Mythology Of The Groundbreaking Hip-Hop Group The Wu-Tang Clan Explained In The Wu-Tang Manual

NEW YORK (Top40 Charts) The definitive book on the history, mystery, and mythology of hip-hop's original dynasty, the Wu-Tang Clan, has been written by The RZA.

THE WU-TANG MANUAL: Enter the 36 Chambers, Book One -- which has been referred to repeatedly on Wu-Tang albums, from "Bells of War" (Wu-Tang Forever) to GZA's Liquid Swords -- is RZA's first written introduction to the philosophy and history of the Wu-Tang Clan. ($16; Riverhead Books; available online and bookstores nationally)

Packed with information that reflects the breadth and depth of the Clan's intellectual interests and passions, THE WU-TANG MANUAL is divided into four books of nine chambers each, for a total of 36 chambers. All together, the book provides the breakdown of essential Wu-Tang components.

Elegantly laid-out and richly printed, the book is designed to reflect the Asian influence on the Wu-Tang universe, which, as the book explains, began with a fascination with kung-fu movies but quickly led to serious study of martial arts and Eastern philosophy and spirituality.

The Book includes a map of Shaolin; a trove of never-before-seen photos of the Wu-Tang Clan, including shots of RZA's trip to China with Sifu Shi Yan- Ming, live shots, and portraits-by Michael Lavine, Craig Wetherby, Sophia Chang, and Frank151; and original illustrations of many of the guiding lights of the Wu-Tang universe.

Before the death of Ol'Dirty Bastard last year, the Wu-Tang Clan had played their first two group shows in years, one in Los Angeles and one in New York. They have released a live album and DVD, Disciples of the 36 Chambers, and a Greatest Hits collection, Legend of the Wu-Tang Clan.

For the hardcore Wu-Tang disciple and the recent initiate alike, THE WU- TANG MANUAL is the definitive guide to the essence of Wu, one of the most innovative hip-hop groups of all time. The saga continues ....

The RZA is "the Abbott" of The Wu-Tang Clan, the platinum-selling hip-hop group whose nine members have also released a number of platinum-selling solo albums. RZA is famous as a producer, rapper, and lyricist, and also for his recent work scoring movies-notably "Kill Bill."