When writing this book review of 'Clapton The Autobiography by iconic rock guitarist Eric Clapton, I kept being drawn back to the same topic; the warmly personal tone of the writing. From the very first sentence of the story, readers will be drawn in and filled with curiosity about Eric's musical talent, where it came from, how it first emerged,how he manged to nurture his gift despite the hurdles of a background now considered disadvantaged by some people today.

In genuine warmth and candour, Eric speaks to his fans and readers almost as if he is in the room with them, sharing the closeness of a conversation between two buddies sharing old times. Eric (for having now finished the book this is how I feel like addressing him) tells his life story from the very beginning, and from the very first line 'Early in my childhood I began to feel there was something very different about me...' readers are locked on to the story, wanting to know, perhaps, what the magical 'something' was and how it developed into 'an artistic tale of artistry, decadence and redemption' as the Los Angeles Times puts it in its back cover blurb.

The poignant first line of Eric Clapton's autobiography is given even more atmosphere by the accompanying heart-stopping childhood photos. For example, one image shows Clapton pictured as a golden haired mischievous boy strumming a toy guitar to entertain his black Labrador in a summer field with old houses and chimney pots in the background. In fact, the autobiography has sixteen pages of poignant photographs and illustrations all new at the time of writing. Many readers may have bought the book for these alone and it is worth noting that 'Clapton The Autobiography' was far and away one of the bestselling titles in the New York Times list.

Having now read the book and compared it to other classic rock biographical accounts, I have to agree with the Houston Chronicle which cites it as one of the best ever written. An honest journey through the turbulent life of one of the most accomplished rock musicians in history, this book will surely go down as a classic. In fact, it seems that copies are become rarer and may even become collector items.

The memoir of this influential guitar player tells of his sixteen Grammy wins yet another achievement from a rock legend who managed a trio of entitlements to the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame as he belonged not only to Cream, but also to The Yardbirds as well as being an artist in his own right.

The episodes of decadent squalor and wild excess in the memoir sit strangely with the soulful silence that often seeps out from the other side of the character who could often be so reserved, and is an intriguing juxtaposition a glimpse into the vagaries of human nature.

All in all, rock fans young and old, wannabee musicians and even those who just have a yen to revisit the 'good old days of rock' will love this autobiography, finding within it an absorbing, warm and engaging expose of the highs and the lows of mega rock star life.

Helpful Resources

ISBN

979-07679-2536-5

7 780767 925365

Learn more about this author, InspiredWritingResearch.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Book reviews: Clapton, The Autobiography, by Eric Clapton?
We want to hear your view. Write now!