For Sale: John Sinclair. Guitar Army (Street Writings / Prison Writings). NYC, NY: Douglas Book Corporation,  1972.

Description

Guitar Army is John Sinclair’s saga of the “rock & roll guerrillas”,  — the MC5. He managed them until his imprisonment in July 1969. No one played a more important role in the in the Detroit / MC5 / Stooges canon than Sinclair. That much is certain.

Check out the documentary “Danny Says“. One of my favorite parts in the doc? Don’t miss Sinclair talking about signing the MC5 and The Stooges to Elektra records — on the same day.

The book is a series of documents and underground newspaper columns from the era of the White Panther Party and its successor, the Rainbow People’s Party. It’s an analyses and postulation regarding the emergence and development of what the author called “the rainbow culture”. And it contains over 100 photographs, posters, cartoons and other graphic documents of the rainbow rock and roll revolution — all printed on multi-colored pages throughout. Gary Grimshaw, known as the “Rainbow People Party” artist, designed the book.

If you’re a fan of the MC5, then you’ve probably heard of Guitar Army. John Sinclair chronicles the rise of the 1960s Detroit rock scene. It’s a fascinating look into how the Detroit scene changed America’s cultural landscape. The book is in wraps and near fine, unread condition — and is an absolute must-have for any fan of the 60’s underground / drug culture, the history of Detroit rock, the White Panther Party, “prison writing” or the MC5 .

Sinclair’s Guitar Army is an account of the Detroit rock scene from its earliest days. The story follows some of mighty influential musicians as they navigate their way through a remarkable moment in time.

Sinclair tells his story with an insider’s perspective on both the highs and lows. He covers everything from The Stooges’ early days playing dive bars to Bob Seger’s rise to FM radio fame.

Guitar Army has become an iconic read for anyone interested in music history or who just wants to learn more about what it was like to be part of one of America’s most important scenes. This book captures the spirit and energy that made Detroit rock so influential and powerful during this era, making it essential reading. From the back cover: “Guitar Army is not a “prison book” or any other kind of book you’ve ever seen before — it stands by itself as an explosive demonstration of the high-energy rock and roll madness which has made the Motor City famous as a center of the emerging Rainbow Nation. PLAY THIS BOOK AS LOUD AS YOU CAN!”

Guitar Army has had a lasting influence on popular culture as well — it’s has been referenced in movies and mentioned as an inspiration by musicians like Jack White. It’s also celebrated for its honest portrayal of the 60’s counterculture. It’s an essential read for anyone interested in music history or wanting to explore the world behind-the-scenes during this revolutionary period in American culture. Whether you’re looking for a great read or you’re a collector, make sure to grab this copy! I’m gonna go out on a limb and say it’s almost impossible to find one in better shape!