Dave Meltzer's "Tributes" (2001) is a nicely written retrospective on wrestling's "fallen heroes."

The quality of the writing in conjunction with the array of great photos make this book essential for any nostalgic fan who wants to revisit some momentarily forgotten moments or to simply know more info on some of the wrestlers they grew-up watching.

I found the sections on Brian Pillman, Rick Rude and Andre the Giant to be the most fascinating. However, the entire book is a fast, honest and insightful read.

Again, the photos enhance the book and are all great selections. From the classic Andre the Giant poses to the ironic photos of Louie Spicolli with Owen Hart and Art Barr, each picture seems to be made for the book versus anything else.

But ... I will play the proverbial Devil's Advocate ... "Tributes" could have been longer. Specifically, more guys could have been included. Some are even mentioned throughout the text. And granted, this book could have been much, much longer. Most of the wrestlers included in "Tributes" are those modern-day American fans were familiar with, sans possibly Jumbo Tsuruta and Giant Baba.

Personally, I would have loved to see sections on Bobby Duncum Jr., Adrian Adonis, the "other" Von Erichs, Gorilla Monsoon, Gino Hernandez, Mark Curtis, Buzz Sawyer, Tony Rumble, Jeep Swenson and Rhonda Singh. Some (such as the latter three) could have just received one-page biographies. Very surprising that Adonis, Duncum, Sawyer and Monsoon were not included ... but let's face it--in the short list I just gave, there are dozens more as well. A comprehensive volume of all the "dead wrestlers" probably isn't something we'll see anytime soon.

In the spectrum of wrestling books written in the past few years, this is one of the better choices--especially amongst the non-autobiography titles. Pass on that clearance copy of "The History of Wrestlemania" and snag "Tributes" instead.