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

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.

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 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.
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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.

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.
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