I found this book interesting in parts, a bit boring in others. In some ways the bits specifically about Syd are the least compelling, I found it best when placing him in the 1960s London counter-culture - there are some great descriptions of early gigs, hangouts and characters. The author is clearly very fond of Syd and probably over-romanticises some aspects of him, but in the end it's really a rather sad story of him losing his spark, returning to his family home and retreating into his own very private life. ( )

Chapman does a superb job of demystifying all the absurd myths and rumors about the "madman" Barrett and offers a very human and poignant portrait of a man with considerable creative juice who lost it to drugs or mental illness or both, or just simply burned out all he had to give very quickly. Chapman's admiration of and affection for his subject is obvious. He tries unconvincingly to tie Barrett's "genius" to giants of English literature and western art. A fascinating, sad story. ( )

Reviewing this before I finish, mainly because if I don't I feel I never will do.
Enjoyed the subject matter but at times I felt that the detail level in the book was more suitable for a dissertation on the Life and Times of Syd Barrett than a book for general reading. The author has gone into the smallest possible detail about someone who I have been left with the feeling that they should never have been a musician let alone a member of Pink Floyd. Had to be read in small chunks because the reality of it is that the book is so detailed it becomes mundane.
Would only recommend for the most ardent of fans who want to revisit their (lost) youth.

Added later:
Gave up I'm afraid - became a little bored of all the self serving hero whorship and lost interest. Reduced to 1 star. ( )

Syd of the Floyd