most glaring examples, that Pat Boone, Brenda Lee, and Johnny Mathis - who were popular enough to chalk up 160 charted pop hit singles between them, rate entries even as "pop" artists!!

Instead, what we do get are multiple pages on the likes of Richard Hell, Ian Dury, and Psychedelic Furs!

I can't believe the omissions mentioned above were oversights, so I have to put them down to personal bias on the part of Stambler. He and his friends at Rolling Stone are cut from the same cloth as those at The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame who continue to ignore a Connie Francis while opening their doors wide to the likes of Frank Zappa, Parliament/Funkadelic and The Velvet Underground.

Had his book title included the caveat "according to the personal opinions of Irwin Stambler" I'd have no cause for complaint. As it is, Abraham Lincoln said it best in reference to a book: "People who like this sort of thing will find the sort of thing they like."

You really can't go wrong with this Encyclopedia of Pop, Rock & Soul. It's pretty standard stuff if you know about your favorite groups. But if you want to know something about a rock group or person whom you know very little about this is a nice book to have. I always seem to be thumbing through it. Words are a good thing.

This is a wonderful book that provides all the information you may need to sate your curiosity about a particular aspect of a band like "Where are they from?", When did this album come out?", "Was she once in this other band?". I've been referring to an earlier edition of this rock encyclopedia by Stamler for 20 years! I felt it was time to get the newer edition for more information and it's great too.

This sizable book (900+ pages) is not the most up to date production in town (no biography of Garth Brooks here), but if you want a book that gives the history of many famous & not so famous country musicians, then I recommend this.

I can't open it to read about one artists without spending an hour in the book as I get absorbed reading about someone I've never heard of or forgot about.

The biographies are complete. Maybe the discographies are a little bit sketchy & in some cases incomplete or even incorrect, but it is my experience of such reference works that they all miss something out or get something wrong.

I'd certainly recommend this for someone who does want a little (a lot!) more than just what is on country radio at present.

A massive book which has in many ways been superceded by other, later works. It's a bit bulky, with a layout which is a bit flat. Still, it includes entries on some artists which other guides may omit; the discographies are a bit suspect, though, particularly when it comes to little things like getting the titles right. You could opt for the newer, sexier country guides, but this one still has something to offer, particularly the longer, more narrative biographical entries.

Stambler's "Here Come the Funny Cars," is one of those oldies but goodies. I first came across it about 15 years ago, and highly recommend it to anyone interested in car racing or just cars in general for that matter. Well-written with interviews and great photos, this is a must-have for any car or car-book collector.