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 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.

In Cold Blood

Truman Capote's groundbreaking work of narrative non-fiction meticulously details the brutal 1959 murders of a Kansas farmer and his family, exploring the psychological depth of the crime and its impact on the community.
Also recommended by:
Ben Shapiro 

Billy Liar

Keith Waterhouse's novel follows a day in the life of Billy Fisher, a young man from a working-class English family who escapes his mundane life through vivid daydreams, while struggling with his desires versus societal expectations.

The Trial of Henry Kissinger

Christopher Hitchens presents a scathing examination of Henry Kissinger's involvement in international politics, accusing the former U.S. Secretary of State of committing war crimes and calling for legal accountability.

Selected Poems of Frank O'Hara

This collection showcases the vibrant, spontaneous, and emotionally expressive poetry of Frank O'Hara, capturing the dynamic essence of urban life and the New York art scene of the mid-20th century.

On the Road

Jack Kerouac's seminal Beat novel, based on his own travels across America, captures the spirit of freedom and longing for meaning through the adventures of Sal Paradise and his charismatic friend Dean Moriarty.
Also recommended by:
Lex Fridman  Johnny Depp 

The Leopard: A Novel

Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's classic novel set in 19th-century Sicily, chronicling the decline of the aristocracy represented by the aging Prince of Salina and the rise of the new class during the Italian unification.

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:
Neil deGrasse Tyson  Sam Altman 

The Age of American Unreason

Susan Jacoby critiques the decline of intellectual and rational thought in American society, linking historical trends with contemporary issues in culture and politics that celebrate ignorance over knowledge.
Also recommended by:
Neil deGrasse Tyson 

Metropolitan Life

Fran Lebowitz's collection of witty, sardonic essays offers her unique and humorous perspectives on American life, culture, and societal idiosyncrasies.

Kafka Was the Rage: A Greenwich Village Memoir

Anatole Broyard recounts his post-WWII years in Greenwich Village, a vibrant and bohemian hub, where he navigated young adulthood and intellectual awakening among influential writers and artists.

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.

1984

George Orwell's dystopian novel depicts a totalitarian regime under the omnipresent surveillance of Big Brother, where individuality and free thought are crushed, warning of the dire consequences of political authoritarianism.
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