From majestic Celtic crosses to elaborate knotwork designs; visual symbols of Irish identity at its most medieval abound in contemporary culture. Consdering both scholarly and popular perspectives this book offers a commentary on the blending of pasts and presents that finds permanent visualization in these contemporary signs.
#3422413 in eBooks 2012-12-23 2012-12-23File Name: B00AYDQ2ZU
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Dead Man WalkingBy W. WilmethThe author spends the first half of the book detailing his childhood and college years in Chicago; so the title (My Life With the Doors) is a little misleading. He also gets a little too caught up in the imagery of the muse (in its various manifestations). That being said; from the time Jim and Ray bump into each other on the beach and share future song lyrics; I was hooked. The Doors were my favorite band and were only supplanted by the Moody Blues when I was freshman in college (1970-71). Both; along with The Who; rate high in my book.Ray shows exceptional perception in his depiction of Jim as a dead man walking. Something inside Jim longed to destroy both the success of The Doors and ultimately himself. Had Ray been older (about 25 years) when all this was going on; as he states in the book; he might have had some idea how to try and guide Jim away from his alter-ego ("Jimbo") and away from self destruction. Still; of course; it was Jims life and no one was going to tell him what to do. Sad story; really. Immensely talented individuals whose sum was greater than the parts.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Burning Lamp for MorrisonBy Gene CiscoAs a Navy brat; a few years behind Jim Morrison; I found "Light My Fire" to be the most satisfying re-creation of the rise of the Doors yet. The writing by Ray Manzarek was as imaginative as his landmark keyboard work with the band. His early middle class roots in the Chicago area; his TV viewing and fascination with stardom and his parental support as he enlarged his piano repertoire works well against the later undisciplined; excesses of Jim Morrison as the band begins to unravel. The mystical; philosophical and mythological symbols work well in capturing the "trippy" psychedelic times of the late 60s. When the Doors reach their zenith and Morrison is about to vanish; Manzarek has already prepared you for the shock with the control of his symbolism. For any musician seeking for similar musical heights the warnings are within: Know your craft; love your craft and maintain the discipline it took to achieve stardom. Manzarek had the love of his family; his wife(Dorothy) and a great bond with Jim Morrison on stage. His description of following the Grateful Dead for several concerts was hilarious. A fine piece of creative writing matching the soaring heights of their music.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Stepping through The Doors with Ray ManzarekBy Nicholas R.W. HenningRay Manzareks book "Light My Fire" offers personal insights to his life and career in music. As a co-founder of the rock band The Doors Manzarek offers rare and special details regarding the band and his friendship with Jim Morrison. Manzareks passion for music was evident from his youth and his creativity found the perfect group of people to achieve its fullest potential when The Doors formed as a band. Manzareks gentle demeanour and spiritual thoughts both go a long way to help the reader understand the complexities of the band and Jim Morrison. The reader receives quite a treat from Manzarek as he was a witness and a participant of a truly great band. Manzareks fantastic musical talent; and his positive spirit; provides the reader with an inspiring energy throughout the book.Nicholas R.W. Henning - Australian Author