This is another of the beautifully illustrated books from Voyageur Press (publishers of the Clapton book recently reviewed in these pages) on the Boston super-band Aerosmith. Filled with hundreds of beautifully detailed photos in color and in black and white, it traces the group from their modest beginnings as a regional band into one of the premier rock bands in the world some 40 years later.

The author has tapped a handful of writers who have contributed various chapters on the band's history, album reviews and commentaries. This includes Phil Sutcliffe, Bud Scoppa, Bill Holdship, and several other journalists. Additionally, Bienstock cites numerous magazines, online sites, and a variety of articles in assembling this history. There is a special appendix titled "Toys In the Studio and on the Stage: The Guitars of Joe Perry and Brad Whitford" and an appendix dedicated to the band's recorded history titled "Just Push Play: An Aerosmith Discography."

Even if you don't read a word of it, Aerosmith: The Ultimate Illustrated History of the Boston Bad Boys is worth it just for the pictures. But do read it, and you'll learn how this band of Rolling Stones and Yardbirds wannabes ended up as one of the most important and enduring rock bands to ever hit the stage.