U2 by U2

Book Description

In 1975, four teenagers from Mount Temple School in Dublin gathered in a crowded kitchen to discuss forming a band. The drum kit just about fit into the room, the lead guitarist was playing a homemade guitar, the bassist could barely play at all and nobody wanted to sing. Over thirty years later, Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. are still together, bound by intense loyalty, passionate idealism and a relentless belief in the power of rock and roll to change the world.

Watch a video introduction to U2 by U2

In a epic journey that has taken them from the clubs of Dublin to the stadiums of the world, U2 have sold over 130 million albums, been number one all over the world, revolutionized live performance, spearheaded political campaigns and made music that defines the age we live in.

From the anarchic days of their Seventies punk origins through their Eighties ascent to superstardom with the epic rock of The Joshua Tree, the dark post-modern ironies of Achtung Baby in the Nineties and their 21st-Century resurgence as rock's biggest and boldest band, this is a tale of faith, love, drama, family, birth, death, survival, conflict, crises, creativity . . . and a lot of laughter.

Told with wit, insight and astonishing candour by the band themselves and manager Paul McGuinness, with pictures from their own archives, U2 by U2 allows unprecedented access into the inner life of the greatest rock band of our times.

Customer Reviews:

Only good, nothing more.......2007-10-13

The picks is good, but I wanted more sentiment about the history of the band.
For me the book of "DEPECHE MODE HISTORY" is far better than this.

true story of u2 genius.......2007-08-24

Reading this book is the same as getting to know members of the band personally. I was especially amazed by the stories on how they started at the end of 70's, they reveal all the insides of their struggle to get recognized. The power of these people and their incredible belief in the future of what they were doing deserves the attention of not just U2 fans but also anyone who's interested in being taken into this amazing journey of four personalities. Highly recommended, worth of every penny spent

Excellent .......2007-05-14

I purchased this book as a gift for my boyfriend. He hasn't stopped talking about it and continuously quotes facts about U2 that he's read in the book whenever we're together. I'm very pleased with this purchase. I wouldn't have known about the book if it wasn't reccommended in the "if you liked this, you might also like that" section when I purchased a U2 CD. Thanks!

THE PICTURES ALONE ARE WORTH THIS BOOK!.......2007-05-13

Excellent book!, writen in anecdote format. The pictures alone are worth this book, you will not believe how beautiful they are. Written in a heart-warming and personal fashion. I would recommend this book to any music fan, for a u2 fan it is a must!!!!!!!!!

Fabulous.......2007-05-02

I love this book. The pictures are great and it is a great asset to the coffee table. Love it!

Average customer rating:

U2 and I: The photographs 1982-2004
U2 & I: The Photographs 1982-2004
Incredible!
A treasure for any U2 fan
Good backgrounder

U2 & I: The Photographs 1982-2004
Anton Corbijn
Manufacturer: Schirmer/Mosel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 3829601743

Book Description

Anton Corbijn: U2&i: The Photographs 1982-2004

For more than three decades Anton Corbijn has photographed the greatest artists in the music world and beyond. That made him one of the most influential portrait photographers of our days. In Corbijn's career, however, there has been one constant: the band U2, and their collaboration of 22 years. His most recent publication—number seven in the line of Corbijn books published by Schirmer/Mosel—is dedicated to Bono, Edge, Larry, and Adam, to their longstanding friendship, mutual inspiration, and shared experience of rock history that is part of the history of photography. It was Anton Corbijn who "invented" U2's public image and he is still shaping it. The long way from their first encounter in February 1982 in New Orleans to their April 2004 Lisbon shooting for the most recent U2 album is documented in a wealth of private and so-called official pictures with hand-written annotations by the photographer.

Interview between Bono and Anton Corbijn and texts by Bono, Helena Christensen, Bill Clinton, William Gibson, Paul Morley, Salman Rushdie, Michael Stipe, and Wim Wenders.

Book design by smel, creative & strategic design studio, Amsterdam

Anton Corbijn, born in Strijen, Holland, in 1955, photographer, filmmaker and designer, started his career in the 70s with portraits of David Bowie, Lou Reed, Miles Davis, and Peter Gabriel. He has produced numerous books, more than 75 music videos and many album covers. His work has been widely exhibited throughout Europe, the US, and Japan.

U2, Irish rock band, by many considered the greatest rock band in the world, was founded in Dublin in 1978 by Paul "Bono" Hewson, Dave "The Edge" Evans, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.

379 color and duotone plates

Customer Reviews:

U2 and I: The photographs 1982-2004.......2007-01-11

Brilliantly put together coffee table book - i recommend this to U2 fans - fantastic collection of photography- great variety covering each band member and even some family photos- loads of unseen photos - great idea with the hand written notes .... worth every cent

U2 & I: The Photographs 1982-2004.......2007-01-04

This book have new photographs that not has been seen about U2, and they have very good quality. This is not another book about U2, in my point this is a essential book for fans of U2.

Incredible!.......2006-11-10

Gorgeous pictures! Must have for true fanatic fans. A little pricey for the casual or average fan unless you have a crush on one of the band members. Anton's handwritten comments are a wonderful touch. They make you feel like you're part of the family. Definitely worth the money to me.

A treasure for any U2 fan.......2006-07-16

No words can describe the beauty, quality and detailed work of this book; you can really tell the dedication Anton Corbijn put into it, as well as his loyalty to the band through all these years. It's not only a masterpiece describing through pictures and notes the history of the greatest rock band in the world, but also a must have for any major U2 fan. It's personalized album type format makes it a wonderful experience both to read and look, and the quality and art work of all the pictures is out of this world; it's almost like you grow closer to the band! I loved it and can't get enough of it!! It's worth every cent. Really!!

Good backgrounder.......2006-03-03

The iconic photos in this book are an essential addition to any U2 fans collection. It's great to see other shots taken in the same session as the well known images that have graced the magazines and album covers over the years. Best of all are the explanations behind the shots and the honesty that comes across from the photographer and the band.

Average customer rating:

A great tribute to the life and ministry of U2
Are you looking for meaningful music?
Move Spirit Move Me, Move Spirit Teach Me...Move with It...
A good starting place
If you want to know about Bono/U2's sprituality, listen to what THEY have to say...

Walk On: The Spiritual Journey Of U2
Steve Stockman
Manufacturer: Relevant Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0976035758

Book Description

One of the world's leading voices of faith and social activism also happens to be one of its biggest rock bands. The members drink, smoke and swear—yet a radical biblical agenda and faith fuel their life and work. Welcome to the dichotomy of U2.

This revised version of Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2 picks up where the first edition left off—amid the cathartic atmosphere of the post-9/11 Elevation tour that ushered in the aggressive spirituality of 2005's Vertigo tour. It explores the controversy surrounding the deep-rooted religious themes of the band's music and the outspokenness of their lead singer, Bono. Moreover, it is a spiritual companion to their albums, exposing the real meaning behind many of their songs and performances.

From the group's beginnings in Dublin's Shalom Christian Fellowship to their arrival as the world's greatest rock band, Walk On shines a spotlight on the very real struggles and triumphs of the band members' Christian faith. How has Bono transformed from a rock god to a key ambassador on the world stage? Why is the Church that once shunned U2 now claiming them as its own? More than two decades into worldwide success, have the boys from Ireland actually found what they're looking for? Join author Steve Stockman in pouring over more than 20 years of interviews, analysis and insight in an unparalleled quest to answer the burning questions everyone wants to know.

Customer Reviews:

A great tribute to the life and ministry of U2.......2007-01-10

I have enjoyed this book immensely. Stockman does a great job of walking you through the development of Bono and the band and really giving the spiritual backdrop and development that the band went through via the different phases of their musical progression. He also offers thought provoking insight throughout about the tension between U2 and the established church and how each of them really lines up with the call of Christ. This book will stretch you in your own evaluation of where you are in your faith journey.

Are you looking for meaningful music?.......2006-03-22

I knew before I read the book that U2's music finds inspiration from the spiritual. I didn't realize how much they borrow from Biblical scripture and many other facets of the Christian walk. 'Walk on' and many other songs that you have heard will have new meaning once you read this book about U2.

Move Spirit Move Me, Move Spirit Teach Me...Move with It..........2006-02-25

This is one of the best books I have ever read about U2's lyrics and the theological perspectives there in. Steve Stockman leads the reader into a deeper awareness of U2's lyrics, and gives you the biblical verses that help to translate these U2 lyrics.

This book is a moving experience-- and makes one appreciate the deep, spiritual side of U2's music. Like the song Mysterious Ways-- I say this: "Move Spirit Move Me..."

I highly recommend this book to any U2 fan or anyone who enjoys spiritual enlightenment.

Love and Peace or Else,
The BoNo FReaK (-;
St. Charles, MO

A good starting place.......2006-02-13

I am not one to read books about rock bands, even ones as influential as U2. But after seeing them in concert, and reading some things about them on the Christianity Today website, I was intrigued.

This book really gave me some good insights into the band, their beliefs, and the real meaning of their music. I have a new appreciation for songs I've always liked. I want to go and read more and learn more about the band, and I want to go back and listen to CDs I've long since forgotten about, all as a resulf of this book. Really, that is the ultimate compliment I can give the writer.

So why only 3 stars? Well, a few things... first, the book seemed a bit shallow. Why not show me actual lyrics in detail? Why not go further into scripture and analysis of that scripture? There just wasn't quite enough insight there to make me think enough that I have to read the book again to pick up something I may have missed. It bothered me that it seemed so obvious that the author has never sat down and talked to Bono or the other band members, yet he tried to manufacture a personal familiarity that he obviously doesn't have. I'm referring to things like referring to the band as 'the guys,' like they meet at the pub for a pint once a month. I know that may seem picky, but it really pulled me out of the book at times.

Generally, the book was good... I learned a few things, and I'm inspired to research the subject more and read other, more detailed books about U2. So this is a good place to start for anyone who is interested in U2, Christianity, or both topics.

If you want to know about Bono/U2's sprituality, listen to what THEY have to say..........2005-12-09

It's evident from this book that Stockman has never spoken one-on-one with Bono (and if I'm wrong, that makes the book even worse in my opinion). If you're going to write a commentary on someone else's sprituality, please at least get to KNOW the person! Besides some loose descriptions of things U2 has done that have any relation to Christianity or spirituality, the book is nothing but a) assertions about the religious themes in Bono's lyrics that are too obvious to even be worth commenting on and b) inferences based on his own opinion of Bono and not any primary knowledge of what Bono's lyrics truly mean.

The sources Stockman's pulling from are things most big U2 fans are already familiar with (and we're also familiar with their level of credibility). In fact, I think most big U2 fans could come up with more accurate inferences of Bono's lyrics.

If you are truly interested in U2/Bono's sprituality, as a Christian and huge U2 fan, I highly recommend the following:

Bono In Conversation (w/ Michka Assayas)
U2: At the End of the World (Bill Flannagan)
Bono: The Rolling Stone Interview (w/ Jann S. Wenner, RS986, Nov 3, 2005)

Bono has plenty to say on his own spirituality!

One Step Closer: Why U2 Matters to Those Seeking God

Average customer rating:

U2 matters to believers as well as seekers!
A Key to Understanding the Enigma of U2
Great lay out for Group Study

One Step Closer: Why U2 Matters to Those Seeking God
Christian Scharen
Manufacturer: Brazos Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1587431696
Release Date: 2006-04-01

Book Description

A systematic exploration of small, medium, and large churches, their distinct personalities, and their place in God's kingdom.

Customer Reviews:

U2 matters to believers as well as seekers!.......2007-01-09

Inspirational. Well-written. Informative. This book is a must-have for any U2 fan. This book is also a fantastic tool for evangelism. Highly recommended.

- Stratos

A Key to Understanding the Enigma of U2.......2006-06-24

Christianity, metaphorically, has many "keys." Many prominent voices play major keys, promising blessings and offering comfortable settings. Christian Scharen, the author of One Step Closer, introduces a minor key--the theology of the cross--that fits U2's voice.

"The theology of the cross fits U2 because it avoids the all too common proclamation of faith, hope, and love that ignores the present realities of doubt, despair, suffering and injustice. It is a tradition that looks at the world and speaks the truth about what it sees: the good, the bad, and the ugly. In the words of the church reformer Martin Luther, the theology of the cross `calls a thing what it really is.'"

This book helps "make sense of U2's style of talking about God, Jesus, the Spirit and the Christian life in a holistic way." It's an excellent resource for those wanting to understand the spirituality found in the band's lyrics.

It also serves as a mini-lesson in theology, especially as it pertains to the cross and the different forms of communication found in the Bible. The author provides keen insight into the psalms, the wisdom literature, the parables, prophecy, and apocalyptic writing in the first section of the book. In each chapter a different pattern of speech is examined with examples of how U2 mirrors the style and content of that particular form.

The second section focuses on the theology of the cross. With U2, it's a way of singing "truthfully and unflinchingly about God and the world God loves. It is a way of speaking that highlights faith over certainty, hope over despair, selfless love over the self-indulgent pursuits that tempt the church and its leaders to grab power and money for themselves." Once again the author provides specific examples from the band's music.

The last section introduces the idea of living the truth as a way to live the cross. It provides an account of how U2 lives out their faith. For U2, following God means doing the truth.

One can easily come away with a greater understanding and admiration for what U2 is all about. The band deserves credit for not succumbing to the popular self-fulfillment trends in the Church.

What's especially valuable is the author's ability to introduce readers to the Christian tradition by illustrating from U2. His thoughts on cross-centered theology are rewarding and worth more than one read.

This is a scholarly but easy to read work. The author displays a mastery of theology and U2. He more than adequately supports his contentions through Scripture (almost exclusively from The Message Bible) and an analysis of the band's lyrics and interviews. This book is a valuable edition to the growing volume of literature on U2.

It would have been helpful if the author would have elaborated more on some of the controversial elements of U2. Though it may be a minor thing, their seeming indifference about drinking, smoking and swearing is hard to understand. Their critical attitude toward the Church and some Christians is understandable but a little troubling.

Some Christians feel that U2 is not Christian enough. Ironically, you can see from reading this book that U2 follow in the tradition of the cross by speaking honestly and pointing toward sacrifice and service toward others. In so doing, they have turned it around and indirectly challenged the Church and individual Christians to be more Christian.

Great lay out for Group Study.......2006-06-21

I thought the book was fun to read. A friend of mine used it as a guide for a church group study on the Theology of U2. It was a hit. We ended up discussing really important issues like Justice, and Money, etc. We would read a few chapters and watch the videos and then discuss. The way the book is structured is what positively differintiates it from other U2 books.

Religious Nuts, Political Fanatics: U2 in Theological Perspective

Average customer rating:

Nothing but quotes from other books
Moves in mysterious ways...
Simply Brilliant...
Bono and Jesus
Bono the Theologian

Religious Nuts, Political Fanatics: U2 in Theological Perspective
Robert Vagacs
Manufacturer: Cascade Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1597523364

Customer Reviews:

Nothing but quotes from other books.......2006-08-28

I read One Step Closer first and found it a great book. Easy to read with a lot of insightful commentary.

Then I read this book and just did not like it at all. It reads like a college term paper and is nothing but quotes from other authors. I just don't see how that qualifies as a "new book".

Moves in mysterious ways..........2006-04-20

My first introduction to the 'theology' of U2 and its applicability to modern worship contexts came from the book 'Get Up Off Your Knees : Preaching the U2 Catalog' by Raewynne J. Whiteley. This book is addresses some of the same material, and is a good companion to Whiteley's book.

Vagacs makes the apt point that music of U2's sort is the poetry of the modern age. Adults young and old don't tend to learn poetry, but they do remember song lyrics, and many of these song lyrics contain deep, meaningful, spiritual content. Vagacs taps into the categories of biblical interpretation and meaning-making of Walter Brueggemann (one of my personal favourites), and looks to the medium of modern rock and roll ('potent poetry' that 'allows the artist to express raw emotion and high intellect simultaneously') to be a means toward an 'alternative universe of discourse'.

It isn't simply in the lyrics of U2 songs that the call to fulfilling a moral purpose, a gospel statement if you will, comes into being. Bono has taken upon himself the task of educating and drawing the media spotlights to issues of world poverty, hunger, and financial mismanagement that is a somewhat ironic stance for a 'pop star'. However, no one else seemed to be stepping up to the plate. Bono was honoured with the Bill and Melinda Gates by Time magazine, not for fame and fortune, but rather for turning fame and fortune into a force for good in a specific, savvy and increasingly effective way.

There are elements in U2 songs that all Christians can find familiar - hope and despair, faith and doubt, longing and desire, dealing with injustice and finally finding grace. All of these things, from lamentations to psalms and proverbs, have parallels in both biblical and U2 lyrical words. Vagacs deals with the idea of the postmodern (an idea he admits is difficult to define, particularly in so short a work), and demonstrates in many ways that U2 is a postmodern embodiment of many biblical themes.

Vagacs includes a litany inspired by U2 lyrics, merged with themes and words from the gospel of Mark. Vagacs also includes a discography, source lists, and a recommended readings list. These are handy things for those who might want to further their study, or incorporate U2 into actual worship services.

Vagacs includes a glossary of terms at the start, rather than at the end. This is both for U2 fans who are not theologically/philosophically trained, as well as for those theological types who don't have a wide exposure to modern popular/rock music. Vagacs states, 'My hope is that this book will be of interest to U2 fans, offering them perhaps another perspective on U2's lyrics. I would also hope that those who are Christian, or religious, would recognize that the marriage of theology, faith and popular culture is not only possible, but relevant and fruitful as well.'

Simply Brilliant..........2006-03-30

Vagacs covers U2 from their early days of "Boy" to their most recent release, "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb", and dismantles the meaning behind U2's lyrics in a way I have NEVER read about before. He does it so brilliantly... read on below.

Vagacs easily intertwines the meaning of finding one's self in this world from the idea of orientation, disorientation, and finally reorientation. From U2's first release, "Boy", in 1979, they sing about faith, God, growing up, and spirituality. After this came "October" which has the most easily recognizable songs of praises to God, and one would almost think U2 was on a Christian record label. Later came "War" with the famous "Sunday Bloody Sunday" in which Bono sings, "To claim the victory, Jesus won." With these early releases, U2 knows their orientation in this world belongs with their faith in God. However later then comes "The Joshua Tree" in the mid-eighties in which they start to question things around them and further seek to orientate one's selves into society and where God and everyday social, political, and everyday life meets. It's a journey where "The Streets Have No Name", and where "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For".

Thus soon came that moment when some criticizing "religious nuts" misunderstood U2's creative side for thinking they lost their faith. It was a time during three very different U2 releases within a short period of time between 1991 to 1997. We had it all from the great ground-breaking "Achtung Baby" to "Zooropa", and lastly to "Pop". This was the representation of what we call disorientation in life. The sex, the drugs, and the rock and roll... yet somehow if you REALLY listen to the music and get past all the hype of Bono dressing as the devil, Mr. Macphisto, and etc... during Zoo TV, Pop Mart--- the lyrics are VERY honest in seeking God amongst all the evils and temptations of our world. Also hasn't anyone ever stopped and realized that Mr. Macphisto is Mephistopheles from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's book entitled "Faust" about a man who sells his soul to the devil for all the riches in the world. Furthermore, Bono at that time of U2's career had read "The Screwtape Letters" by the Christian writer C.S. Lewis. I also suggest reading in the bible, James 4:7, "Resist (mock) the devil and he shall flee from you." Bono was mocking the devil, not trying to be the devil. "Pop" ended with a great song "Wake Up Dead Man" in which Bono longs for Jesus to wake up in this world and do something... it's a Psalm of lamentation in a well-written form. On "Achtung Baby"-- we get to wonder if Judas will ever be redeemed by Jesus and receive eternal life-- really listen to the words of "Until The End of The World". The best line of the song is "With waves of regret and waves of joy, I reached out for the one I tried to destroy..."-- was Judas in waves of regret praying Jesus would forgive him for kissing his cheek and giving him to the cross for his crucifixion; and yet in waves of joy I think Judas knew Jesus would forgive him. After all, Christ died for all our sins, and I like to think Judas is forgiven.

Lastly, we come back to finding ourselves in our world of chaos and indulgences. U2 released in 2000, "All That You Can't Leave Behind" in which we find ourselves getting reoriented with ourselves, and stopping to realize that all worldly things are the things that we can leave behind. You can't take your riches and your selfish needs into heaven when we die. And their latest release, "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" begins with a song "Vertigo" in which Bono imagined in his head as he wrote the song a virtual night life of dancing the night away, and not finding anything substantial until he sees "the girl with crimson nails has Jesus round her neck, swinging to the music...", and it is here that he realizes His love is what is teaching him "how to kneel". Atomic Bomb ends with a great little not well-known number called "Yahweh" in which is sung "take this heart and make it break" as the very last line of the song. In the bible it is written that only when we let our hearts break and be opened anew can we find God again. God seeks out the meek, and it is the meek who shall inherit His riches and His glory and His grace. Only in this reorientation can we renew faith in God.

In this book, Vagacs takes you on the journey of life, and you take on this journey with you "all that you can't leave behind" which is faith, love, grace, forgiveness, and God. I highly recommend this book to any one who is a U2 fan, or is seeking a little meaning into God and faith.

Love and Peace or Else,
The BoNo FReaK (-;

Bono and Jesus.......2006-03-14

Vagacs does many unique and intriguing things in this little volume. He examines the collective works of U2 through the theological lenses of Walter Brueggemann to interpret their albums and specific songs. The categories he borrows from Brueggemann are the themes of hope amidst despair, social justice and eschatological anticipation, exile in a scorched land, and finally grace and resurrection.

Vagacs was drawn to undertake this endeavor after attending a U2 concert, which raised a number of questions in his mind. He states: "They prompt me to ask what is it exactly about U2's music that captivates people from such a diverse demographic, not to mention geographic, diversity? Is it their consistency, or their cohesiveness as a band? Is it their commitment to the music and each other? Is it U2's concern and involvement with social justice issues? Perhaps it is simply the fact that they generate great music?" (p.ix)

Vagacs believes that there are 4 categories of readers for this book:

1. You are neither a U2 fan nor a Christ follower.

2. You are a U2 fan with no real connection to Jesus Christ.

3. You are a Christian with no real connection to U2.

4. You are both a U2 fan and a Christ follower.

No matter which category you are in, this book can be informative, both on the history of U2 and the progression of thought through their music, and the spiritual imagery and implications of their work album by album. No matter which of the four you are, this book will open your eyes.

Brian Walsh in the introduction states: "Rob Vagacs does not come to worship at the shrine of U2. That would be a blasphemy to his own faith and a terrible disservice to the band. Rather, this book opens our eyes to light that is shining in the midst of the darkness of a postmodern world." (p.xvi) I believe it sums up the book well. This book will not herald U2 as the light, but as light bearers in a darkening world. This book will help you see light around you, whether in other people, music, or even theology.

Bono the Theologian.......2006-01-17

This is without doubt, the best book available dealing with the theological and spiritual elements of the music and story of U2. While numerous such books have been written, this one rises above them all. It is neither a defense of U2 nor an attempt to show where the went off track as so many Christians have done.

Vagacs instead looks at the history of the band and then moves on to a thorough reading of U2's vaioust albums. He explores their lyrics through an imaginative use of Walter Brueggemann's threefold classification of the psalms as pslams of orientiation, disorientation and reorientation. Psalms of orientation celebrate the establishement of God's people and God care for them in the land. Psalms of disorientation, by contrast give voice to Israel's pain and confusion in the face of clamaity, injustice and exile. Reorientation pslams, celebrate God's new possiblilities for new life and hope in the face of injustice.

Vagacs explores the early alblums of U2 which many evangelical Christians were drawn two and reads them as psalms of orientation. Later albulms such as Achtung Baby and Zooropa however voice disorientation, protest, doubt and pain in the face of injustice. Vagacs then goes on to explore how U2's recent albulms, All the You Can't Leave Behind and How to Dismantly and Atomic Bomb echos the psalms of reorientation, singing of new hope, love, peace and life in the face of death.

Vagacs traces themes like those of the Wanderer and the Sojourner through U2's music showing ultimately how the songs of this band offer dangerous poetry for Christians today. U2's lyrics reveal a profound faith in God and hope in him which simlultaneously doesn't sugar-coat the realities of injustice, suffering and pain in the world. Rather, in the tradition of psalms, U2 offers all these ugly realities up to God, calling upon him to act, questioning why he doesn't and yet always holding out hope that there is an even more beautiful sunrise on the other side of darkness of the world. Theirs is a message of authenticity and hope that both Christians and non-Christians need to hear in today's world. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Amazing book!
Better than you might expect
Now you've found what you're lookin' for

U2 - The Piano Collection
U2
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0634098438

Book Description

A top-notch collection of 19 songs from these rock superstars from Ireland. Includes: Beautiful Day - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - Miss Sarajevo - Pride (In the Name of Love) - Sunday Bloody Sunday - With or Without You - and more.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing book!.......2007-05-12

It works for my gutiar (it has all chords well written) and for my friend who plays piano...very cool and essential book if you are a U2 fan and a musician.

Better than you might expect.......2006-08-01

This book of U2 songs set to the piano is better than I expected. When I originally saw this book I grabbed it because it had Running to a Standstill. It was the one song by U2 I really had a desire to play and had been searching for sheet music for quite a while.

It didn't disappoint. The sheet music and arrangements are excellent, and better then one might expect. The song selection is quite nice too. Some of the songs that included:

Where the Streets Have No Name, Running to a Standstill, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, The Unforgettable Fire, New Year's Day, Sunday Bloody Sunday, October, All I Want Is You, Love is Blindness, One, Stay (Faraway, So Close), Miss Sarajevo, Beautiful Day, Stuck in a Moment, Miracle Drug, Sweetest Thing, Electrical Storm, Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own.

I might have missed one or two songs, but most of them sound pretty good on the piano. I think a couple more songs could have been good on the piano, but having any songs by U2 on the piano is a nice treat. Running to a Standstill sounds great. The Unforgettable Fire is suprisingly great. October is good, but it is really a simple song. Where the Streets Have No Name is another one that is really good.

Overall, the songs seem to stay true to the music. My only disappointment so far is Beautiful Day, although that is mostly because it focuses on the chords and doesn't have a lyrical melody. It is a minor complaint that I could solve if I could sing. At Amazon's prices, it is definitely worth the purchase.

Now you've found what you're lookin' for.......2006-02-28

Highly recommended for any U2 fan...classics old and new. Includes 'Beautiful Day,' 'Sunday Bloody Sunday,' and 'Where the Streets Have No Name.' Lyrics, piano, and guitar chords.

U2: Into the Heart: The Stories Behind Every Song

Average customer rating:

Dissapointing
A superb study on U2 creations
U2 Into the Heart: The Stories Behind every Song
Must have for U2 fans
It is what the title says, Stories Behind Every Song......

U2: Into the Heart: The Stories Behind Every Song
Niall Stokes
Manufacturer: Thunder's Mouth Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1560257652

Book Description

With over 24 pages covering the band's newest CD, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, U2: Into the Heart examines the behind-the-scenes influences that shaped U2’s internationally popular and critically acclaimed music. Included are original and revealing interviews with band members and the key people close to U2. The band’s rich cultural and social context is fully explored, providing a colorful backdrop to the songs. U2: Into the Heart traces U2’s meteoric rise from the early days of their career with Boy, their first album, to the spanning success of The Joshua Tree, Rattle and Hum, Achtung Baby, and Pop. U2 is a group that has become a world-class rock ’n’ roll band; a band that continues to invent themselves and are not afraid to take chances with their craft—as well as make a unique impact in the world of music with their raw, emotional energy.

Customer Reviews:

Dissapointing.......2006-09-06

Maybe it was more like buyer beware, I was really disapointed in how superficial and extrapolated the content of the subject was. I don't consider this a an essential piece for any serious u2 fan, it leaves you with way too much ambuguity.

A superb study on U2 creations.......2006-01-29

Niall Stokes did perfectly well by compilling such precious informations on U2's songs. If you have any of the band's biographies published to date, you're not done not until you get this book. It contains fascinating stories on the writing of the music and lyrics. Thanks for writing and releasing it, mr. Stokes!

U2 Into the Heart: The Stories Behind every Song.......2006-01-16

First Negatives, then positives:

Negatives:
1. Not all of the songs have interpretations of the lyrics. Most, but not all. The stories told in each song's profile follow no formula or criteria - some cover lyrics, some music, some production, some inspiration, etc. Those stories are great and I like their inclusion, but I much prefer that every song had a lyrical explanation.

2. The author at times seems to marginalize the amount of Christian reference in U2's music. It just doesn't come up in proportion to how big it has been throughout U2's history.

3. Where is "Holy Joe" ? Other B-Sides are covered!

4. At times it's difficult to determine which points are the author's speculation and which are his conveyances of U2's thoughts and ideas. He admits in the introduction that some editorial speculation and interpretation - but I'd like some clarity about which is which, because I'm more interested in what U2 has to say than reading Stoke's brainstorming about his take.

As for the positives:

1. The book is very comprehensive (except for Holy Joe!) and very well organized - chronologically by album with a section in the back covering B-Sides, and other stuff not on albums. It gives a 2 or 3 page 'profile' on each song with several nice color pictures.

2. Despite my crticism above about not offering a lyric interpretation or explanation of every song, Stokes did a great job of finding some very interestings stories on other aspects of how songs came together.

3. And the last thing is that there don't seem to be any, or at least not many other books like this out there. I know there are others on this topic (covering U2 song by song) but the ones I've seen don't do as good of a job. In fact, the others I've seen actually make the line between editorializing and describing U2 by their own words - even more unclear. So if there are better works of this sort on U2 out there - I haven't seen them.

Enjoy the book!

Must have for U2 fans.......2006-01-16

Great book. The title says it all. A must have for all U2 fans.

It is what the title says, Stories Behind Every Song.............2005-12-28

If you're after a book that will tell you exactly what each song on every U2 album was written about, this isn't it and it isn't supposed to be. In fact there isn't any book that can tell you exactly what each song is about because there are a number of U2 songs where the lyrics are highly personal to Bono and even he won't disclose the full meaning of them.

If, however, you are looking for a book that gives information on how certain songs came together with some lesser known facts thrown in and, in some cases, the meaning of the lyrics then this book will make interesting reading.

The main bulk of the book covers all the songs on every U2 studio Album from Boy to How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb (including Rattle & Hum) and briefly touches on B-Sides, Passengers, Edge's Captive soundtrack, The Million Dollar Hotel Project and a number of other 'side projects' undertaken by band members over the years. Interesting comments from producers, people who worked with the band and of course all the band members themselves, gives quite a facinating insight at times to how certain songs came about.

Niall Stokes has known U2 ever since they were a young up and coming Dublin band and has therefore been lucky enough to get plenty of access to the band over a 25+ year period and he's not done a bad job. The title is as it suggests, 'Stories Behind Every U2 Song' and not 'What The Lyrics To Every U2 Song Are About.' If you're a big U2 fan like me, some of the pictures and some of the stories are already familiar but there is enough in here that I didn't know that kept me from putting the book down and so it gets a 4 star review.

U2 and Philosophy: How to Decipher an Atomic Band (Popular Culture and Philosophy)

Average customer rating:

Great idea poorly executed
A top pick for fans of the group

U2 and Philosophy: How to Decipher an Atomic Band (Popular Culture and Philosophy)

Manufacturer: Open Court
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0812695992

Book Description

Is it possible to be a committed Christian and a rock superstar? Can political activists make good music? Do hugely successful rock bands really care about AIDS and poverty in Africa, or is it just another image-enhancing schtick? U2 and Philosophy ponders these and other seeming dichotomies in the career of the Irish supergroup. For over two decades, U2 has been one of the biggest acts in rock music. They’ve produced over a dozen platinum and multiplatinum records and won 15 Grammy Awards. Critics everywhere have praised the band’s thoughtful, complex lyrics and the artistry of their music. At the same time, Bono, the group’s lead singer, has dedicated himself to political and social causes, blurring the line between rock star and respected statesman. Offering fresh insight into the band’s music and activism, these thought-provoking essays allows fans to discover philosophy through the eyes of U2, and rediscover U2 through the eyes of philosophers.

Customer Reviews:

Great idea poorly executed.......2007-03-16

This could've been a great collection, but many of the pieces just aren't very well written. The writers use very few actual examples from U2's songs, and most of the chapters jump all over the place, with subtitles seemingly inserted at random. There are stylistic and spelling inconsistencies, as well as some factual errors (it lists The Unforgettable Fire as released in 1990, when in fact it came out in 1984, for example). While it's not a bad introduction to some key philosophical ideas, students would be better off seeking out a textbook or the original texts, and I don't think the scant references to U2 made any of the essays better. In fact, most of them felt convoluted because they didn't provide enough proof to back up what they were trying to argue.

That said, the chapter on the Joshua Tree and place was fantastic. If the whole book had been that way, I'd be writing a much different review. As it is, though, that chapter just made the others in the book look bad.

Good for those somewhat interested in philosophy, but U2 fans will be disappointed. Those interested in learning more about U2 would be better off searching out U2 at the End of the World or U2 By U2, or simply just listening to U2's music and thinking about it on their own.

A top pick for fans of the group.......2007-02-06

U2 AND PHILOSOPHY: HOW TO DECIPHER AN ATOMIC BAND is a top pick for fans of the group, introducing philosophy in the context of a popular music venue review to make it more understandable to modern audiences. What does U2 have to do with Plato, existentialism, and Nietzsche, among others? This is the perfect pick for a high school collection wishing to introduce students to philosophy without appearing dry or dull in the process!

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

U2 -- The Best of Propaganda: 20 Years of the Official U2 Magazine

Average customer rating:

Excelent book!!!
Mea non culpa
u2: The Best of Propaganda
Must-have for a die-hard U2 fan

U2 -- The Best of Propaganda: 20 Years of the Official U2 Magazine
Ian Gittins
Manufacturer: Thunder's Mouth Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1560254874

Book Description

Started in the band’s very earliest days, from 1986 until the year 2000, Propaganda was the only official U2 fan-club magazine to ever exist. Each issue carried exclusive in-depth interviews, plus behind-the-scenes insights into U2 operations and unique never-seen-elsewhere photographs. An impressive selection of the best features appear here in this very first Propaganda anthology, offering a fascinating chance to see the extraordinary development of one of the biggest bands in the world through the writers and photographers who have been closest to them throughout their successful career. U2's Propaganda includes 250 color photographs--some of which have never appeared anywhere else, a tribute CD made up of various artists appearing in stores in October 2002, articles written by the band members themselves, exclusive band member interviews never printed before, and a full discography.

Customer Reviews:

Excelent book!!!.......2004-03-30

This book contains only the best of the best of U2. You can understand some of the decitions of the band or event the songs just to take a look to the book. The best book of U2 ever.

Mea non culpa.......2004-02-14

I'm glad readers are enjoying this U2 compendium. A word, though, about the typos and spelling errors. This book is a snapshot in time, a record of U2's Propaganda magazine, warts and all. The very earliest magazines were punky and rough around the edges, and occasionally contained grammatical errors. We made a conscious decision to keep them in to make the book a truer guide to the journal's development. To correct them would have been to airbrush history. I hope this helps to explain matters.

(By the way, apologies for my appalling arrogance in awarding the book five stars here - Amazon don't allow you to post a review without awarding the book a star rating!).

u2: The Best of Propaganda.......2003-12-29

This book is a great insight into the world of U2, great reading for the U2 fan although i think Ian Grittins forgot to proof read this material and also forgot to hit spell check because there is alot of spelling and grammer mistakes, still a fantastic buy, lots of stuff here that you wont find anywhere else.

Must-have for a die-hard U2 fan.......2003-11-22

As the title indicates, this book is a must-have for those of us who are passionate about U2. The photos are great, the articles cover a wide range of styles, authors, perspectives, etc....it is especially interesting to read interviews with the band at vastly different stages of their career. However, I wouldn't suggest this book as an introduction to U2. Unless you know the history of the band quite well, most of these articles would be confusing to you because they are highlights from U2's magazine, and background knowlege is assumed--sometimes very little context is given. But as I said, for those of us who know U2 well, context is not necessary. My only complaint is the editing, or lack thereof. There are so many typos in this book you would think that it wasn't proofread at all; or perhaps it was simply produced very quickly. Overall though, an essential addition to any fan's collection.
I am adding a p.s. to this review after reading Ian Gittins' (the editor himself!) response to mine and others' complaints about the typos. I thank Mr. Gittins for explaining; the fact that the typos were present in the original articles did not occur to me. If I had thought a little harder about it, maybe it would have occured to me, or maybe it wouldn't. At any rate, though the typos are still distracting, they are not as irritating now that I know why they're there. I am dutifully chagrined for any implications about Mr. Gittins' editing abilities...

Get Up Off Your Knees: Preaching the U2 Catalog

Average customer rating:

Disappointed
I have found what I'm looking for...
Awsome
Good for pastors and/or U2 fans
Amazon is WRONG, this book IS readily available

Get Up Off Your Knees: Preaching the U2 Catalog
Raewynne Whiteley
Manufacturer: Cowley Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1561012238

Book Description

A thoughtful and provocative collection of sermons by a group of preachers from across the international church spectrum who have been moved to theological reflection on the art and work of U2.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointed.......2005-12-05

I bought this book because I really do believe that U2 represent something very significant in terms of spirituality. I hoped the book would be as inspiring as U2 themselves or at least partly so. How wrong I was. This random collection of sermons feels like I'm stuck in high school english class listening to person after person rattle off speech after speech, wishing they were anywhere else but here. There is not a shred of revelation or conviction in any one of them. I kept reading hoping it would get better but it didn't. I'm very relieved that the people offering up these sermons are not preaching in my church. This is textbook preaching 101. Powerless and impoverished.

I have found what I'm looking for..........2004-02-06

`Is U2 a prophetic voice?' This is a question asked by Eugene Patterson in the forward to this book, `Get Up Off Your Knees: Preaching the U2 Catalogue.' There are many pop stars who can claim the role of `idol' with justification - Elvis and Marilyn Monroe are perhaps the greatest of these images, but in the end they lack the appropriate `ultimate concern' (if one may borrow a Tillichian phrase) because they become the objects of worship themselves - of course, there are some who worship or have worshiped U2, but in fact the strength of U2 lies in their symbolic nature, that they point to things greater and more important than themselves, and through the power of their music, lyrics and personae involve the people in something more ultimate.

One of the strengths of a book such as this is that it pushes the boundaries of ordinary preaching. Both editors Raewynne Whiteley and Beth Maynard have been involved in the Episcopal Church's Gathering the neXt Generation network, a group dedicated to looking for ways to involve more of Generation X into the church - what better way than to go to where Generation X lives, the popular culture, dominated by music.

The book grew out of an initial conversation of the editors and a third person, Mike Kinman, at a conference where Whiteley presented a paper on U2 and preaching to the GenX group. It became apparent that this was not a solitary glimpse, but had the aspects of communal revelation. Through various contacts, Whiteley and Maynard collected homilies preached by fellow ministers that involved key songs or elements of U2. There are 26 sermons in all, organised according to broad themes each introduced by a meditation by Sarah Dylan Breuer. The appendices include a paper by Whiteley on pop-culture and preaching, a brief history (for those who are new) of U2 by Maynard, and a very useful 6-session outline for an adult study series incorporating U2 and this text. This is bound to be of great interest to churches who might want to reach out to the GenX population, and can be a great evangelism tool. The adult series requires extra material (including important pieces of the U2 corpus, music and video), for this kind of study requires more of an MTV approach incorporating different media, but it does not assume that the participants are necessarily fans of U2 beforehand.

Just as U2 speaks with a strong voice and tells various stories of importance, so too do these sermons. These certainly do not read like the sermons from dusty seminary shelves, so-called `classic' sermons that highlight particular preaching methods or hermeneutic devices; these are fresh and vibrant with an energy quite new. With regard to this text, I would never say `I still haven't found what I'm looking for.' Perhaps this will be an answer for whom that lyric still holds true.

So, is U2 a prophetic voice? The authors in this text would say yes. They expose the bad, proclaim the good, call for the acting for good - this makes up the core of good prophecy and good preaching.

Awsome.......2004-01-31

This book is wonderfully put together and incredibly fun. My friends and I are passing two copies of it around our college campus, and none of us can get enough of it! The sermons are thought provoking and fun!
Even if you haven't heard of U2 (odd as that may be) its still a great book!
Wahoo!

Good for pastors and/or U2 fans.......2004-01-28

most of the sermons in this book are very high quality. some are lacking. overall, the book has been very helpful for me (i am a theology student at princeton seminary and a preacher). the history of U2, the study guides, and the introduction/foreword are all helpful additions to these sermons.

i've been using U2 lyrics in my sermons for a while; it's nice to see others have done the same, with expertise and wisdom.

order this book especially if you are Christian and a U2 fan!

Nathan Hart

Amazon is WRONG, this book IS readily available.......2004-01-09

I discovered that this book IS available directly from the publisher (and there's not 'special order' fee!) for $14.95. Just go to www.cowley.org and forget about Amazon. They don't know what they're doing. From what the publisher told me, Amazon has no interest in putting up the correct information on this book.

BTW, it's a great book...at least this first part I've read so far.

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