Bittersweet: The Clifford T. Ward Story Paperback – 1 Oct. 2003

Bought this as a gift as finding a brand new copy was extremely hard.. was dubious about condition but it arrived looking fantastic can barely tell it's preloved. Thankyou

Dave Cartwright's book about Clifford T Ward is very special indeed. It quite transcends its basic remit to become a very fine biography and a work of art in its own right - it really is that good. Within these pages Clifford T Ward lives again and by the end you as reader really feel you have met the man.It's certainly no white-wash of the singer's life - it's a well rounded full and detailed story . Clifford T Ward wrote some of the most heart breakingly beautiful love songs ever recorded - and if you doubt this just listen to say "The best is still to come" to see what I mean - under three minutes long but total distilled beauty. And yet the fascination of this book is that the man who wrote these lovely delicate and very English love songs was basically not a nice man at all - in fact quite the reverse - he seems to have lived life totally for himself to the total exclusion of the needs of his wife and family. When struck down by a terrible illness which eventually killed him he compounded this by being a totally selfish and endlessly difficult patient.And this is the fascination of the book - the contrast between the unwordly beauty of the songs and the massive character flaws of the writer of those songs.How could such music have come from such a difficult and flawed human being ? You really have to read it - whether or not you care about Clifford T Ward or his music - this is a truly great biography. And remember - some (but not all - there are occasional emdarrassments)of the music is sublime.

Thoroughly absorbing and readable book. I finished it in about 4 days, something I haven't done for a long time. Although not particularly a great fan of Mr Ward, I love books about singer-songwriters and really like to know something about the background to the songs. This book explores all the people around CTW, including family, friends, group members and others, and develops an in-depth picture of the man himself in terms of the effect that he had on others, but it never gets close to understanding the man and his own thinking. I suspect that no-one ever got close to knowing that. He will remain an enigma.

Dave Cartwright got the balance right here.An informative, warm yet not sycophantic overview, that reveals normal humanfrailties as well as talent.As a musician who used to gig at social clubs his descriptions of venues and suchlike was so acurate.I was very touched by Cliff and Pats dilema.The book is a great read and enhanced my delight in his music.I'm sure anyone interested in his music will not be disappointed.

An interesting read illustrating some aspects of the life of a talented musician who fell ill early in his career.

pleased I bought it, this guy is a joy to listen to

An absorbing and well researched study of the life and career of the late oft overlooked, oft troubled British singer-songwriter.

Absolutely amazing book, I, so pleased I found it! Wonderful to read about this incredible singer/songwriter. I just wish he was alive today, but his music lives on forever. Thank you for great service. I highly recommend to all A++++++