Saturday 25 July 2009

Michael Jackson Books Give Bookstores A Welcome Boost

By Jenna Landers

As with most true megastars, Michael Jackson has provided food and drink to authors and leading publishers the world over. In death too, this culture is set to continue, and indeed increase for many years to come, as a host of Michael Jackson books start appearing in bookstores.

In the UK this week, publisher Harper Collins stole a march on their competitors, as their biographical tribute; "Michael Jackson - Legend, Hero, Icon", went to print. A study into the man behind Thriller, the fully illustrated hardback is set to hit stores across the country on Friday July 17.

With a subtitle of, "A tribute to the King of Pop", the tone of the book is reflective on the successes of Jackson's career as the best entertainer the world has ever witnessed. Mindful that many thousands of fans are still coming to terms with the loss; particularly with the timing just weeks before his "This Is It", tour, this is unsurprising.

That this book is not the first to be published however, is indicative of how hectic activity has been behind the scenes at publishing houses worldwide.

A book long in the making, "Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson", was originally scheduled to go to print the day after the creator of the Moonwalk's death. It was delayed for a week as a mark of respect to the grieving family. Though respect did not seem to be much of an issue when the book was originally conceived and written; being rich in conjuncture and rumor.

The delay also allowed author, Ian Halperin, the opportunity to rewrite the final chapter of course.

As if a reflection on the Peter Pan of Pop's global fan base, it is widely regarded the first completely new round of Michael Jackson books was published in China on July 7.

That one of these writers, Jiang Xiaoyu, remains an ardent fan of the star, the book, "Moonwalk in Paradise", is clearly a salute to the brilliance he shone onto the world. However, the authors admit that mistakes may have been made in validity of content; relying very much on personal thoughts, supported by internet based research.

These Michael Jackson books may well be the first to hit the shelves, but there will be more. Whilst the book industry has not been damaged as severely as other industries throughout this recession, this boost to sales will be a welcome shot in the arm.

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