John Prine: A Celebration of His Uncompromising Songwriting

deano: One of the greatest songwriters of all time. So many songs so many memories. No better crafter of catchy meaningful poetry.

United States on Sep 21, 2023

Joseph Lubshina: I received this book in near mint condition and it was packaged very securely.

United States on Jul 07, 2023

Kokos dad: It felt like a collection of facts flung together, rather than a biography. There was no insight into the music itself as I would have expected, let alone insight into John himself. The flow was not there for me. If it had been about anyone other than John Prine, I likely would not have finished the book.

United States on Dec 09, 2022

Joseph B.: Awesome

Canada on Dec 27, 2020

Mrs. Jones: Great singer. Really enjoyable book. Certainly worth buying.

United Kingdom on Jul 08, 2019

Tore Norvald Osen: one of the best singer songwriter.

United Kingdom on Apr 01, 2016

Adrian: excellent

United Kingdom on Feb 25, 2016

Ted Lehmann: Eddie Huffman's John Prine: In Spite of Himeself (University of Texas Press, March 2015, $24.96/13.99, 224 pages) from the American Music Series effectively explores the music and life of Americana icon John Prine in an admiring, but not uncritical unauthorized biography. Not relying on a subjects cooperation has both advantages and disadvantages for an author. The greatest advantage lies in not having to write uncritically about a person who's necessary to the completion of the work. A disadvantage may be the lack of insight that can be garnered through direct access and close questioning. Fortunately, Prine has, over the years, made himself available through a series of written and recorded interviews as well as in discussion of his own songs on his recordings. Huffman seems to be a serious scholar, carefully mining the wealth of Prine material in print, and in recorded sources, both on video and audio. The result is an admirable piece of work providing insight into the writer, the performer, and the man which leaves only a few unanswered questions for me.

John Prine has spent a long career defying easy classification, to the extent that his body of work has come to help...

United States on Jun 18, 2015

BBRemmes: I’d never heard of John Prine until I picked up this book because a friend told me he’d written some of my favorite songs. My first impression was that Eddie Huffman is one heck of a good writer…smooth, easy, and descriptive. A comparison to Rick Bragg, one of my favorite authors, jumped to mind. My second awareness was that this man has a passion for music and a particular love for John Prine’s music. Why else would he devote years of research and travel following Prine’s career? I’m always interested in what inspires people to tackle the difficult task of writing a book and what leads them to certain subjects.

Any musician would be fortunate to have a devotee, such as Huffman, who collects the details of their career and presents them in such an unbiased perspective. For those who have followed Prine’s music in similar fashion, I understand why they might not find anything “new” or earthshaking in this book. But for someone like myself, who just enjoys listening to music but doesn't know much about what it takes to put it together, this books provides an education.

This is not a tell-all, filled with rumors of failed marriages, stormy...

United States on Mar 27, 2015

Mono mars: I love John Prine's music and lyrics. THis book makes me love him more.Not a bio per se, but Prine's songs and their origins are put into context of his life- an interesting and diverse life. If you love Prine's work you'll love the book.If you like bios, ditto.

Canada on Mar 23, 2015