It was the early 1960s- and England*s youth- inspired by American rock *n* roll and rhythm and blues- was finding its own sound. Bands were forming throughout the land. Some would endure in memory- legacy or influence-the Yardbirds- the Kinks- even the Beatles-but one would go on and on and on to become the self-proclaimed (and generally acclaimed) Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World. **The Rolling Stones formed precisely a half century ago- and are still at work-or- rather- at play- celebrating 50 years of phenomenal music and a journey as raucous as *Jumping Jack Flash.* LIFE*s cameras were there early and have been there since- capturing all the ragged glory. The same editors who produced a bestselling book on the Beatles now look at the long history of the Stones: the mysterious death of founder Brian Jones- the essential push-pull relationship of Jagger and Richard- the *60s signpost that was Altamont- the later glam and then the welcomed return to roots. Lynn Goldsmith*s photography is here- and so is that of Bill Eppridge and other LIFE shooters on the beat. In special sections- the legendary tour chronicled in the documentary film *Gimme Shelter* is revisited with stills from the film (including the crucial moment at Altamont)- and the current lives of Mick and Keith (Johnny Depp*s best friend New York Times bestselling author ) are shown in their colorful splendor. There are funny moments (the early Stones with TV host Dean Martin- who just doesn*t get it- when they first fail-miserably-to *conquer America*) and many thrilling ones. **This special edition of LIFE commemorating the Stones at 50 chronicles how the band not only captured the hearts and minds of this country*s rock fans- but the world*s.****Specifications*** Author: Life Magazine *** Publisher: Little Brown & Co *** Publish Date: May 2012 *** ISBN-13: 9781603202275 *** ISBN-10: 1603202277 *** Format: Hardcover *** Number of Pages: 144 *** Shipping Weight (in pounds): 3.04 *** Product in Inches (L x W x H): 10.2 x 0.7 x 13.5 **