David Bowie Is - Non Fiction - Hardcover - Exhibition Catalogue Of David Bowie Art And Music
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Title:
David Bowie Is
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Hardcover
Overview:
David Bowie Is is the definitive, high-end art book that accompanies the landmark international exhibition staged by the Victoria and Albert Museum. This prestige volume unlocks Bowie's vast world through his own performance costumes, ephemera and original design artwork housed in his personal archive. Spanning nearly five decades, the book traces Bowie's London beginnings to the breakthroughs of Space Oddity and Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, and onward to his enduring influence on the global avant-garde. Beyond the wardrobe and stagecraft, the publication gathers essays from leading voices—V&A curators exploring Bowie's image, London, and fashion; musicologist Howard Goodall; critic Camille Paglia on gender and decadence; and Jon Savage on Bowie's relationship with William Burroughs and his fans. A thoughtful, multi-faceted conversation is extended in a specially recorded discussion between Christopher Frayling, Philip Hoare and Mark Kermode, filmed and shared as part of the V&A experience. With over 300 images, including rare photographs, costume plates and lyric sheets, this is more than a biography—it’s an immersive portrait of a cultural icon.
What Makes This Book Stand Out:
What lifts David Bowie Is above typical music biographies is its exclusive access to Bowie's personal archive, presented in a lavish, museum-quality format. The book doesn’t simply retell a career; it reveals the mechanics of Bowie's boundary-pending creativity—how fashion, design, performance, photography and text intertwined to redefine modern popular culture. The curated essays by respected scholars illuminate Bowie's London roots, his visual language, and his persistent influence on fashion and art, while the rigor of musicology insight from Howard Goodall deepens the reader’s understanding of his sonic innovations. Camille Paglia’s provocative treatment of gender and decadence, alongside Jon Savage’s exploration of Bowie's fan culture, creates a layered, thought-provoking reading experience that rewards repeat encounters. The extended dialogue from the V&A discussion provides insider perspective on Bowie's cultural footprint. All of this is presented in a pristine hardcover format that collectors will prize as a lasting reference work and conversation starter.
Who This Book Is Perfect For:
This is tailored for devoted Bowie fans, design enthusiasts and fashion culture aficionados, as well as students of music history and visual arts. It appeals to collectors seeking a tactile, image-rich volume, to gift buyers wanting a serious, prestigious title for a fan, and to readers who crave a deeper, contextual look at how Bowie's artistry intersected with design, performance and media. Whether you’re setting up a study space, building a music history shelf, or looking for an authoritative coffee-table book that doubles as a reference, this hardcover will satisfy both the eye and the intellect. It’s equally suited for BookTok and book club conversations, where its visual richness and essay-driven content spark discussion.
Key Highlights:
- Exclusive access to Bowie’s personal archive—costumes, ephemera and design artwork
- Over 300 images offering a rare, intimate glimpse into Bowie's world
- Curated essays by V&A curators on London, image culture and fashion influence
- Scholarly perspectives from Howard Goodall, Camille Paglia and Jon Savage
- In-depth discussion from a V&A panel including Frayling, Hoare and Kermode
- Premium hardcover format that serves as a distinguished coffee-table companion and reference
About the Author:
David Bowie Is is produced and curated by the Victoria and Albert Museum, bringing together a meticulous editorial team and a roster of acclaimed contributors. The publication draws on Bowie's extensive archive, with essays and interpretive content from V&A curators who specialize in contemporary culture, design and performance. Notable voices are included for a broader cultural lens: Howard Goodall provides musicology insight; Camille Paglia offers provocative commentary on gender and decadence; and Jon Savage explores Bowie's relationship with fans and the broader cultural milieu. A dedicated discussion featuring Christopher Frayling, Philip Hoare and Mark Kermode rounds out the book with reflective dialogue on Bowie's lasting impact. The result is a collaborative, museum-grade volume that reads like a documentary as much as a book, making it a must-have for collectors and serious fans alike.
Why You’ll Love This Book:
If you want a singular, authoritative portrait of David Bowie that sits proudly on your shelf, this hardcover delivers. It pairs visually stunning imagery with insightful, field-tested scholarship, creating a balanced reading experience that both dazzles and educates. The archival access and behind-the-scenes context give fans a tangible sense of Bowie's creative process, while the cross-disciplinary essays broaden the conversation beyond music to fashion, art and cultural history. It’s the ideal gift for discerning readers and collectors who value depth, credibility and design—a landmark release that captures the essence of a transformative artist and documents a pivotal era in 20th-century culture.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
