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

Black Boy

Richard Wright's autobiography details his youth in the Jim Crow South, documenting his fight against racial prejudice and his eventual move north, capturing the systemic injustices and personal battles that define the African-American experience.

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.
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Interviews with Francis Bacon

David Sylvester compiles insightful interviews with the renowned painter Francis Bacon, discussing his artistic theories, his approach to painting, and his views on the chaotic beauty of the human form.

Before the Deluge: Portrait of Berlin in the 1920s

Otto Friedrich provides a vivid portrayal of Berlin during the Weimar Republic, a period marked by cultural flourishing as well as political and social turmoil, illustrating the city's influential arts scene and the shadows of impending disaster.

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.

Inside the Whale

A collection of essays by George Orwell, including the famous title essay which analyzes the social and political environment leading up to World War II, as well as literary criticism and reflections on the role of the writer.

David Bomberg

This biography explores the life and work of David Bomberg, an influential British painter known for his bold, expressionistic style, whose art traversed the tumultuous developments of the early 20th century.

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Junot Díaz's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel combines magical realism and historical commentary, telling the tragic and humorous story of Oscar, an overweight Dominican boy growing up in New Jersey, who dreams of becoming a writer and finding love.

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