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431st out of 1,804 books
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1,743 voters
Margrave Of The Marshes
Through nigh-on forty years of laconic brilliance on Radio 1, a musical taste which defined a culture and his widely popular Radio 4 show, Home Truths, John Peel reached out to an audience that was as diverse as his record collection. He was a genuinely great Briton, beloved by millions. John's unique voice and sensibility were evident in everything he did, and nowhere is...more
Paperback, 508 pages
Published
July 3rd 2006
by Corgi
(first published October 17th 2005)
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I'm not usually one for biographies, tending to stick to novels only but John Peel is something of a hero of mine and his unfinished autobiography was a must read. I am aware that a lot of non Britishers don't know of Peel, but all the more reason to read this. Peel was THE most influential radio DJ in England who singularly changed the face of British music and introduced numerous bands that otherwise would have had no chance of radio coverage. He died sadly in late 2004 and anyone in England w...more
I've always known about John Peel, but it is only now having read this book that I really appeciate just what a brilliant, legendary man he was. I think above all, he was human and could be related to - he wanted to do what he loved & he wanted to share what he was passionate about; music, and for that he will be remembered.
This book is actually the best autobiography I have ever read. John made me laugh throughout the book & the saddest part was the end of part 1 in the event of his dea...more
This book is actually the best autobiography I have ever read. John made me laugh throughout the book & the saddest part was the end of part 1 in the event of his dea...more
Not many moons back I had read Michael Heatley's biog on John Peel, 'A Life in Music'. You wait for years then two come along at once. So this was picked up in a charity shop by my better half for 50p. Published in 2005, a year after the Heatley biog, part autobiography from Peel himself and completed by his wife Shiela Ravenscroft, aka the Pig.
Peel writes in similar manner to his presentations on radio, dry humour and sardonic wit, that is taken up equally well by the 'Pig' in Part II of 'Margr...more
Peel writes in similar manner to his presentations on radio, dry humour and sardonic wit, that is taken up equally well by the 'Pig' in Part II of 'Margr...more
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I was never really 'into' John Peel in the early days being more of a Radio Caroline fan and preferring 'real' blues (as played by Johnny Walker and Mike Raven) to the 'littered' the charts in the mid 60s. In August 1967 Radio London ceased to broadcast because of government legislation and John Peel joined the newly formed BBC Radio One. His show was on after Radio Caroline ceased to broadcast each day so I started to listen and I was an occasional listener thereafter. You can read more about h...more
Sadly, I only really came to know John Peel in the latter years of his life. I have vivid memories of being lulled to sleep by his dulcet tones, smiling at his dry humour as I feel into a slumber.
I'm not normally one for biographies, but when this was published, I HAD to get it. It will have you laughing and crying in equal measures and, if you're a fan of music in any shape or form, then this is a must read. John championed bands from a wide ranges of genres, helping millions of listeners to di...more
I'm not normally one for biographies, but when this was published, I HAD to get it. It will have you laughing and crying in equal measures and, if you're a fan of music in any shape or form, then this is a must read. John championed bands from a wide ranges of genres, helping millions of listeners to di...more
One of the single best compliments I received about my radio program came from a Brit I worked with at the library. He said that he enjoyed my program; it introduced him to new music he wouldn't have heard otherwise, and reminded him of listening to John Peel. Yes, I was blown away!
Even more so now after reading this autobiography/biography. The part Peel (or Ravenscroft his true surname) wrote was like sitting in a room with him, listening to the wandering memories of someone who has led a full...more
Even more so now after reading this autobiography/biography. The part Peel (or Ravenscroft his true surname) wrote was like sitting in a room with him, listening to the wandering memories of someone who has led a full...more
I've had this book for a number of years, but for some reason or another I never got round to finishing it. I'm so pleased that I did, because it really is a wonderful, charming and insightful autobiography.
The first part is self-penned by the man himself, and the second half by his wife. I feel that despite the hectic life that they must have lead at times, they really come across as modest and humble people. It's quite a heart-warming read, it doesn't dwell on John's sad passing away, rather i...more
The first part is self-penned by the man himself, and the second half by his wife. I feel that despite the hectic life that they must have lead at times, they really come across as modest and humble people. It's quite a heart-warming read, it doesn't dwell on John's sad passing away, rather i...more
In all honesty, I bought this cheap, secondhand to read in a coffee shop so I wouldn't look strange and awkward whilst drinking a nice cuppa'. Like alot of my book choices/reviews, I was pleasantly surprised. Knowing very little about Mr.Peel, this book wasa wonderful insight into his personal and professional life, including so many musical references I didn't know which to shake my stick at! My only criticism would be that towards the middle, I found it rather tasking, and started to loose int...more
A lovely book, really good to remember John Peel and why he was so loved. Also very evocative of the pre-digital age where there were only so many seams from which to mine culture, and how rich a seam Peel was.
Very sad halfway through when he dies and The Pig takes up the story, you don't get any sense from the first half of the book that this is an old man approaching his end. A really sad death.
I wonder what would have happened to John. 6music exists in his image to an extent, but I wonder h...more
Very sad halfway through when he dies and The Pig takes up the story, you don't get any sense from the first half of the book that this is an old man approaching his end. A really sad death.
I wonder what would have happened to John. 6music exists in his image to an extent, but I wonder h...more
Yes, I only just read this. I don’t really buy new books and this was the first time I’ve seen a paperback copy in a charity shop. Obviously John Peel was a major instigator in my love for music – we used to listen to his shows religiously and send off for records he played. He also once said I had “a lovely name” on air. Aww. Anyway, the whole book is hilarious, written exactly as he spoke and full of all kinds of amusing anecdotes. Sadly John only managed half the book before he died but his w...more
The book is hugely evocative of the droll and (here we go) "self-deprecating" nature of John Peel. It feels almost pathologically honest in places and the passion and enthusiasm for life and music is evident on every page. The second half of the book, whilst entertaining and a worthy continuation of the auto-biography, is understandably infused with a melancholic undertone and does seem to shy away a little bit from any critical assessment of the man. Having said that he is a hero to me and many...more
I listened breathlessly to the early 80's broadcasts of Peel on Radio 1. The main reason, it is not surprising, was the music he played: Always new, always unknown and always great. Peel's understated sense of humor appealed to me. And it did it again.... at least in the first part. The following is the case. The first part of 'Margrave of the Marshes' is by Peel himself; the second part by his wife Sheila.
Peel died halfway through the completion of his autobiography at the age of 65, and Sheila...more
Peel died halfway through the completion of his autobiography at the age of 65, and Sheila...more
An absolute legend. The first half of this book was immense. Plate-licking good even. Second half wavered slightly when he died I'm not sure if its because my emotional connection got a bit upset at the thought that "this is the part where he died and I don't want to read it anymore" Cant fault the whole book. An amazing man with a big story to tell. If my life was as interesting as even a few paragraphs of his book then I would die happy. RIP xxxx
A wonderfully warm read, which feels rather apt for Mr Peel. I'm one of that generation who grew up appreciating the variety of music that he would foist our way. He was a music pusher, give you alittle taste, and then hope you'd get the habit.
Not everything hit the mark, but then it would be a dull world if we all liked the same things.
The book's two halves work really well, I wasn't sure that I'd enjoy the different sides, but given his untimely death, that sounds appalling. His wife and child...more
Not everything hit the mark, but then it would be a dull world if we all liked the same things.
The book's two halves work really well, I wasn't sure that I'd enjoy the different sides, but given his untimely death, that sounds appalling. His wife and child...more
I loved this book. John's writing style was easy to read and his self-effacing wit made light of what must have been difficult situations. However when "the Pig" takes over the warmth and status of the man in the development of British music really comes through. I confess to tears as well as laughter, moments of nostalgia & moments of anger; and, despite not listening to much music anymore, I miss him.
I also don't like biographies but I had to read this one. Peel was hugely important in the world of music, a true maverick and now that he's gone the industry is a sorry place with more room for the Cowells of this world to exploit.The book is actually very funny and touching in Peels own way and even after his death, when his wife takes over, continues to be just as good.
I thought this was great, a look into the part of the John Peel story that people did not usually hear about (public school and army service), and then Sheila's part which is written with a lot of attention and love for him and his memory. Really enjoyed this as a biography, though perhaps a bit more about radio in those times would have been helpful for readers who aren't reading this solely as a tribute to JP.
Absolutely brilliant, John Peel was the antithesis of today's celebrity manufactured culture.
I listened and loved his radio persona for many years, but only reading this realise the hard work on behalf of musicians worldwide he was doing behind the scenes.
Brilliantly finished by his family after his passing, you felt like part of the family reading along.
Why this hasn't been turned into a movie yet I do not know.
You'll Never Walk Alone
I listened and loved his radio persona for many years, but only reading this realise the hard work on behalf of musicians worldwide he was doing behind the scenes.
Brilliantly finished by his family after his passing, you felt like part of the family reading along.
Why this hasn't been turned into a movie yet I do not know.
You'll Never Walk Alone
I tend to read fiction rather than biographies but I really enjoyed this book, especially the first part written by Peel himself (the book was finished by his wife). He just has a way with words, you can hear his voice as you read. Made me remember just how sad I was when I heard he had died :-(
The book starts out with Peel telling his story in a straightforward chronological autobiographical fashion, with typical British understated humor. Then, just as he is approaching a whorehouse in America in 1962, the book changes. Unfortunately, it was at that point that Peel died.
His wife Sheila takes over, with a jump of about 6 years in time to where they met, for the most part skipping over John's first marriage, returning to England, getting hired at the BBC.
The remainder of the book is S...more
His wife Sheila takes over, with a jump of about 6 years in time to where they met, for the most part skipping over John's first marriage, returning to England, getting hired at the BBC.
The remainder of the book is S...more
The first half of this book is John's autobiography and if witty, informative and just "John".
The second half was written after his death by his wife, she still maintains the the telling of his story well but there is a sadness mixed in there too.
The second half was written after his death by his wife, she still maintains the the telling of his story well but there is a sadness mixed in there too.
Brilliant (auto)biography of a great man and pioneer written by himself (hence the "auto" in parentheses) and his wife, Sheila Ravenscroft. Peel brings his distinctive tone to the first half of the book swaying between events in his contemporary life and reflections on his childhood and early adulthood but then he died tragically and much too early. Sheila picks up the second half of the book and the tone takes on a new dimension of the loving partner who is not afraid to look honestly at her be...more
As a child of the 60s, & British to boot, there could be no question of the impact of Peel on my consciousness. This work was just wonderful to read, John's honesty & passion shine through.
It saddens me to think that I sort of missed out on John Peel, having never heard his shows whilst he was alive. It always amazed me how frequently his influence would pop its head up whilst I explored certain musical avenues over the years. This book was a great opportunity for me to fully realise the great impact this man had on the way we discover and cherish new music and to learn about this humble iconic British figure.
Gave me an insight into the reason he was so well respected in his work and why he became an icon to my generation (punk) of music lovers. His dry sense of humour is a treat.
Fab. I thought Sheila and the kids did a great job on the second half. Am looking forward to the new anthology of his magazine columns cos I do rather miss him...
Apr 05, 2011
Kimberley
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Anyone who like contemporary music
Recommended to Kimberley by:
A friend
Shelves:
biography-autobiography
Excellent read for a fan of the man and the music he promoted. Made me wish I had been living in England and been able to listen to all of his shows.
If you have an interest in alternative music this is a must read,great man that he was,also seek out a doc called john peels record box,great stuff and im not a Fall fan
As with most autobiographies/biographies I've ever read, I ended up not sure if I liked the person anymore.
Heartbreaking and hilarious, the lovely John Peel gone but never forgotten, what a man and what a life
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English disc jockey, radio presenter and journalist, broadcasting regularly from 1967, until his death in 2004.
Peel celebrated music with his eclectic taste. He was one of the first radio DJs to play psychedelic rock, reggae and punk. He also played classic blues, folk music and psychedelic rock, with an emphasis on music emerging from Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The 'Peel sessions' launched a...more
More about John Peel...
Peel celebrated music with his eclectic taste. He was one of the first radio DJs to play psychedelic rock, reggae and punk. He also played classic blues, folk music and psychedelic rock, with an emphasis on music emerging from Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The 'Peel sessions' launched a...more
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Aug 19, 2012 05:03pm