Book Review!! Guitars, A Celebration of Pure Mojo by David Schiller

This is my first book review on this blog, but I can think of no better book to be the first than "Guitars, A Celebration of Pure Mojo". Before diving into it, I wasn't sure how much I was going to like this little tome (it only measures 4"x6"!). However, my concerns vanished quickly as I began to read it. I was particularly impressed and delighted by the physical quality of the book and richness of the imagery, as well as the fantastic information on a stunning variety of guitars and guitar related topics. This book is now new my quick reference guide for guitar trivia. :)

An example of one particularly interesting topic is on Niccolo Paganini (photo, left). Schiller writes that Paganini was not only a virtuoso violinist but also a very gifted guitarist (something I did not know). Supposedly so good that listeners could not determine which instrument he excelled at the most, violin or guitar! Schiller also writes that "Today, scientists speculate that he suffered from Ehlers-Danos Syndrome, which produces hypermobile joints, allowing his long, rubbery fingers to reach everywhere on the fretboard." "Guitars" is chock full of intriguing information like this.

The sheer number of guitars covered (over 500!) and the interesting and informative facts given about each is enough to make this book worth owning, but add to it the artist spotlights and historical perspectives and you get something much more than just a guitar picture book. I can highly recommend "Guitars, A Celebration of Pure Mojo". If you play guitar, or are an enthusiast in the least, this is a book you must own! It is available on Amazon: Guitars, A Celebration of Pure Mojo


Disclosure: This book was given to me by the publisher for review. This in no way influenced my opinion or review of this book.