In “The Witch”, Ronald Hutton takes us on a fascinating historical adventure, revealing the complex stories around the figure of the witch in European culture. With careful historical details, Hutton dispels myths and biases, offering a clear and well-researched view of witchcraft.

The journey begins by exploring the medieval and Renaissance roots of the witch concept. Hutton guides us through meanings and interpretations, showing how witches were often misunderstood and shrouded in mystery.

Moving forward, Hutton examines the relationship between witchcraft and social context. Accusations of witchcraft emerge as signs of social, economic, and religious conflicts, with witchcraft becoming a tool of control, especially against women.

Special attention is given to witchcraft in Italy, where Hutton highlights the regional diversity of beliefs and magical practices. He describes how, in some areas, witchcraft was somewhat tolerated, while in others, it was fiercely persecuted, emphasizing the role of the Church and local authorities in these dynamics.

The book continues with a critical review of witch hunts in Europe, where Hutton challenges the traditionally accepted figures on persecutions, suggesting a more balanced perspective.

Through “The Witch”, Ronald Hutton not only sheds light on a dark chapter of our history but also invites us to reflect on how witchcraft has been interpreted and manipulated over the centuries. With this work, he provides a valuable glimpse into a complex and multifaceted historical reality, which includes the unique manifestations of witchcraft in Italy.

In “Rockonomics,” Alan B. Krueger performs a sharp and systematic analysis of the music business world, offering readers a composition filled with information and insights about the industry. This book is not just for economists but is a key guide for music lovers who want to understand the market dynamics that control the music in their everyday life.

Krueger, like an expert conductor, dives into the recent history of the music market, looking at the rising prices of concert tickets and explaining this trend by mixing art with economics. He carefully examines the transformation that started with the internet and the boom of streaming platforms like Spotify, showing the major shift that made artists and record companies rethink their strategies because music is now consumed in a digital and widespread way.

The book comes alive by telling the story of the music business’s evolution, from the fall of CDs to the huge rise of streaming, and even to the selling of music rights for huge amounts of money, which clearly shows an industry changing shape. Big-name artists like Bowie, Dylan, and Springsteen are used as examples of the complex but interesting dance between the economy and music.

In “Rockonomics,” Krueger doesn’t just tell a story, but also gives a practical framework for making money in the digital age, as shown by the successful case of Taylor Swift, whose skill in using streaming platforms has changed the rules of the game.

With its deep analysis and smooth storytelling, “Rockonomics” by Alan B. Krueger proves to be an essential read for anyone who wants to tune into the economic frequencies that control the music universe. It’s an economic sheet music book that’s a must-have for fans of the field.

“A World Without Work” by Daniel Susskind is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersections between work, technology, and the future. Susskind doesn’t merely focus on the economic impact of automation and artificial intelligence; he goes further, investigating the deep social and cultural implications.

On one hand, the book highlights how automation can lead to increased efficiency and quality in the production of goods and services. This scenario could offer companies the opportunity to reduce operating costs, making them more competitive on a global scale. Moreover, technological innovation could spawn new sectors that we can’t even imagine right now, potentially offsetting the loss of jobs in more traditional areas.

However, Susskind doesn’t shy away from the more problematic aspects of this transition. The elimination of certain job categories could exacerbate social inequalities, leaving entire communities without a stable source of income. Additionally, the issue of resource redistribution in a world with less work for humans remains unresolved, raising complex ethical questions.

In summary, “Un mondo senza lavoro” provides a balanced and thought-provoking analysis, prompting the reader to critically reflect on a future that is already on our doorstep. The book serves as a useful guide for navigating the challenges and opportunities that arise in this rapidly evolving landscape.

This autobiography plunges us into the world of Brian Johnson, the charismatic frontman of AC/DC, starting from his childhood in Dunston, England, and culminating in international triumph with the renowned Australian band.

With genuine authenticity and magnetic allure, Johnson shares the chapters of his life, acquainting us with both the man and the performer. The text is filled with episodes and meaningful details, offering a deep understanding of his personal and professional journey.

A particularly noteworthy element in the book is the chronicle of recording the album “Back in Black” in the Bahamas. This experience is described as a pivotal moment for both the band and Johnson. The tropical setting, combined with creative tension, helps give rise to an album that would become legendary, solidifying Johnson’s status as one of rock’s greats.

The album, released in 1980, captures the world’s attention, making Johnson an iconic figure recognized for his powerful vocals and unstoppable stage presence. The book thus serves as a celebration of passion, resilience, and of course, music. Johnson is an artist who has devoted every fiber of his being to this craft, achieving success and accolades through an intense work ethic.

Alongside his extraordinary career, Johnson has faced significant challenges, including a dramatic loss of hearing that forced him to question the future of his vocation. This circumstance is sensitively explored in the book, showing how, despite adversity, the artist has always been able to rise again and continue to pursue his dreams.

“The Lives of Brian” proves to be essential reading for anyone captivated by AC/DC, as well as a thorough analysis of an exceptional individual who has left an indelible mark on the fabric of modern music.

Each time you reopen the pages of “Slash,” it’s like taking a trip back in time, revisiting the young Slash grappling with life’s challenges, his love for music, and his hunger for success. Reading it again gives you the chance to catch details you might have missed the first time and dive deeper into the complexities of a man who navigated the rough waters of success and fame while keeping an unwavering dedication to his art.

The biography is a rich and respectful tribute to Slash’s career, from its uncertain beginnings to his rise to international fame. Antony Bozza writes with a respect and admiration that shine through on every page, painting a portrait of a man and an artist with a complex and deeply human soul. Slash’s story is full of ups and downs, victories and losses, and the book doesn’t shy away from showing them in all their raw reality. Reading it again allows you to absorb these aspects more deeply, revealing something unexpected or even more captivating about this iconic figure with each new pass.

But “Slash” is not just the story of an extraordinary musician; it’s also an implicit guide to guitar mastery. Music lovers will find the technical and creative details of his approach to the guitar irresistible. He’s not just a man who plays an instrument; he lives it, and this passion and dedication shine brightly through Bozza’s words.

So, reading “Slash” is not just a journey through the life of a music legend, but also into the art of biographical storytelling. With each read, new layers of understanding emerge, new corners to explore, and a deeper appreciation for the man and the artist. If you haven’t yet had the chance to read this fascinating biography, I invite you to do so; and if you have, it might be time to dive back into those pages, because “Slash” is a book that keeps on giving, along a path of continual discovery and admiration.

Cowboy Song is a thorough biography of Phil Lynott, the legendary singer and bassist of Thin Lizzy. The book was written by Graeme Thomson, a seasoned music journalist who had access to a wide range of sources, including family, friends, colleagues, and band members.

The text traces Lynott’s life from his childhood in Dublin, Ireland, to his untimely passing at the age of 36 in 1986. Thomson describes Lynott as a complex and contradictory man, a creative genius with a dark side, a loving father and devoted husband, but also a person struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol.

The book offers an intimate and moving portrait of a man who left an indelible mark on rock music. Thomson sensitively depicts Lynott’s life, both his successes and failures. Cowboy Song is essential reading for all Thin Lizzy fans and anyone interested in the life and music of Phil Lynott.

Thomson has done an excellent job of research, extensively gathering insights from many individuals who knew Lynott personally.

The book is well-written and flows smoothly, placing a strong focus on Lynott’s emotions and personality.

The biography is very touching and left a deep impression on me.

I particularly appreciated how Thomson portrayed Lynott’s complexity – a man who grappled with his Irish, Afro-American, and British identities. He was someone who struggled with addiction but also a man who loved his wife and daughter deeply, and had a strong passion for making music.

Cowboy Song is a book I won’t easily forget. It’s a journey that allowed me to better understand a complex and contradictory man, a creative genius with a dark side. This book helped me fully appreciate Thin Lizzy’s music and helped me understand why Phil Lynott is considered one of the greatest rock musicians of all time.

If you’re a Thin Lizzy fan or interested in his life and music, I highly recommend reading Cowboy Song, a book that will introduce you to a unique and unforgettable artist. I got the English version, but I hear that the Italian edition is also very well done. Happy reading

This text is an exciting journey through the life of one of the greatest frontmen of all time, from his difficult childhood in Cortland, New York, to his rise to success with bands like Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio. But “Rainbow in the Dark” is not just a chronology of Dio’s career: it is an intimate account of his private life, his encounters, disappointments, hopes, and dreams that led him to become the legend we all know.

Reading this book gives you the feeling of sitting next to Ronnie as he tells his most memorable stories. You laugh and cry with him, learn about the characters who were part of his life, and appreciate the depth of his words and music.

But what strikes you the most about this book is the love that Dio puts into every page. Love for his family, friends, fans, music, and life itself. “Rainbow in the Dark” is a tribute to the power of love and Dio’s ability to turn his life into a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world.

Ultimately, “Rainbow in the Dark” is a must-read for anyone who loves rock music and wants to get to know one of the most extraordinary and beloved artists of all time. Dio left us too soon, but his memory and music will live forever. And this book is the most tangible and affectionate proof of that.

“Last of the Giants: The True Story of Guns N’ Roses” by Mick Wall is an exciting read for all fans of the legendary hard rock band from the 80s, Guns N’ Roses. This book tells the story of the group from its formation until the end of the 90s, through stories, interviews, and reconstructions of each member’s life.

Wall gives an honest and in-depth perspective on the band’s turbulent life, including their internal conflicts and personal challenges that influenced their music. The book is also a detailed account of the rock culture of the 80s and 90s, through the lens of one of the most iconic bands of the era.

With an engaging narrative tone and a smooth storytelling style, “Last of the Giants” is a recommended read for all Guns’ fans and rock music enthusiasts. Thanks to Wall’s great knowledge of the music world, the book offers a deep and passionate insight into the life of one of the most influential and dangerous bands in rock history.

The protagonist of the story is Steven, a successful music executive in London, who is willing to do anything to maintain his luxurious lifestyle and social status. Steven is a despicable and unscrupulous character, who manipulates, deceives, and even kills to get what he wants. His descent into madness and depravity is narrated in a raw and ruthless manner by Niven, offering an uncompromising look into the psychology of a sociopath.

Niven’s writing is sharp as a razor, with sharp and biting prose that mocks morality and decency. The language is vulgar and offensive, but it is perfectly in line with the disturbing tone of the novel. Niven has a unique style in creating a brutal and uncensored narrative that challenges social and moral norms, pushing readers to question the nature of humanity.

One of the strengths of this book is its ability to tackle complex themes in a provocative way. Niven addresses issues such as fame, greed, success, and human madness in a raw and ruthless manner. The plot is tightly structured and full of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the last page.

However, “Kill your friends” may not be suitable for all readers. Its rawness and obscenity may be offensive to some, and its despicable protagonist may not be to everyone’s liking. This is a book that challenges the reader and forces them to confront uncomfortable and disturbing themes, and may not be suitable for those seeking a light or conventional read.

In conclusion, “Kill your friends” is a bold and provocative novel that offers an unflinching look into the human psyche and the dark side of humanity. Niven’s writing is sharp and raw, and the plot is full of twists that will leave readers breathless. If you are ready to confront uncomfortable and disturbing themes, this book will leave you speechless and will make you reflect long after you have closed it. However, be warned.

A definitely beautiful book but not easy to assimilate due to the highly elaborate English level used by the author. It starts, as always, from the artist’s childhood and leads to the sad epilogue, his death. The text is full of anecdotes about the entire live journey of Soundgarden and Audioslave, not forgetting the studio part, album by album. During the reading, Cornell’s character, a beloved and respected musician throughout the music industry for his way of being and doing, stands out in a predominant way. I really enjoyed the passage where they talk about the relationships with Guns N’ Roses and especially with Axl Rose. As previously mentioned, the text uses particularly advanced English but with the right concentration, it is possible to follow the narration and understand the concepts. I fondly remember their show at the Delle Alpi Stadium in Turin (1992) when they supported Guns, it was a beautiful and definitely unforgettable experience. The memories of Andy Wood and the band Mother Love Bone are also very touching. Reading is a must for all fans of Soundgarden and Audioslave.

Born Steven Victor Tallarico on March 26, 1948, in Yonkers, New York, Steven Tyler is the iconic songwriter, composer, and voice of Aerosmith—America’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band and is considered one of rock’s most recognizable and dynamic frontmen. Rolling Stone magazine has cited him as one of the greatest singers of all time.

After coming together in Sunapee, New Hampshire, in the late sixties, five musicians made the decision to move to Boston, live together, and become the band we know today as Aerosmith: Tyler as frontman, guitarist Joe Perry, bassist Tom Hamilton, guitarist Ray Tabano, later replaced by Brad Whitford, and drummer Joey Kramer. The band has sold more than 100 million records across the globe and won numerous prestigious awards multiple Grammys, American Music awards, Billboard awards, and MTV awards and was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.

Aerosmith has infiltrated rock history with their memorable appearances in Wayne’s World and The Simpsons, at the halftime show at Super Bowl XXXV in 2001, and in their own Aerosmith version of Guitar Hero. Their number one single, “Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” was nominated for an Academy Award for best song for the movie Armageddon. In December 2010, Tyler performed for President Obama and the First Lady in a special tribute to Sir Paul McCartney at the Kennedy Center Honors. In January 2011, Tyler joined Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, and host Ryan Seacrest as a judge on the Fox TV phenomenon American Idol.