MJ: The Genius of Michael Jackson

Music reporter and Rolling Stone contributing editor Knopper (Appetite for Self-Destruction) chronicles the meteoric rise, fall, and untimely death of the King of Pop in this inarguably exhaustive but sometimes unsatisfying biography. With hundreds of personal interviews conducted by the author, this may be the most comprehensive chronology of Jackson’s life currently in print. Unfortunately, Knopper errs heavily on the side of business rather than music—even though the book’s title would seem to indicate the opposite—and the various musicians, lawyers, and executives who shaped Jackson’s career (though some hits, like “Thriller,” receive suitably rigorous write-ups). The exception is his coverage of the history of the Jackson 5, which is recounted in extraordinary detail. Knopper also focuses on Jackson’s personal life, especially the infamous molestation charges. Though his attention wanders a bit too far from Jackson’s artistic genius, Knopper has nevertheless produced a fascinating account of the tortured artist’s tumultuous life that will be an invaluable resource to music historians and fans alike. Agent: David Dunton, Harvey Klinger Inc. (Oct.)