This is another in the wonderful line of FAQ titles published by Backbeat Books. Dozens and dozens of books have already been written about the legendary San Francisco band, but Sclafani manages to dredge up an entire journal of new and provocative information. Besides bringing new insights into the Dead's catalog of albums, he positions the band historically and explains why they were so important in the development of rock, pop, jazz and country music.

He talks about the band's origins (Chapter 5: A Band Beyond Description: A Dozen Elements That Shaped the Dead's Music); the band's haters (Chapter 9: Trouble Behind, Trouble Ahead; Five Reasons People Hate the Dead); their ill-fated Woodstock appearance (Chapter 15: Looks Like Rain: Why the Dead Didn't Really Blow It at Woodstock); and the band's influence (Chapter 36: Built to Last; Ten Places the Dead left Their Mark on Popular Culture).

This is a wonderfully researched book that tells the story of one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. That the author has been able to dig deep and find new facts on a band that has been chronicled for decades now is a testament to his dedication and skill.