Break on Through : The Life and Death of Jim Morrison

Thirty-five years after his death in Paris at age twenty-seven, Jim Morrison's iconic legend remains as powerful as ever, swathed in the mists of mystery. There have been numerous biographies about the self-proclaimed "Lizard King's" life and career. But none have examined his roots and childhood, the intellectual foundations of his music, his wild days with the Doors, and his enigmatic early death as completely and insightfully as Break On Through.

More than simply a fascinating look at a rock legend whose cult following never stops growing, here is the definitive Morrison biography: his angry relationship with his father; the early tragedies and terrible events responsible for the darkness of his artistic vision; his private life and legal trials, including his infamous Miami obscenity bust; and the truth about his final hours. Based on extensive research and featuring dozens of rarely published photographs, this is the authoritative portrait of the poet, the grim visionary, the haunted man, and his haunting music.

James Riordan is the author of The Platinum Rainbow. His interviews with and stories about major rock stars have appeared in Rolling Stone and other national magazines, and he was a consultant on Oliver Stone's film The Doors. He lives near Chicago.

Jerry Prochnicky researched the Jim Morrison story for more than twenty years. He lives in Southern California.