A compulsively readable journey into the area of movie-making where all writers, directors and stars fear to tread: Development Hell, the place where scripts are written, actors hired and sets designed... but the movies rarely actually get made!

In smoky rooms above pubs, bare rooms with battered stools and beer-stained tables, where the stage was little more than a scrap of carpet and sound systems were unheard of, an acoustic revolution took place in Britain in the 1950s and '60s.

Though blessed with a potent voice, Alcatrazz leader (and purported star) Graham Bonnet was heavily dependent on the songwriting skills of his cohorts. Each album is therefore a reflection of the particular guitarist involved, resulting in a stylistic inconsistency that failed to attract a loyal following for the band. As such, their 1983 debut No Parole from Rock'n'Roll sounds a lot like guitarist Yngwie J. Malmsteen's later solo albums.

Through his popular guidebooks and media appearances, Jack Christie has helped countless Vancouverites and visitors alike appreciate the renowned natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities of the Pacific Northwest. Now revised and updated, 52 Best Day Trips will enrich the west coast experience for many new adventurers.