Book Review Summary: There's a Riot Going on: Revolutionaries, Rock Stars and the Rise and Fall of '60s Counter-Culture

Introduction

"There's a Riot Going on: Revolutionaries, Rock Stars and the Rise and Fall of '60s Counter-Culture" by Peter Doggett is a comprehensive and engaging book that delves into the political and cultural revolution of the 1960s. From the Black Panthers to the Gay Liberation Front, from the Yippies to the IRA, Doggett explores how rock and soul music became the anthems of the revolutionary tide. Renowned musicians such as John Lennon, Mick Jagger, and Bob Dylan played a significant role in the movement. This article will provide an overview of the book, introduce the author, analyze common opinions, summarize reasons for recommendation and not recommendation, and conclude with a final assessment.

About Peter Doggett

Peter Doggett is a renowned author who has been writing about popular music, entertainment industry, and social and cultural history since 1980. He has written several books, including "The Art and Music of John Lennon," a volume detailing the creation of the Beatles' Let It Be and Abbey Road albums. Doggett's expertise in music history makes him an ideal author to explore the intersection of politics and music during the 1960s.

Analysis of Views

1. Engaging Year-by-Year Social History: Readers appreciate Doggett's year-by-year approach to examining the social history of the 1960s. Each chapter focuses on significant events such as student/anti-Vietnam movements, civil rights and black power, women's lib, and uprisings and protests around the world. The author's engaging writing style and sober judgment make for a fascinating read.

2. Myth-Deflating Analysis: Doggett's analysis of John Lennon, Mick Jagger, and other iconic figures challenges readers' perceptions of them as icons of dissent. His critique reveals their political naivety or disinterest, shedding light on their true motivations and influence on the counter-culture movement.

3. Ambition and Scope: Readers appreciate the book's ambition to cover a wide range of political movements, musicians, and events from 1965 to 1972. While some find it challenging to keep track of all the details, they appreciate the comprehensive scope of the book and its ability to provide insight into why some movements fizzled out while others persisted.

4. Critical Evaluation: Some readers find Doggett's critique of major figures in the counter-culture movement refreshing and critical. They appreciate his willingness to question the actions and motivations of influential figures like Malcolm X, Jimi Hendrix, and others.

5. Engaging Storytelling: The book's complex brew of brave rebellion, oppressed fighting back, confused politics, surreal events, and tragic moments set against a thumping musical soundtrack makes it an engaging read for those interested in the era. The inclusion of personal stories adds depth to the narrative.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Comprehensive Coverage: Readers recommend this book for its comprehensive coverage of significant events during the 1960s counter-culture movement. It provides readers with a year-by-year overview of student/anti-Vietnam movements, civil rights and black power, women's lib, and other significant protests around the world.

2. Engaging Writing Style: Peter Doggett's engaging writing style makes reading this book enjoyable. His sober judgment and myth-deflating analysis offer readers a fresh perspective on iconic figures like John Lennon and Mick Jagger.

3. Insightful Analysis: The book offers valuable insights into why the revolutionary energy of the 1960s failed to bring about a revolution. Readers appreciate Doggett's exploration of capitalism's ability to absorb and commoditize "revolution," which he argues led to the disappearance of that energy without a trace.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Limited Focus on Music: Some readers feel that the book's title suggests a greater focus on music than it actually delivers. While music plays an important role in the narrative, readers who are primarily interested in music history may find it lacking in depth.

2. Factual Inaccuracies: A few readers have pointed out factual errors in the book, such as incorrect locations or dates. While these errors do not detract significantly from the overall narrative, they may be distracting for readers who value accuracy in their historical accounts.

Conclusion

"There's a Riot Going on: Revolutionaries, Rock Stars and the Rise and Fall of '60s Counter-Culture" by Peter Doggett is a compelling and well-researched book that provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the political and cultural revolution of the 1960s. The author's engaging writing style, insightful analysis, and critical evaluation make it a recommended read for those interested in this era. While some readers may find it challenging to keep track of all the details or feel that it lacks depth in certain areas, overall, this book offers valuable insights into one of history's most significant social movements.