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Clapton

The Autobiography

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Clapton

Written by: Eric Clapton
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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With striking intimacy and candor, Eric Clapton tells the story of his eventful and inspiring life. More than a rock star, Eric Clapton is an icon, a living embodiment of the history of rock music. Well known for his reserve in a profession marked by self-promotion, flamboyance, and spin, he now chronicles, for the first time, his remarkable personal and professional journeys.

Born illegitimate in 1945 and raised by his grandparents, Eric never knew his father and, until the age of nine, believed his actual mother to be his sister. In his early teens his solace was the guitar. With the formation of Cream, the world’s first supergroup, he became a worldwide superstar. During the decades that followed, he would go on to play as a guest with Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan, as well as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and longtime friend George Harrison. He would overcome despair, self-imposed seclusion, drug addiction, and alcoholism. He would become a father.

But just as his life was coming together, he was struck by a terrible blow: His beloved four-year-old son, Conor, died in a freak accident. At an earlier time Eric might have coped with this tragedy by fleeing into a world of addiction. But now a much stronger man, he took refuge in music. CLAPTON is the powerful story of a survivor, a man who has achieved the pinnacle of success despite extraordinary demons. It is one of the most compelling memoirs of our time.©2007 E. C. Music Limited; (P)2007 Books on Tape Entertainment & Celebrities Music Celebrity Biography Guitar Witty Memoir Musician
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What the critics say

“Like the bluesmen who inspired him, Clapton has his share of scars... his compelling memoir is... a soulful performance.”
—People

“An absorbing tale of artistry, decadence, and redemption.”
—Los Angeles Times

“One of the very best rock autobiographies ever.”
—Houston Chronicle

“A glorious rock history.”
—New York Post

“This book does what many rock historians couldn’t: It debunks the legend... puts a lie to the glamour of what it means to be a rock star.”
—Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune

“Strong stuff. Clapton reveals its author’s journey to self-acceptance and manhood. Anyone who cares about the man and his music will want to take the trip with him.”
—Anthony DeCurtis, Rolling Stone

“Clapton is honest... even searing and often witty, with a hard-won survivor’s humor... an honorable badge of a book.”
—Stephen King, New York Times Book Review

“Riveting”
—Boston Herald

“An even, unblinking sensibility defines the author’s voice.”
—New York Times

“An unsparing self-portrait.”
—USA Today
All stars
Most Relevant
I love Clapton so I had to read this book. The narrator was a bit sleepy so it can be easy to zone out and then come back and see you've missed a chapter. But over all it is a great insight of every aspect of his life which I wanted.

If you love Clapton it's a must

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A very well written, gripping story that brings the reader so much closer to this rock legend. I wish this book was longer. I thoroughly enjoyed it

Riveting

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I grew up listening to Eric Clapton and his music has always been a part of my life. I have read this book year ago and loved it but I was quite younger and I think a lot of the deep stuff didn’t hit me till much later. For example his son passing, as being a new parents I can imagine what that would have been like to go though and is something I deed to even think about. It does suck a little that this book is older now so it stop at 2007/8 but every chapter is worthwhile.

The guy who is reading it does a great job as well I only put 4 stars for the sole fact it wasn’t Eric himself reading it haha.

Clapton is god

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I would not recommend this book. it was very painful to read. I didn't appreciate his honesty. Because he went into recovery, is the only reason he can tell such heart wrenching sordid details of his life. At one point I sat back and felt sick by the way Eric Clapton treated Pattie, his wife and various girlfriends. As the book marches on, and he is happy and sober buying a yacht, another Ferrari, a glorious watch, another home, I again felt like I didn't get the point.
I am glad he sobered up, but what a streak of misery this man caused.

What makes a life?

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