From The Library Journal, November 1, 2005:

A senior writer for Script magazine, Morton has long been fascinated with the screen history of King Kong. His new work, scheduled to coincide with the release of the 1933 original on DVD and the premiere of Peter Jackson's remake, chronicles all seven feature films in which Kong has appeared, with notes on lesser Kong-related projects (e.g., cartoons, short films). Morton truly has done yeoman's work, interviewing surviving cast and crew members whenever possible and providing scene-by-scene commentary on the making of the major works. More than 100 black-and-white and color film stills and behind-the-scenes photos are included, and film buffs will especially love the detailed attention that Morton pays to the two great Kong artists, Willis O'Brien and Rick Baker. Although at least two other unexamined popular works are forthcoming simultaneously with the Jackson film, Morton's book is so well done as to be an essential acquisition for all academic and public library film and popular culture collections.

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From Publishers Weekly - November 7, 2005:

"Script magazine columnist Morton, who views King Kong as "an enduring cultural icon," was captivated at age eight by the giant gorilla, and his "Kong-mania went into overdrive" with the 1976 Dino De Laurentiis version. In an effort to survey all feature films in which Kong appears, Morton interviewed surviving cast and crew members, visited archives and trekked to film locations, documenting everything from ape suits, budget woes and optical effects to "Kongs That Never Were." The lengthy opening chapter recaps the making of the 1933 film in exhaustive detail, illustrated with dramatic conceptual art and test shots; an equal amount of space is given to the 1976 remake. Shorter chapters review "The Son of Kong," "King Kong vs. Godzilla," "King Kong Escapes" and "King Kong Lives." Peter Jackson's forthcoming version gets only 14 pages, but fans dazzled by this book's 100 color and b&w illustrations (storyboards, stills, production art, collectibles) and comprehensive coverage of past Kongs won't complain. (Dec.)"

Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Bookgasm
http://www.bookgasm.com/reviews/entertainment/king-kong-history-of-icon/

Hitch Magazine
http://www.hitchmagazine.com/book-reviews/king-kong-history-of-icon/

The Hollywood Reporter
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/reviews/review_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001736420

www.fromscripttodvd.com
http://www.fromscripttodvd.com/king_kong_book.htm