Description

David Bowie’s career as a pioneering artist spanned nearly 50 years and brought him international acclaim. He continues to be cited as a major influence on contemporary artists and designers working across the creative arts. Published to accompany the blockbuster international exhibition launched at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, this is the only book to be granted access to Bowie’s personal archive of performance costume, ephemera and original design artwork by the artist, and brings it together to present a completely new perspective on his creative work and collaborations.
The book traces his career from its beginnings in London, through the breakthroughs of Space Oddity and Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, and on to his impact on the larger international tradition of twentieth-century avant-garde art.
Essays by V&A curators on Bowie’s London, image, and influence on the fashion world, are complemented by Howard Goodall on musicology; Camille Paglia on gender and decadence and Jon Savage on Bowie’s relationship with William Burroughs and his fans. Also included is a discussion between Christopher Frayling, Philip Hoare and Mark Kermode, held at the V&A, of Bowie’s cultural impact. Over 300 images include personal and performance photographs, costumes, lyric sheets giving an unique insight into Bowie’s world.

Publisher Review

...a treasure trove of all things Bowie - a one-stop smorgasbord for the eyes whose pictorials chronicle the groundbreaking star from Ziggy Stardust to Thin White Duke to Heathen and every personality in between. Examiner.com May 20th 2013; The fans of 50 years or those making discoveries in retrospect will be intrigued by the accompanying book "David Bowie Is Inside" that is far more than a fanzine, Suzy Menkes, New York Times, March 18th 2013 ...lends context and picks away at Bowie with such insight...that it's a rare hagiography with soul. Chicago Tribune, April 26th 2013