Want to know what books Ian Thomson recommends on their reading list? We've researched interviews, social media posts, podcasts, and articles to build a comprehensive list of Ian Thomson's favorite book recommendations of all time.
1
'Jamaican music at last has the book it deserves' Prince Buster, from his Foreword
'The first comprehensive history of every aspect of reggae (and) it could be the last that talked to those who were there at stage one...Bradley leaves no stone unturned in a coruscating rollercoaster ride through murder, major label gripes, ganja paranoia and racism, ending with Luciano hoping for a return to good songs and good singers. And if UB 40 get a mention, I missed it. Isn`t that recommendation enough for you?' Mojo
'Switches between informed analysis and... more 'Jamaican music at last has the book it deserves' Prince Buster, from his Foreword
'The first comprehensive history of every aspect of reggae (and) it could be the last that talked to those who were there at stage one...Bradley leaves no stone unturned in a coruscating rollercoaster ride through murder, major label gripes, ganja paranoia and racism, ending with Luciano hoping for a return to good songs and good singers. And if UB 40 get a mention, I missed it. Isn`t that recommendation enough for you?' Mojo
'Switches between informed analysis and intoxicating aural history...With epic contributions from major players such as PrinceBuster, Horace Andy, Bunny Lee and Dennis Bovell' GQ
'Fascinating...written with passion, style and gusto. This is a book many musicians would benefit from reading' Jah Wobble, Independent on Sunday
'A compelling social and musical history running from Fifties soundsystem roots to contemporary dancehall...filled to the brim with anecdotes to keep the most hardened music-head happy' Face
'A classic...Hilarious in places, peppered with social and historical comment in others, this is a fascinating account detailing how reggae evolved in Jamaica and became a global phenomenon' New Nation less 
Daniel EkA great history of reggae music and the influences it has on other genres. (Source)
Ian ThomsonIn Jamaica music is the vital expression; night and day, amid the heat and narrow lanes of downtown Kingston, rap, ragga and reggae boom from giant loudspeaker cabinets, a heavy musical beat. (Source)
See more recommendations for this book...
2
Matthew Gregory Lewis | 3.39
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute... more This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant. less Ian ThomsonA lot of British accounts of the island are inflected with these gothic conventions. And Lewis is very much saturated in all that. (Source)
See more recommendations for this book...
3
Holly Fox Vellekoop | 3.42
Lana Stahl was to have a meeting with Mrs. Rose Stone, a Danville socialite who wanted nothing more than to revitalize the historic Victorian town. But when Lana finds Mrs. Stone dead and the only person in proximity to the crime scene is the gardener, she knows that something is not right. Who would kill the town's most important benefactor?
As Lieutenant Sheski, a Pennsylvania State Trooper, investigates, he finds that his suspects are reluctant to disclose their pasts - for good reason. The victim's husband, Dr. Lesley Stone, a psychologist, hides a terrible family secret that... more Lana Stahl was to have a meeting with Mrs. Rose Stone, a Danville socialite who wanted nothing more than to revitalize the historic Victorian town. But when Lana finds Mrs. Stone dead and the only person in proximity to the crime scene is the gardener, she knows that something is not right. Who would kill the town's most important benefactor?
As Lieutenant Sheski, a Pennsylvania State Trooper, investigates, he finds that his suspects are reluctant to disclose their pasts - for good reason. The victim's husband, Dr. Lesley Stone, a psychologist, hides a terrible family secret that has cost him not only the relationship with his daughter, but much more.
Lieutenant Sheski must uncover all the secrets of cozy Danville to keep himself and Lana out of danger. When he reopens an old case involving the town's famous psychopathic artist and the murder of several little girls, the state trooper finds that decades of lies and deceit have led him back to his victim - Mrs. Rose Stone. less Ian ThomsonThis brief novel is key, I think, to understanding the life and politics of Jamaica today. (Source)
See more recommendations for this book...
5
Lady Nugent's husband was governor of Jamaica during a critical period of the Napoleonic Wars. Her personal diary conveys impressions of life among the slave-owning colonial gentry. The journal was first published in 1907. more Lady Nugent's husband was governor of Jamaica during a critical period of the Napoleonic Wars. Her personal diary conveys impressions of life among the slave-owning colonial gentry. The journal was first published in 1907. less Ian ThomsonShe describes the Jamaican plantocracy, their vast planter meals and sexual gropings, in tones of fastidious disgust. (Source)
See more recommendations for this book...
Don't have time to read Ian Thomson's favorite books? Read Shortform summaries.
Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
- Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
- Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.