Which Led Zeppelin book is the best to read: (1) When Giants Walked the Earth, (2) Whole Lotta Led Zeppelin, or (3) Hammer of the Gods?
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Which Led Zeppelin book is the best to read: (1) When Giants Walked the Earth, (2) Whole Lotta Led Zeppelin, or (3) Hammer of the Gods?
You can check the answer of the people under the question at Quora “led zeppelin coffee table book“
I’ve read all three, so I shall provide you with an honest opinion on these three books.
When Giants Walked The Earth
This is the book written by respected rock journalist Mick Wall, a man who has a fantastic writing style. This book differs from the other three in that Mick Wall has been closely involved with the band. Whether he is exaggerating or not, I cannot say. He has certainly had extensive access to the band members, and from what I gather, he is a personal friend of Jimmy Page. The book itself is engaging, and I feel that it presents a fair view of the band, analysing rumours through the use of the author’s research and direct quotes from the band. It’s also worth noting that the author devotes a chapter to explaining who Aleister Crowley is, and providing an autobiography of the individual who was dubbed ‘The wickedest man in the world’. This section provides an insight into the philosophy that had an impact on the band, and indeed their music.
Whole Lotta Led Zeppelin
This is less of a written history of the band, but more of a coffee table book style selection of excellent images of them. The photographs range from live shots to more candid images, many of which I hadn’t seen before. This book is great for a couple of thumb throughs, yet any written content won’t provide any extra info about the band. The photos contained within are generally interesting, but not quite as special as those contained within the Jimmy Page book.
Hammer Of The Gods
I read this after When Giants Walked The Earth and I was thoroughly dissapointed. The author relies on rumours and sensational stories to cobble together his story. Many of the events described originate from the author’s interviews from Richard Cole, who is a less than reliable source. The book does, however, give you an overview of the chaos that surrounded the band, something that neither of the other books mentioned in the question do. I was also appreciative of the stories behind the songs, although the book does not go into the detail featured in books like Stories Behind The Songs by Chris Welch. Hammer Of The Gods has been criticised extensively by those in the know, and is famous for being the book that Jimmy Page threw in the river.
My opinion is that When Giants Walked The Earth is by far the best Led Zeppelin book you can buy. It really comes across that the author has done his research, and his writing style is very entertaining.
The best book would be Jimmy Page’s book he put out a few years ago.There is also another new book coming out later this year by the surviving band members. Ritchie Yorke’s book is also a good one to read.