By Kent Gustavson, Ph.D.
Blooming Twig Books, April 2010
ISBN 978-1-933918-43-3
Reviewed by Steve Carr, DocsGuitar.com - November 2010
I've hesitated publishing a review of Blind But Now I See until now because I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, I appreciate any effort that recognizes the artistry and uniqueness of Doc Watson. Like so many others, I have enormous respect and love for Doc, and I feel a connection with others who feel the same way. On the other hand, the book is an unauthorized biography. Doc did not participate in the book project and it was written in spite of Doc's specific and strenuous objections.
Blind But Now I See was written by Dr. Kent Gustavson, an adjunct professor at The State University of New York at Stony Brook, where he earned his doctorate in the Department of Music. The author used three primary sources of information in developing the book:
Writing the book from these sources had to be huge job. The sources are documented for each chapter, and reading them shows how much effort went into the project. The biography is built around organizing and presenting this material as the book traces Doc's life. Features of the book I particularly enjoyed were the quotes and stories about Doc told by fellow artists, neighbors and friends.
For the most part, the author weaves this material together in an objective manner. However, the result is somewhat analytical, and lacks the warmth that might have been there had Doc been part of the project. There was one aspect of the book that I found particularly annoying. These were the times that the author took the liberty to tell the reader how Doc was feeling or thinking at a particular moment - but without any quotes from Doc. These imaginary journeys in to Doc's mind are painfully transparent.
In the end, this book needs to be taken in context. It is an admirable effort to document Doc's life from published sources and interviews with fellow artists and friends. However, the book lacks the approval and participation of the main character: Doc himself. Maybe that's one of the reasons the publisher labels the book as a "controversial" biography.
If you're a dedicated Doc Watson fan, I think you would find this book an interesting read. It does get into some darker areas of Doc's life, such as Merle's death, but it also is a celebration of the man through the eyes and ears of those who know him. The book is notable in terms of the research, but lacks the authenticity and warmth of Doc's personal touch.
We're not selling Blind But Now I See on this website, but it is available from the publisher as well as from Amazon and other online retailers and conventional bookstores.
Webmaster's note: Click here to read another review of Blind But Now I See written by Ted Lehmann in his blog.
| The Bottom Line | |
| Positives | Negatives |
|
|