In life, Michael Jackson's aura was as colorful and enigmatic as climate change. He was a tsunami of creativity that has yet to be matched by any other artist.

Unfortunately, he did not know how much he was appreciated when he was alive because, well, he was extraordinarily eccentric and reclusive. And he was dogged by charges of child molestation, some of which he stood trial for and was cleared. There also were relentless rumors of drug abuse and homosexuality. As a result, he was relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi by the likes unseen since Lady Diana. Tabloid headlines were merciless, dubbing him "Wacko Jacko.''

Now, in death his life and accomplishments are celebrated in a new book, 'Michael Jackson: A Life In Pictures,' edited by Yann-Brice Dherbier and Candace Bal.
The book highlights his successes from childhood to his dramatic home going celebration at the Staples Center in Los Angeles last summer. It is filled with poignant quotes that will strike at the heart of any sentient person.

"My father was a brilliant manager,'' Jackson once said. "But what I needed was a dad.''


"Michael (14) and his sister Janet (six) at home in Los Angeles, a few days before Christmas. They remained close over the years and in 1995 would make a memorable video, 'Scream' which received many awards, including an MTV Award and a Grammy.

"When you look out over the stage, as far as the naked eye can see, you see people. And, it's a wonderful feeling, but it came with a lot of pain, a lot of pain.'' (Photo of Michael Jackson on stage at age 37).