Encyclopedia Madonnica
by Matthew Rettenmund
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Book Summary Information
Author: Matthew RettenmundEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1995-03-15
ISBN: 0312117825
Number of pages: 207
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Book Reviews of Encyclopedia Madonnica
Book Review: A Great Book that should be updated periodically
Summary: 4 Stars
All one ever needs to know about Madonna is in this book. The author is not only factual, but the author writes from his unique point-of-view. However, I give this book 4 stars instead of 5 because of its comments on Janet Jackson (I am a fan of hers as well as of Madonna). The author is accurate when he professes himself to be a "Madonnaholic". He sees Madonna in places where there's no Madonna or not as much Madonna as he believes there to be. He calls Ms. Jackson a "Madonna wannabe". I find this categorization highly inaccurate. Granted, it is obvious that Janet is heavily influenced by Madonna (name a current, top-selling female vocalist who isn't). But, Janet is too strong of an artist and personna to be reduced to being called a "Madonna wannabee". Janet, like Madonna, takes inspiration and ideas from others around her and then puts her own personal stamp on it; reinterpreting the ideas from her own perspective. So what if Janet dyes her hair blonde and cavorts in scantily clad clothing for "Love Will Never Do Without You" video? Is Madonna the only "blonde" allowed to cavort in tight clothing in videos just because she was one of the first? Does the author mean to say that Janet's "Rhythm Nation" and "Control" albums were an attempt to imitate Madonna? Even on her "janet." and "Velvet Rope" albums (which are the closest to a possible Madonna"imitation") there is too much of Janet's personality and style in these albums. If Janet was a "Madonna wannabee", Madonna would be the first thing that came to mind when I first heard the "Velvet Rope" CD. It wasn't. Madonna was the farthest thing from my mind. Even during the album when Janet decides to be daring, she does it in a way that is very different than Madonna. If Janet is a "Madonna wannabee", she would not be able to be as successful as she is for as long of a period of time. She would not have millions of loyal fans. See, the public may be fickled, but the public also doesn't support artists who blatantly mimick and copy other artists for very long. A "Madonna wannabee" is someone who copies everything Madonna does from attitude to clothes (adopting Madonna's personna instead of creating their own). For the author to reduce Janet Jackson's 25 years in show business (10 of which being spent as an internationally famous star) to the moniker of "Madonna wannabee" is very unfair. Especially in a world (as the author stated under the heading "wannabee")where there are not that many wannabees around. Would it be fair for a Marilyn Monroe fan to call Madonna a "Marilyn wannabee?"
Other than that comment, the book is fantastic. Mr. Rettenmund should update it yearly (a lot has happened since 1995).
Summary of Encyclopedia Madonnica
The press reports her every move, her fans defend her every faux pas as if she were divine, her detractors think she's the devil in a bustier, and Norman Mailer thinks she's our "greatest living female artist." In short, Madonna is the biggest star in the world. Unlike some stars, Madonna isn't famous simply for being famous. She's carved her popularity and her notoriety out of chart-busting singles, sold-out tours, movie roles in Desperately Seeking Susan and Dick Tracy, her best-selling book, Sex, and the most artistically sound music videos in the genre. Encyclopedia Madonnica appraises all aspects of Madonna's brilliant career, but it doesn't stop there. With a book chock-full of fabulous photos, Matthew Rettenmund has compiled information on Madonna from her childhood in Michigan and her early years in New York, as well as from her heady international success and her present status as unpredictable provocateur, insatiable sex siren, and pop culture goddess. In hilarious, info-packed entries, Rettenmund pokes fun at everything from Madonna-hatred to Madonna herself, all from a Madonna-friendly stance. Encyclopedia Madonnica is a fan's dream come true. It's the first appraisal of all things Madonna that documents the entire Madonna phenomenon and gives the star credit where credit is due. Matthew Rettenmund's irreverent writing style also manages to capture what happens to be Madonna's major appeal: FUN. If you've ever had fun listening to, watching, or thinking about Madonna, you'll love Encyclopedia Madonnica.Music Books
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