Neil Young's career has traced an arc over five decades. The ups and downs of his career could fill a book, and luckily we have the supremely talented Harvey Kubernik to provide us with it. The author is a cultural historian with not only a tremendous gift as a writer but also the insight and understanding to unravel not only who an artist is but why.

Kubernik follows Young from his roots in Canada all the way through his most recent solo album (number 36, if you're counting) titled The Monsanto Years. In between those two goalposts, the author follows Young through the important years of the Buffalo Springfield, his work with Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and a solo career that began in the '60s.

There are exhaustive interviews here with many of the key players in Young's life including Graham Nash, Nils Lofgren, Ian Hunter, Robbie Robertson, Richie Furay, and many others. They provide a picture of an iconic artist who has long been hard to define.

Young's extensive catalog of music is analyzed and interpreted. As side pieces to the discography, archival photos and personal memorabilia adorn this beautifully packaged book.

Once again, Kubernik has taken the reins of a wild horse and tamed him. He gives a face and focus to an artist nobody has really understood--until now.