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Eric Clapton: The Autobiography

Author: Eric Clapton
Publisher: Century
Category: Book

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Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

37 reviews
Sales Rank: 5273

Media: Hardcover
Pages: 384
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.6
Dimensions (in): 9.4 x 6.2 x 1.7

ISBN: 1846051606
EAN: 9781846051609
ASIN: 1846051606

Publication Date: October 9, 2007
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: A Brand new copy. Mailed the same working day.

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Customer Reviews: Read 32 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

An enjoyable read July 17, 2008
I really enjoyed reading this book. I am a fan of Clapton's music, and I found I couldn't put the book down. Not wanting to add a spoiler, I am glad that the autobiography ended on a positive note, after all the heartache described in the earlier chapters.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in reading about one of the real legends within the music industry.
Clapton has influenced so many, that his autobiography is a must read for any true music fan.

4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable read May 1, 2008
I have been following EC and his music since the mid-60s, and saw all his bands from Cream onwards. He was the main inspiration to me picking up the guitar in 1969 (he has a lot to answer for there!) and nearly 40 years later I'm still gigging!

I have all the various books written about him, of which Ray Coleman's "Survivor" is outstanding, although quite a few years out of date now (having said that, get a copy of the wonderful book "Strange Brew"). I got the EC book as a Christmas present, and finished it in 2 days. I might have expected lots of info about his guitars, amplifiers, strings used etc; but we've all read about them countless times in various magazine articles. The book is essentially about his personal life, and appears to have been written perhaps in an attempt to cleanse his soul, as he is painfully honest about his shortcomings as a person.

I enjoyed the book very much, and I think it would appeal to potential readers other than EC fans, as a document of the life of a famous person during some very heady times.

There is far too much written about Clapton being the best guitarist in the world, which even he knows is rubbish. He is a supremely talented player who has had a huge influence, but there are many dozens of other similarly talented players in blues, rock, country, jazz, classical, flamenco, and the other musical genres. So it's 5 stars for his music (most of it!) and 4 stars for the book!

4 out of 5 stars

Good But Shame Not More About The Music April 27, 2008
Overall this was an interesting book about a major figure in rock music. I should have preferred the balance to have been more about his music and less about the other aspects of his life, such as the pleasures of cruising his 45m yacht around the Mediterranean. And within the music related material, I should have welcomed more on his reputation-establishing period of say 1964 to 1970, and less on later work, such as "Pilgrim".

Having said that, an artist's experiences must influence his work, and so perhaps it is important to read about his relationship with Patti and his various addictions. Also his opinions on such matters as religion and hunting, whether to one's taste or not, are valuable in forming a picture of the author's character.

Talking of the "author", it was never clear to me who actually was writing the book, Clapton or one of his ghost writers. At one extreme, there are several example of the phrase structure "me and x did y", which surely must have been written by Clapton himself. At the other extreme, there are passages where there are descriptions along the lines of "I remember thinking how I had never seen X so happy" along with supporting statements which you just know are setting you up for something unfortunate happening to X a page or two later, a technique presumably used by a more experienced writer.

Still, well worth reading by anyone with even just a small interest in the man and his times.

5 out of 5 stars

The Legend March 30, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

yes this man is a Legend in his own right, the book was a brilliant read at times he repeated him self, but he gave a good insight in to his life and his music he must rate as the best guitarist in the world it was sad that he was addicted to substance and grief stricken over the loss of his son. This book is a must read for his fans or any one who likes Eric i would now like to read what Pattie Boyd says in her book.

3 out of 5 stars

A complex man made commonplace March 29, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I read Pattie Boyds book first and was keen to see things from Eric's perspective but was not really any wiser about his experience of their relationship after reading this. Eric comes across as a real music bore I am afraid. The technical details of the guitars and the music he made dominate the book and I could hear this nerdy voice in my head from time to time ! I found the South Bank Show that was on a few months ago more revealing, I guess you can hold alot more back when you are putting stuff in print. Even the accounts of his early years do not seem to get to the core of the man. Altogether disappointing, but I have to admire him for his restraint