Quick Take

Back in print, The Lizard King chronicles the life and death of one of the most irresistibly enigmatic figures in the history of The Doors' infamous frontman Jim Morrison.Poet, shaman, Dionysian drunk, and druggie, Doors lead singer Jim Morrison quickly achieved cult status after his death in 1971. In The Lizard King , Jerry Hopkins reassesses Jim Morrison's life and provides fresh insights into this powerful and troubled talent, considering him as a human being rather than the myth he has become. At the heart of the book is a series of interviews with Morrison by journalists Ben Fong-Torres, John Tobler, Richard Goldstein, and others. Published uncut, they present a previously unseen articulate, intelligent, witty, even self-deprecating. Hopkins includes updates on the people the "erotic politician" left behind.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Lizard King: The Essential Jim Morrison

Introduction

The Lizard King: The Essential Jim Morrison is a biography that delves into the life and legacy of Jim Morrison, the enigmatic frontman of The Doors. Written by Jerry Hopkins, the book offers fresh insights into Morrison's life, considering him as a human being rather than the myth he became. Published uncut, the book features interviews with Morrison by various journalists, providing a previously unseen articulate and intelligent perspective.

About Jerry Hopkins

Jerry Hopkins, the author of The Lizard King, is an American journalist and author best known for writing the first biographies of Elvis Presley and Jim Morrison of The Doors. He served as a correspondent and contributing editor of Rolling Stone magazine for 20 years and has been instrumental in shaping the public's perception of these iconic musicians.

Analysis of Views

Insightful Interviews: Readers praise the book for its inclusion of uncut interviews with Morrison, which provide a fresh and insightful perspective on his life. These interviews offer valuable insights into his thoughts and opinions on various topics, including pop culture and his own creative process.
Humanizing Morrison: Many readers appreciate how the book presents Morrison as a human being rather than a myth. By delving into his personal relationships, struggles, and vulnerabilities, Hopkins offers readers a more nuanced understanding of the iconic frontman.
Engaging Narrative: The Lizard King is described as an engaging and captivating read. Readers appreciate the book's storytelling style, which keeps them engaged from start to finish. The book's exploration of Morrison's life and his impact on music history make it a compelling read for fans of The Doors and rock music in general.
Cultural Significance: The book's exploration of the cultural context in which Morrison lived and worked is highly valued by readers. The Lizard King provides insights into the social and political climate of the 1960s, offering readers a deeper understanding of the era and its influence on Morrison's music.
Accuracy and Balance: Many readers commend the book for its accuracy and balance in portraying Morrison's life. While acknowledging his flaws and controversies, the book presents a well-rounded picture of his talent, creativity, and legacy. This balance is appreciated by readers seeking a more nuanced understanding of Morrison's life and career.

Reasons for Recommendation

Fresh Perspective: The Lizard King provides readers with fresh insights into Jim Morrison's life, offering a different perspective on his personality and creative process. The book delves into his relationships, struggles, and vulnerabilities, providing readers with a more nuanced understanding of the enigmatic frontman.
Engaging Storytelling: The book's engaging narrative style keeps readers engaged from start to finish. With its well-crafted storytelling and exploration of Morrison's life, The Lizard King is recommended for fans of The Doors and rock music enthusiasts who seek a deeper understanding of Morrison's legacy.
Cultural Significance: The book's exploration of the cultural context in which Morrison lived and worked adds depth to readers' understanding of his music. By examining the social and political climate of the 1960s, The Lizard King offers readers a broader perspective on the impact of Morrison's art on popular culture.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Repetitive Content: Some readers have noted that certain passages in the book feel repetitive, which may detract from the overall reading experience. This repetition may be attributed to the inclusion of previously published interviews or similar themes throughout the book.
Sensationalism: A few readers have expressed concerns about the author's approach to Jim Morrison's life. Some feel that Jerry Hopkins has a personal vendetta against Morrison or that he sensationalizes aspects of his life to sell books. This perception may deter some readers from fully enjoying or trusting the content presented in The Lizard King.

Conclusion

The Lizard King: The Essential Jim Morrison is a highly recommended biography that offers fresh insights into the life and legacy of Jim Morrison, the enigmatic frontman of The Doors. Through its engaging narrative style, exploration of cultural context, and presentation of previously unseen interviews, the book provides readers with a well-rounded portrait of Morrison as a human being rather than a mythical figure. While some readers may find certain passages repetitive or express concerns about sensationalism, overall, The Lizard King is considered an essential read for fans of The Doors and rock music enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of Morrison's life and impact on popular culture.