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Michael Jackson: A History in Books
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Michael Jackson is seen in file pictures from top left, 1971, 1977, 1979, and bottom left, 1983, 1987, and 1990. Jackson has died in Los Angeles at age 50 on Thursday, June 25, 2009. (AP Photo)
The surprising death of the "King of Pop," Michael Jackson, is sure to bring about renewed interest in his life and his music. Although he was only 50 years old, virtually his entire life had been spent in the media spotlight. The world watched his transformation from the cute kid singing with his brothers in the Jackson 5 to the solo phenomenon that set the world on fire, before morphing into a circus sideshow that was almost beyond recognition.
Along the way, a number of books have been written either by or about Jackson. In some cases, the differences between books are so extreme that the reader might wonder if they're about the same person. All contain a portion of the truth, but none can completely capture the contradictory and complex man that was Michael Jackson.
Moonwalk - Michael Jackson, 1988
Jackson's first autobiography looked at his early career with the Jackson 5, as well as the beginnings of his solo career with some of his biggest albums - Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad. There are a number of photographs that were published here for the first time.
Dancing the Dream - Michael Jackson, 1992
Jackson's book contains 28 essays, 17 poems and 84 photographs on a variety of topics, including dance, music, religion, and his thoughts about life.
Michael Jackson American Master - C. Mecca, 1997
Mecca's book was authorized by MJJ Productions, and not surprisingly, is a very favorable look at the singer.
Michael Jackson: An Exceptional Journey - Darren Brooks, 2002
Subtitled "The Unauthorised Biography in Word and Pictures," Brooks' book was published during a period when Jackson had been largely out of the limelight (or as out of the limelight as it seems Jackson ever managed). There's not much new information here, although there are some new photos.
Michael Jackson, the Early Years - Chris Cadman, 2002
A well researched look at Jackson's early career as a child star with the Jackson 5 and his early solo career, Cadman chronicles the music, not the tabloid stories.
Redemption: The Truth Behind the Michael Jackson Child Molestation Charges - Geraldine Hughes, 2004
Hughes looked at the 1993 child molestation cases against Jackson, examining the events that led up to the allegations as well as the settlement reached.
Michael Jackson: The Magic and the Madness - J. Randy Taraborelli, 2004
Taraborelli's look at Jackson's life is generally considered objective and well-researched. It looks beyond tabloid rumors to try to trace the real story behind Michael Jackson. He includes not only Jackson's publicity stunts and cosmetic surgery, but also his talent.
Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary - Adrian Grant, 2005
A very favorable look at Jackson's career, Grant has chronicled his records, concerts and videos, along with public appearances and performances.
Michael Jackson: The King of Pop - Jel D. Lewis Jones, 2005
Ms. Lewis Jones is an unabashed fan of Jackson, and her book is probably one of the most relentlessly positive books written about him. In large part, the book is made up of interviews that Jackson gave with talk show hosts and magazines.
The Trials of Michael Jackson - Lynton Guest, 2006
A largely favorable book, it seems to suggest that Jackson was the victim in the child molestation case - the victim of a conspiracy aimed at bringing down a popular entertainment icon.
Jacko, His Rise and Fall: The Social and Sexual History of Michael Jackson - Darwin Porter, 2007
This massive biography contains stories and anecdotes that are odd, even by Michael Jackson standards. If Porter's research is correct, it seems as though almost every famous person in the world had contact with Jackson at some point in his life. It also seems as though all of them have an off-the-wall story about him.
Be Careful Who You Love: Inside the Michael Jackson Case - Diane Dimond, 2007
Dimond was an investigative editor and anchor for Court TV. Her books is another look at the court case and criminal allegations from Jackson's 2005 trial.
Conspiracy - Aphrodite Jones, 2007
Jones examined in detail the 2005 child molestation case filed in Santa Barbara, California, focusing on the evidence presented in court. It's a look at the case without the magnification of the media sideshow the accompanied it.
Michael Jackson: For the Record - Chris Cadman, 2007
Cadman's book is a largely favorable biography, focusing on Jackson's music career. There's an extensive listing of his music included.
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