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Rating: 
Summary: A book about ian Curtis, not the LP
Review: "The title "Unknown Pleasures" in all likelihhood refers to Proust's "Remembrance of Things Past", a divisive, drawn out autobiography of the author's wilful self-absorbed youth" (Page 82)
If that sentence does not grate then this book is definitely for you as it admirably sums up the author's approach - "Unknown Pleasures" is a recording that like Jeff Buckley's "Grace", has become near mythical as a memorable initial recording followed by the singer's early death with no time to subsequently disappoint by later output . As a result many writers on limited evidence feel able to extrapolate their views and this book is sadly no exception.
Chris Ott is clearly a long time US based devotee of the group and their output and as an American has done a lot of homework on the Mancunian rock scene of 1976-1980. He covers well how it grew out of copying the London led punk scene and was then left behind by Joy Division as they moved on from their initial incarnations as the Stiff Kittens and Warsaw. His detailed coverage of the early recordings and John Peel "Top Gear"sessions and the growing contact with Rob Gretton and Tony Wilson plus producer Martin Hannett (whose cutting edge if erratic approach to new recording techniques was used so effectively but at the cost of alienating group members by his control freak approach), is the best retelling of the story I have seen to date.
Where the book starts going astray is half way through as we move to the recordings of the songs that made it to the final LP and the remainders that were used on later releases and compilations. That Ian Curtis developed quickly as a great lyricist and singer and that he was a major catalyst with other members of the group in how songs were developed is well covered - however the haliography with which Ott imbues him and the interaction of his private life (relying heavily on his widow's recent biography) lead to an overemphasis on the tragic suicide that occurred shortly after and little evaluation of the LP and its subsequent impact (the small sales of 15,000 in six months being little explanation of why the recording is cited in many "best of" lists). Instead what is provided is a retelling of Curtis's quick and sad decline in health and the tragic interaction of drugs and manic live performances reflecting the growth of intensity in his epilepsy seizures. One sad result is the rest of the group become a mere backdrop, which as New Order subsequently showed they were clearly not.
Rating: 
Summary: Good writing, peculiar subject.....
Review: "Turn on the Bright Lights" is a great album, but I don't think this band has achieved the level of greatness as of yet to merit a 200+ page-turner.
Rating:
Summary: even if you never realized that you were at all interested
Review: A rather somber subject, but the author's poetic writing style casts a haunting beauty to this fascinating chapter of Joy Division's early history. This is a must read for anyone who professes to know anything about the history of punk. Or even if you never realized that you were at all interested in reading a book about music, it's really a wonderful way to sample 1970's music history. Author is extremely well-versed in all types of musical genres and artfully infuses this into his writing.
Rating: 
Summary: beyond dreadful
Review: as a big joy fan, i was excited to crack open this book. that excitement came to an abrubt halt two chapters in. ott likes to hear himself speak but i sure don't.
it's a shame because the record as book concept could be brilliant. too bad ott mucks it all up. this one is destined for obscurity (and not in a good way, either).
Rating:
Summary: unknown books
Review: Buy this book now because Chris Ott owes me $5000 and I swear if I don't get it by New Year's Eve then his genitals are going to be his new 'unknown pleasures' if you catch my drift.
Rating:
Summary: nothing here of interest
Review: Chris Ott writes really pretentious reviews for the online 'zine Pitchfork -- this book reads like a haphazard collection of his none-too-deep thoughts. Mostly it's incoherent posturing. Not recommended.
Rating:
Summary: the fine print
Review: I believe that the product is unsafe and has a defect that could cause injury or death.
Rating: 
Summary: These positive reviews are all fake!
Review: Obviously Chris Ott has signed in under all these different names to give his own book positive reviews If have have ever seen a fake name before, then certainly 'David Forsythe' is it!This book is totally derivitive and not worth buying. Whole paragraphs seem to be lifted from the Deborah Curtis book. Chris waxes on in a prose style not worthy of a freshman in college. I think he should go back to his failed indie rock band.
Rating:
Summary: Alex Rousmaniere <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Chris Ott
Review: This book is a great read - Alex Rousmaniere is a bitter, twisted individual who should give up his musical 'career'
Rating:
Summary: Insightfully insightful!
Review: This book was extremely insightful. The most insightful part was chapter 5, the insightful insight. The book is insightyfully insightful withmany insightful sightings. The insightful cover makes leonardo di vinci's insightfulness look as non-insightful as a non-insightful illustrator.
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