Dive into the literary world of David Bowie, Singer-songwriter & Musician.

David Bowie, an iconic figure in the world of music, was known for his eclectic style and groundbreaking contributions to the music industry. Born David Robert Jones in London in 1947, Bowie's career spanned over five decades, during which he reinvented himself and his music numerous times, influencing many genres from glam rock and punk to electronica and pop. His alter egos, most famously Ziggy Stardust, allowed him to explore different musical styles and societal themes, cementing his status as a pioneer of contemporary music and culture. Bowie's hits like "Space Oddity," "Heroes," and "Under Pressure" remain timeless classics that continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

I'm a real self-educated kind of guy. I read voraciously. Every book I ever bought, I have. I can't throw them away. It's actually a burden.❞ — David Bowie

Bowie's intellectual pursuits extended far beyond music; he was an avid reader with a deep love for literature. His wide-ranging tastes included classics, contemporary novels, historical biographies, and philosophical texts. This love of books not only influenced his songwriting—often weaving complex narratives into his lyrics—but also informed his views on life and art. Bowie's personal library was extensive, reflecting his voracious appetite for knowledge and his interest in a plethora of subjects, from the occult to modern art. His reading habit fed into his artistic process, often providing inspiration for his music videos, stage designs, and public personas.

David Bowie's Favorite Books

Last Updated: June 2024

The Gnostic Gospels

Elaine Pagels examines a collection of early Christian texts discovered in Egypt, offering insights into the diverse beliefs and practices of early Christianity and the political implications of the narratives canonized in the New Testament.

City of Night

John Rechy's novel is a groundbreaking portrayal of underground life and subculture in the 1960s, following a young man's journey through America's major cities as he grapples with his identity as a gay hustler.

The Bird Artist

Howard Norman's novel set in a remote Newfoundland coastal village in the early 20th century tells the story of Fabian Vas, a bird artist, who confesses to the murder of the lighthouse keeper, revealing the complex interrelations and dark secrets of the village.

The Sound of the City : The Rise of Rock and Roll

Charlie Gillett's influential book traces the origins and evolution of rock and roll music from its roots in blues, country, and gospel through its proliferation into various subgenres, emphasizing its role as a cultural force in post-war urban America.

The Outsider

Colin Wilson's non-fiction work investigates the role of the outsider in modern society, examining the lives and works of various historical figures and artists to understand the alienation and creative dissatisfaction that characterize those living on the fringes of social norms.

The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea

Yukio Mishima's novel explores the stark and often disturbing clash between traditional Japanese values and the nihilistic ethos of modern youth, through the story of a group of young boys and a sailor they idolize and ultimately betray.

Last Exit to Brooklyn: A Novel

Hubert Selby Jr.'s novel presents a gritty, unflinching look at the lives of the residents of an impoverished Brooklyn neighborhood, exploring themes of violence, sexuality, and survival in a chaotic urban environment.

Sexual Personae: Art and Decadence from Nefertiti to Emily Dickinson

Camille Paglia offers a provocative analysis linking the development of Western culture to the interplay between sexuality and art, tracing its influence through various historical figures and artworks.

The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind

Julian Jaynes presents a controversial theory that human consciousness arose as a recent development in history, linked to the breakdown of a previous mind-state where decisions were made through auditory hallucinations believed to be the voices of gods.
Also recommended by:
Sam Altman  Neil deGrasse Tyson 

Writers at Work: The Paris Review Interviews

This compilation from "The Paris Review" features a series of interviews with some of the twentieth century's most influential writers, providing rare and profound insights into their writing processes and literary techniques.

The Master and Margarita

Mikhail Bulgakov's fantastical, satirical novel features the Devil visiting Soviet Russia, intertwining the lives of Margarita, her beloved Master who is an oppressed writer, and historical figures, ultimately exploring themes of good and evil, love, and redemption.
Also recommended by:
Johnny Depp  Jordan Peterson 

In Bluebeard's Castle: Some Notes Towards the Redefinition of Culture

George Steiner's series of essays critically examines modern Western culture, questioning its progress and sustainability in the wake of historical atrocities and shifting moral landscapes.

Nights at the Circus

Angela Carter's novel follows Sophie Fevvers, a circus aerialist who claims to be part woman, part swan, on a fantastical journey from London to Siberia at the turn of the 20th century, blending magical realism with feminist themes.

A Clockwork Orange

Anthony Burgess's dystopian novel centers on Alex, a delinquent teen who revels in acts of violence, and the state's extreme attempts at reforming him, raising questions about free will, the nature of evil, and the potential for redemption.

Puckoon

Spike Milligan's comedic novel is set in 1924, centered around the fictional Irish village of Puckoon, where the boundary commission has divided the village in two, leading to a series of absurd and hilarious consequences for the locals.
Do you have a suggestion for someone who should be featured on our site? Reach out to us today, and we'll make every effort to include them soon!