Book excerpt: Jim Morrison... We all know the stories, but does anyone know the real man? If you don't know where the truth ends and the fiction begins, you're not alone. A misinformation barrage that started when Morrison was alive grew toxic in the years after his death. In an effort to disprove the lies and rumors, Frank Lisciandro, Jim's friend and film collaborator, gathered together more than a dozen of Morrison's friends for a series of interviews and conversations. From the transcripts of those talks Jim Morrison is candidly brought to light by the people who knew him, who were his pals, colleagues, mentors and lovers. Jim Morrison: Friends Gathered Together confronts and sweeps away the fantasy to illuminate an extraordinary man and gifted creative artist. The interviews and conversations covered a multitude of topics. The people who share their stories were themselves active participants in the West Coast music scene: musicians, concert promoters, publicists and band managers. Readers will discover funny stories, secrets revealed and truths more astounding than the fabrications published during and after Morrison's life. From his first year in high school and his student days at UCLA to the formation of The Doors and his rise to fame, the book weaves an amazing tapestry of information about Jim Morrison the poet, the brilliant lyricist, and the iconic singer and performer of The Doors. The book is a feast for Jim's fans worldwide and for curious readers who want to know the true Jim Morrison story. The conversations also offer a unique oral history of the turbulent Sixties when L.A.'s Sunset Strip was the focus of a cultural renaissance and musical revolution. The book contains 57 original Frank Lisciandro photographs, many never published before. Jim Morrison: Friends Gathered Together focuses on issues and occasions that illuminate an extraordinary man and gifted creative artist. By weighing the observations of those who knew him, the reader can reach his own conclusions about who Jim Morrison was and what he achieved. The result is a more accurate rendering, a more humane and truthful portrait.