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40 Years of Queen
Queen est incontestablement l'un des plus grands phénomènes rock que le monde ait jamais connu. Avec plus de 300 millions d'albums vendus, il est consacré en 2009 par la BBC " meilleur groupe britannique de tous les temps ". Malgré la mort de son leader charismatique Freddie Mercury, Queen continue à faire vibrer des milliers de fans au rythme de ses hymnes incontournables.
Cet ouvrage exceptionnel, élaboré par les membres du groupe, retrace l'histoire des rock stars et nous offre des trésors inédits. Découvrez des photos jamais publiées et des reproductions d'archives tirées de leur collection personnelle :
- tickets de concerts cultes,
- affiches de tournées dans leur taille d'origine,
- poster dédicacé,
- pochettes originales des vinyles,
- manuscrits des paroles de chanson,
- badges d'accès aux backstage, etc.
Un livre incontournable pour célébrer le quarantième anniversaire du groupe mythique.
Cet ouvrage exceptionnel, élaboré par les membres du groupe, retrace l'histoire des rock stars et nous offre des trésors inédits. Découvrez des photos jamais publiées et des reproductions d'archives tirées de leur collection personnelle :
- tickets de concerts cultes,
- affiches de tournées dans leur taille d'origine,
- poster dédicacé,
- pochettes originales des vinyles,
- manuscrits des paroles de chanson,
- badges d'accès aux backstage, etc.
Un livre incontournable pour célébrer le quarantième anniversaire du groupe mythique.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 12, 2011
40 Years of Queen
With introduction by Brain May and Roger Taylor
“FOR THE BAND’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY GOODMAN ARE PUBLISHING AN INCREDIBLE BOOK, CONTAINING PREVIOUSLY UNSEEN ITEMS OF MEMORABILIA.” Johnnie Walker, Radio 2
Here’s a secret. As I write this, I actually haven’t read what Harry has written for the book, to string the images together. This is unusual – letting go of control is not one of my usual talents – normally I’m all over something like this, editing it to get rid of the inaccuracies. But in this case, I don’t want to go there. Harry is one of the very few people I trust to speak the truth as he sees it. I probably won’t agree with everything he has said here – but I know that it will all have come from a place of goodwill, and a spirit of sharing his thrills – he never lost his boyish enthusiasm. As I’m sure you will be able to see. In fact, Harry specifically asked me to tell you that his words for this publication are intended as a feast for fans, as pure pleasure. Thanks Harry. I think the rest of the contents of this book are self-explanatory. Enjoy!
Brian May
Good luck writing about this strange and unusual collection of musicians called ‘Queen’. I wish you happiness, and luck.
Roger Taylor
Queen: one of the biggest bands the world has ever seen. 40 Years of Queen is an official publication, fully approved by the band, telling their story right from the very beginning. It showcases stunning moments in the band’s history through photographs, as well as truly unique pieces of memorabilia from the private collections of Queen’s members. This tribute will give fans unprecedented access to all areas, and the chance to get their hands on some fascinating, intimate memorabilia for the first time ever: backstage passes, handwritten lyrics, ultra-rare posters, original tour itineraries, handwritten letters, limited-edition records, invites to the now-legendary tour parties, a CD of all four members of the band talking and more….
The author is available for interview
Harry Doherty has worked as a music journalist since the early 1970s, when he joined Melody Maker as a staff writer. He continued to write on rock for the next four decades. He writes features for music publications including Classic Rock magazine.
With introduction by Brain May and Roger Taylor
“FOR THE BAND’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY GOODMAN ARE PUBLISHING AN INCREDIBLE BOOK, CONTAINING PREVIOUSLY UNSEEN ITEMS OF MEMORABILIA.” Johnnie Walker, Radio 2
Here’s a secret. As I write this, I actually haven’t read what Harry has written for the book, to string the images together. This is unusual – letting go of control is not one of my usual talents – normally I’m all over something like this, editing it to get rid of the inaccuracies. But in this case, I don’t want to go there. Harry is one of the very few people I trust to speak the truth as he sees it. I probably won’t agree with everything he has said here – but I know that it will all have come from a place of goodwill, and a spirit of sharing his thrills – he never lost his boyish enthusiasm. As I’m sure you will be able to see. In fact, Harry specifically asked me to tell you that his words for this publication are intended as a feast for fans, as pure pleasure. Thanks Harry. I think the rest of the contents of this book are self-explanatory. Enjoy!
Brian May
Good luck writing about this strange and unusual collection of musicians called ‘Queen’. I wish you happiness, and luck.
Roger Taylor
Queen: one of the biggest bands the world has ever seen. 40 Years of Queen is an official publication, fully approved by the band, telling their story right from the very beginning. It showcases stunning moments in the band’s history through photographs, as well as truly unique pieces of memorabilia from the private collections of Queen’s members. This tribute will give fans unprecedented access to all areas, and the chance to get their hands on some fascinating, intimate memorabilia for the first time ever: backstage passes, handwritten lyrics, ultra-rare posters, original tour itineraries, handwritten letters, limited-edition records, invites to the now-legendary tour parties, a CD of all four members of the band talking and more….
The author is available for interview
Harry Doherty has worked as a music journalist since the early 1970s, when he joined Melody Maker as a staff writer. He continued to write on rock for the next four decades. He writes features for music publications including Classic Rock magazine.
October 7, 2018
This is a bang up job that Freddie would have been proud of.
This isn't really an in depth look at the band by any means, but looking back on the older photos has been a real treat. I thank Brian and Roger from the bottom of my heart for allowing this book to be done. The amount of work that was put into it and all the great photos make it worth the money. I highly recommend this book to all Queen fans.
Although this isn’t an in depth biography, you will not be disappointed. For an added treat, be sure to put on the Queen tunes while you read it.
This isn't really an in depth look at the band by any means, but looking back on the older photos has been a real treat. I thank Brian and Roger from the bottom of my heart for allowing this book to be done. The amount of work that was put into it and all the great photos make it worth the money. I highly recommend this book to all Queen fans.
Although this isn’t an in depth biography, you will not be disappointed. For an added treat, be sure to put on the Queen tunes while you read it.
January 3, 2019
Seriously beautifully done. Perfect for Queen “beginners” (fans who didn’t get to live through the era), the set up was informative without being over or underwhelming. All the enclosures and images were phenomenal. This book let me experience my favorite band in a way I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.
October 11, 2011
I love love love this book, full of quality memorabilia and cd contain interview with the band.
A must for any fan of one of the greatest bands of all time.
A must for any fan of one of the greatest bands of all time.
August 9, 2019
As a Queen fan who got into them full-time in 2013, this is my first-ever Queen merch that I bought.
A wonderful celebration of Queen 40-year legacy, filled with replicas of fan club merchandise. Excellent texts from Doherty (who passed away in 2014); he was one of the few music journalists along with Rosemary Horide, who supported Queen in their early years as the lineup we've come to love. The fan club merch replicas are the stars of this book, honestly - from the stickers to the Hot Space cube to the glorious 1976 poster.
Now we're almost approaching the 50th year of Queen's existence. Hopefully the new edition will retain Harry Doherty's words and also include some rarities only known within the fandom.
A wonderful celebration of Queen 40-year legacy, filled with replicas of fan club merchandise. Excellent texts from Doherty (who passed away in 2014); he was one of the few music journalists along with Rosemary Horide, who supported Queen in their early years as the lineup we've come to love. The fan club merch replicas are the stars of this book, honestly - from the stickers to the Hot Space cube to the glorious 1976 poster.
Now we're almost approaching the 50th year of Queen's existence. Hopefully the new edition will retain Harry Doherty's words and also include some rarities only known within the fandom.
January 25, 2016
For an oversized book the print is awfully small & difficult to see!
Did you know:
Queen opened for Jimi Hendrix? Queen's logo is a combination of their astrological signs?
Freddie Mercury was Muslim & born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar, Africa, and sold clothing & art in a small Kensington barrow with Roger Taylor?
John May built his first electric guitar , has a PhD in astrophysics, founded his own guitar company, co-wrote "A Village Lost & Found", founded the U.K. anti animal cruelty group "Save Me", and has two solo albums?
John Deacon (aka deacon John) built a tape recorded to record songs from the radio & later used it as an amplifier for his guitar, was originally a guitar player but changed over to bass?
Roger Meddows-Taylor formed his first band at age eight playing ukulele, was awarded a choral scholarship to the "prestigious" private Truro Cathedral School, played w/ T-Rex, and studied dentistry at the London Hospital Medical School quitting his studies to play with Queen but returned to the university to finish a degree in Biology?
The book's chapters alternate between Queen's history, albums & band members' biographies. There are wonderful full color photos, pull-outs, fold-outs, and enclosures of programs, letters, photographs.... The only thing not included is an audio cd compilation of Queen's music, but as I already own one I'm not missing anything.
Did you know:
Queen opened for Jimi Hendrix? Queen's logo is a combination of their astrological signs?
Freddie Mercury was Muslim & born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar, Africa, and sold clothing & art in a small Kensington barrow with Roger Taylor?
John May built his first electric guitar , has a PhD in astrophysics, founded his own guitar company, co-wrote "A Village Lost & Found", founded the U.K. anti animal cruelty group "Save Me", and has two solo albums?
John Deacon (aka deacon John) built a tape recorded to record songs from the radio & later used it as an amplifier for his guitar, was originally a guitar player but changed over to bass?
Roger Meddows-Taylor formed his first band at age eight playing ukulele, was awarded a choral scholarship to the "prestigious" private Truro Cathedral School, played w/ T-Rex, and studied dentistry at the London Hospital Medical School quitting his studies to play with Queen but returned to the university to finish a degree in Biology?
The book's chapters alternate between Queen's history, albums & band members' biographies. There are wonderful full color photos, pull-outs, fold-outs, and enclosures of programs, letters, photographs.... The only thing not included is an audio cd compilation of Queen's music, but as I already own one I'm not missing anything.
December 26, 2014
This happens to be the best book ever created. And I say "created" instead of "written" because it's more than just a written book. It's got tons of extras inside, like reproductions of tickets, posters, letters by the band members -- it's freaking AWESOME! Any Queen fan would love it and even people who aren't fans would probably come away impressed.
The book starts out with the origins of the band as youngsters, where they grew up, how they got into music, their first bands and the formation of Queen. It covers each album, offering insights I haven't seen elsewhere, has lots of beautiful color photos and even covers major tours. Queen probably performed before more people than any band in history. 250,000 South Americans at two shows. 350,000 Ukranians at one show. Millions in Europe, America, Japan, Australia. One of the most successful bands of all time. Of course, the book covers Freddy's death and the subsequent formation of his trust set up to combat AIDS. That was a tragedy, but it didn't kill the band, as the release of their album Forever last month shows. Thank God Brian and Roger are carrying on the tradition.
This book is well written. My only complaint, and this is minor, is small font. But otherwise, it's a great book and I strongly, strongly recommend it!
The book starts out with the origins of the band as youngsters, where they grew up, how they got into music, their first bands and the formation of Queen. It covers each album, offering insights I haven't seen elsewhere, has lots of beautiful color photos and even covers major tours. Queen probably performed before more people than any band in history. 250,000 South Americans at two shows. 350,000 Ukranians at one show. Millions in Europe, America, Japan, Australia. One of the most successful bands of all time. Of course, the book covers Freddy's death and the subsequent formation of his trust set up to combat AIDS. That was a tragedy, but it didn't kill the band, as the release of their album Forever last month shows. Thank God Brian and Roger are carrying on the tradition.
This book is well written. My only complaint, and this is minor, is small font. But otherwise, it's a great book and I strongly, strongly recommend it!
September 6, 2012
Okay, so this is a MUST for every Queen fan, I guess. The one thing that really excited me was the interview CD (I haven't listened to it yet but I will!) For some reason I just love hearing them talk. Brian is so profound with his words, Roger is adorable with his husky voice, Freddie is of course very illustrative and descriptive, and John, well he's a cutie and I love hearing him actually speak because he damn well doesn't do enough of it. On a side note, if you youtube hard enough, you can find John actually giving out an award at an american award show and he had to speak in front of people and was like 'GO JOHNNIE GO' I was so proud of him.
Anyhow - back to the book! Or should I say, big collection of all things lovely. It almost reads like a big encyclopaedia on their albums and on the members and their tours. It's not terribly in depth - or at least not as in depth as actual biographies - but this is more of a hands on book anyhow. It's celebratory and that's what it delivers on.
Anyhow - back to the book! Or should I say, big collection of all things lovely. It almost reads like a big encyclopaedia on their albums and on the members and their tours. It's not terribly in depth - or at least not as in depth as actual biographies - but this is more of a hands on book anyhow. It's celebratory and that's what it delivers on.
December 31, 2012
Well, I already owned the hardback version (bought for £30 and saw it drop to a fiver within three weeks) but when the interactive iBook came out, like a mug, I paid another £9.99 :)
The text is thin and doesn't tell us much we don't already know. But the book's USP was all the flyers, and little pullouts that were included. The iBook takes this interactivity to the next level with scrollable and enlargeable pictures, sections on each album, and even a "News of the World" jigsaw to complete,
It's certainly a good example of what this format can do, and probably just about worth a tenner. But strip away the interactivity and you have merely a small guide to each album with a couple of hundred words extra.
The text is thin and doesn't tell us much we don't already know. But the book's USP was all the flyers, and little pullouts that were included. The iBook takes this interactivity to the next level with scrollable and enlargeable pictures, sections on each album, and even a "News of the World" jigsaw to complete,
It's certainly a good example of what this format can do, and probably just about worth a tenner. But strip away the interactivity and you have merely a small guide to each album with a couple of hundred words extra.
January 29, 2014
Excellent book with lots of great photos, many I hadn't seen before. The memorabilia is a fun touch with tickets, letters, posters and other neat things. There's a cd with an interview as a bonus. It's a beautifully produced "coffee table" type book that really is great if you're a Queen fan. Describes the origins of the band, bios of each member, stories around the creation and production of each of the studio albums, stories from live touring and a wrap up after the death of Freddie Mercury. Well written, though the font is a tad on the small side. Wear your reading glasses!
May 4, 2015
Queen fans will certainly have multiple sheer heart attacks, for this book is a jewel full of interesting content and unvaluable memorabilia. Not only Queen's history is told here — divided by album, band member, among other things — but a lot of artifacts from the historical events are reproduced. Show tickets, posters, letters from the band, flyers, newspaper articles, are among the stuff found inside the book. If an image is really worth 1000 words, I can't quite grasp how high the word count would be for this marvellous book.
November 11, 2015
Being a HUGE Queen fan, I was thrilled to discover this book which told the full story of the band in an exciting, non-scandalous, and complimentary fashion. The story of every album and other important part of Queen's history is told in a succinct yet informative way, and the package is rounded off by amazing reproductions of Queen memorabilia. Of course, there wasn't quite as much detail on the band members and their personal lives as I might have liked, but at least this way the focus was on their art and professionalism rather than the scandals. If you're a fan, enjoy!
February 1, 2012
I learned things about Queen that I hadn't known. It made me smile to remember things I'd forgotten. Even all the inserts were pretty manageable. I am glad I got it while it was still fairly new in the library. I suspect many of the fold outs and inserts will not last long. However, it's a cute idea and the book was easy to read, not bogging down in lots of detail.
June 5, 2014
It's a lovely book. I'm a long time fan-club member, so there's not a lot (other than the very early fan club letter facsimiles and early promo and concert poster material) I haven't already seen. If you want a very nice historical book, it's worth buying. I can't give it 5 stars, as there's the 50th Anniversary to come "soon" and I'm waiting to see what will be published then.
August 26, 2014
This is a must for all Queen fans. It's full of great photos, and it is sort of like a pop-up book for adults, with loads of inserts, like reproductions of posters, press releases, etc. This book does have some pretty bad errors/typos, however. For example, it has a pic of Freddie as a kid in India and dates it 1968 -- not! Still, if you can overlook that kind of thing, it is awesome.
November 11, 2012
I'd have given this a 4 if the font had been bigger and hadn't been white on black. This is a lovely book filled with memorabilia but very difficult to read for those of us who no longer have 20/20 vision (and that would probably be most Queen fans. :-)
January 8, 2012
I've thumbed through this book and am so excited to read it. It seems like a great book and contains a lot of memorabilia. I love it already.
May 3, 2012
You know how people love The Beatles and think they are the greatest band around? I have some bad news. WRONG!!!!! QUEEN is WAAAAYY better than The Beatles!!!!!!!!
July 25, 2012
A loving tribute to a great band!
September 14, 2012
Wonderful. Another must have for Queen fans. A fantastic piece of memorabillia for the die-hard Queen collector. Lots of band history info, great pics & lots of re-produced memorabillia items.
February 5, 2016
A biased book but I don't care. I love this band and this book is illustrated beautifully.
January 3, 2014
RATING: 4 Out Of 5
August 26, 2015
An incredibly emotional journey.
Definitely a MUST-read for each Queen fan.
Freddie is alive!
Definitely a MUST-read for each Queen fan.
Freddie is alive!
December 7, 2018
I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!
The incredible memories can make tears appear in your eyes. The Spanish version is called “Los Tesoros de Queen”, which means “the treasures of Queen”. I think the title is very accurate, because everything in here is a treasure. Highly recommended for any fan of the band.
The incredible memories can make tears appear in your eyes. The Spanish version is called “Los Tesoros de Queen”, which means “the treasures of Queen”. I think the title is very accurate, because everything in here is a treasure. Highly recommended for any fan of the band.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews