Positives Mick Wall's biography of Guns N' Roses is widely praised for its comprehensive and detailed coverage, leaving no stone unturned from the band's formation to their eventual reunion tour. Reviewers consistently highlight the book's ability to offer deep, raw insights into the band's tumultuous history, individual personalities, and the seedy 1980s Los Angeles music scene. Many found the writing style engaging, easy to read, and captivating, making it difficult to put down despite the extensive detail. The author is commended for presenting a balanced perspective, drawing from various interviews and sources to lay bare the good, the bad, and the ugly without apparent bias, even for long-time fans who found new stories and forgotten anecdotes.
Negatives However, the book is not without its criticisms. Several readers noted issues with repetition of anecdotes and a sometimes confusing narrative structure, where the timeline jumps or it becomes difficult to track who is being quoted. Some felt certain historical periods, like the recording of "The Spaghetti Incident?", were skimmed over, while other sections, particularly the later years focusing on reunion talks, dragged on and became tedious. Concerns were also raised about perceived editorial sloppiness, including typos and factual errors. A few reviewers found the book excessively long and bogged down with too much detail or a disproportionate focus on the business aspects and drama rather than the music and songwriting process. There were also comments about the glorification of controversial topics and the inclusion of potentially misogynistic anecdotes.
Conclusion Overall, "Last of the Giants" offers a thorough and often entertaining account of Guns N' Roses, though its uneven pacing and structural issues may challenge some readers. It is highly recommended for die-hard fans of the band seeking an in-depth, multi-faceted look at their journey, even if they have read other biographies, as it provides a broad overview up to the "Not in this Lifetime" tour. Casual fans of rock music or those new to the band's story may also find it an illuminating, albeit sometimes arduous, read to understand one of rock's most iconic and chaotic groups.
