Bowie Comp PB

Bys: Thomson, Elizabeth and Gutman, David

Book Overview

Despite his vast influence and perennial popularity, David Bowie remains one of the most elusive figures in rock, and few books have taken a serious look at his remarkable career. The Bowie Companion provides an entertaining overview of nearly three decades of popular culture commentary, giving full weight to his stage, screen, and musical careers. From both American and English publications, the editors have come up with some astonishing selections, and have added to them a slew of new material. Included are the words of Patti Smith, Anne Rice, Jon Savage, William Burroughs, Lester Bangs, Marc Bolan, Simon Frith, Pauline Kael, John Rockwell, and Ellen Willis, among others. Together with a lengthy introduction, a select discography, and an extensive bibliography, they make up a book that is a must for Bowie fans, and a perfect companion for anyone interested in the phenomenon of pop stardom.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0306807076
• ISBN13: 9780306807077
• Release Date: August 1996
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Length: 300 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Serious look at his work

This interesting collection of interviews, reviews and articles takes a look at Bowie's career as it was in the early 90s. It includes pieces from the US and UK pess and considers Bowie from all angles, including his stage and screen work. In the main, it avoids showbiz gossip and concentrates on his artistic contribution, although this can get a bit academic at times. Lindsay Kemp talks about his years as Bowie's mime teacher, while Ann Rice and Jon Savage discuss the gender issue. Craig Copetas' observations on Bowie and William Burroughs are fascinating, while the best quotes come from Lester Bangs (on Bowie's fear of flying), journalist Adam Sweeting and the man himself: "I usually don't agree with what I say very much, I'm an awful liar" confesses Bowie. The Bowie Companion is a valuable and interesting contribution to the literature on Bowie as multimedia artist.

Very good book to get

This book is great since it doesn't just talk about Bowie, but also about the world around him and what other people were doing. Some of the essays are a little too academic, but they do give some insight into his albums and individual songs. This book is best read after you have listened to his early albums carefully, so that you have your own opinions and can understand what the authors are talking about.

a fine book of bowie

As the other reviewer simply put it, this book is "Interesting, but not essential". That basically sums it up, but if you can find it, I would definately buy it. There's tons of interesting facts on the music and David himself. It's all very interesting material, but I would much rather own an actual biography, such as Loving the Alien.