Barefoot In Babylon

Fifty years ago, the Woodstock Music Festival defined a generation. Yet, there was much more than peace and love driving that long weekend the summer of 1969. In Barefoot in Babylon, journalist and New York Times bestselling author Bob Spitz gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Woodstock, from its inception and the incredible musicians that performed to its scandals and the darker side of the peace movement. With a new introduction, as well as maps, set lists, and a breakdown of all the personalities involved, Barefoot in Babylon is a must-read for anyone who was there—or wishes they were.

Praise & Reviews

“[Takes] the lid off that mammoth rock concert and reveal[s] the astonishing antics the promoters performed, commercially and personally, to get the Thing off the ground…Mr. Spitz feeds us every riveting detail.”
—The New York Times Book Review

“Goes further toward explaining the counterculture, in all its contradictions and ironies, than many another valiant attempt at social commentary…A novelistic structure and a tough, spicy style… Evident too are the beauty, the magic, the gentle spirit and selfless devotion that Woodstock has come to symbolize for many people.”
—Baltimore News American

“It happens that behind the legendary concert was a string of events no less amazing…An important, impressive work…Reads like an adventure.”
—Timothy White, former Associate Editor, Rolling Stone

“Tough, well-documented…Reveals the gritty and sometimes greedy realities behind the Woodstock Music Festival…Provoking, exciting, and full of the kind of truth that is so sorely needed about an event which has become a part of American folklore.”
—Tim O’Brien