Reggae Bloodlines: In Search of the Music and Culture of Jamaica by Simon Davis and Peter Simon (Da Capo Press, New York, 216 pages, 1992 [orig. published 1977])

This book no only attempts to capture the history and culture of reggae, it actually becomes part of the music's history.  Originally published in 1977, Reggae Bloodlines provides a fascinating first-hand look into the heart of the Jamaican reggae scene at arguably its creative peak.  Davis intersperses historical background information (Since this was written as things were still evolving and as outsiders were still learning about the music and culture, some of his facts are inaccurate.) with first-person excursions into Jamaica and interviews with legendary names like Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Jimmy Cliff, Toots Hibbert, Big Youth, Joe Higgs, Max Romeo, Peter Tosh, Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus, and Fred Locks.  On top of that, the vivid, full-page photographs taken by Simon, although black and white, help create a real sense of going back in time to witness the golden age of reggae.  The pictures painted are not sugar-coated concoctions aimed at tourists, but rather are gritty and even frightening glimpses at the then-politically uncertain third world nation.  The author's excitement about the novelty of the music is apparent, but because hindsight is 20/20, some of his observations seem a bit naive today.  Still, Reggae Bloodlines provides a powerful and enlightening insight into Jamaican culture in general and particularly reggae culture at a pivotal point in its history.