Product Description

This biography of David Bowie looks at his life from his deprived and manic childhood through to international stardom via androgyny, drug addiction and finally, critical acclaim. His various personae, including Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke are explored.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #450883 in Books
• Published on: 1997-08-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

Customer Reviews

Way Beyond Ziggy
Of all the Bowie biographies ever penned, this is by far the best. Sandford avoids the trap of creating a huge mystical aura around his subject, neither does he become steeped in theory with regard to Bowie's numerous alter-egos. Instead we have a book that provides a concise chronologue of characters and experiences that shaped and inspired the most versatile artist in the rock realm. The struggle to gain recognition (far longer than many would imagine) the volatile first marriage and the significant peaks and troughs with long time musical cohort Mick Ronson are covered in depth. Influences such as Iggy, Reed and Warhol are given suitable credence and the insight into Bowie's relationship with his institutionalised half brother Terry Burns is particularly fascinating. A truly compelling read for fans and detractors alike.

A bit of a silly book...
Unfortunately, this comes off as rather sensationalist... the author enjoys dwelling on emotional episodes and makes a fair amount of historical error... It's no Strange Fascination. It does, hoewver, have a brilliant set of centre photos, some of which I have yet to see elsewhere.

be surprised - very good Rock biography
I'm no big fan of Bowie, though I do own a few albums. I was interested in reading the book as it is a chronicle of a lost time, when you could have a long career in music if you played the game the right way.

This book portrays the seventies very well, and Bowie's meteoric rise. In this day and age of one hit wonders and boy bands it is very interesting reading of an artist's career at the height of their creative powers.

This book is never slow and plodding, and is not a sycophantic fan book. The details are laid out quite logically and pragmatically, yet there is still a febrile story telling quality that conjures strong images of what it must be like to be David Bowie.