Christopher Sandford has done an admirable job of writing a biography on one of rock's more elusive icons, David Bowie. Having read most of the other biographies on Bowie in and out of print, I'd have to rank this one second best next to Peter Gillman's "Alias David Bowie." Gillman's biography has better photos and a superior in-depth account of Bowie's youth, but Sandford's is more up-to-date.

In "Loving the Alien," Sandford discusses Bowie's rumored schizophrenia, a trait he apparently inherited from his mother's side. (Previous biographers have argued that if this is a fact, it serves to explain the many stage-personas Bowie adopted during the '70's: Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, Thin White Duke, etc. Curiously enough, Sandford seems uninterested in this theory.) Bowie's half-brother, Terry Burns, clearly suffered from the mental illness, which led him to take his own life in 1985. The song "Width of a Circle" is supposed to be about Bowie's own battles with schizophrenia (or possibly Burns', depending on which biography you read). Whether or not it ever seriously affected him, Bowie seems to have conquered it by his mid-30's.

Bowie also befriended many other rock stars and celebrities during the '70's. At one time, he was even friends with Elizabeth Taylor and Oona Chaplin (the latter's family even falsely predicted that Bowie would marry her).

Sandford's biography is probably the most well-written one yet on Bowie, as well as the most current. Strongly recommended for Bowie fans wishing to know more about the man.

When I bought this book, I figured I knew just about everything I needed to know about David Bowie. I knew all of his albums, his wives, favorite albums, all about his fellow musical friends (Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, etc.), the movie he has starred in, and so on. As a matter of fact, I came close to not buying the book at all. But boy am I glad I did. Loving The Alien is the by far the most down to the earth, well explained, and best researched Bowie biography out there today. I'm surprised that the author, Christopher Sanford was able to convince William Burroughs to talk to him. What sets this biography apart from the rest is that it presents the information in a factual matter but also with a twist of Sanford's opinion mixed in. I found the reading very interesting and I finally realized that I knew hardly anything about the exciting and unique David Bowie.

I have read a lot about David Bowie, because I'm a huge fan, and I believe that this is the best biography written about him. It goes into such detail, you can't believe that it's all true. I actually ended up highlighting parts that were so interesting, I would reffer to in conversations. I highly recommend this book. It will change anyone's life.

I had my doubts about the book based on the title "bowie style", but the ever in-the-know Joel Stones strongly recommended it to me, so i checked it out and couldn't put it down. Chock full of pictures from way back in the beginning--the usual childhood ones, but from the beginning of his career until the present, as well as pics of various influences on Bowie and people he has in turn influenced. Well worth it for the pics alone, with interesting information and stories scattered throughout. Extremely cool for Bowie fans, and very interesting for all music fans who enjoy tracing back the times and trends...

This book was a clever idea indeed. Why write another Bowie biography when there have been too many of them already? Personally, I like most of them and I strongly recommend the recently published "Strange Fascination", by David Buckley, even though it is only available in Britain at the time of writing. But quite a few Bowie fans have complained that they have no patience to read a long, detailed biography. So give them what they want: a glossy, coffee-table book full of pictures that will make female fans go WOW, plus bits and pieces of information that can be read piecemeal, in no particular order. Done by the wrong people, it could have been an embarrassing exercise in teenage-like worship. But these guys are experts and the results are more than worth the price of admission. Each chapter is devoted to an aspect of Bowie's life - there's even one about his favorite cigarette brands! This is really a fan's bible if there ever was one.

This book was way better than I expected.

First of all, something not immediately apparent when you buy the book off of Amazon is that this book is big, about 12" by 10". All the pages are glossy and filled about half with color photographs, the other half with commentary and quotes.

The book isn't arranged in a linear timeline like a biography would be. Instead it breaks down by theme, with sections on topics like musical periods in Bowie's work, lady loves, musical influences, influential books (Bowie has apparently described himself as a "born librarian with a sex drive"), origins of Ziggy, people influenced by Bowie, etc. Each section is filled with relevant photographs, quotes, and historical info. Not only is it well-researched and great eye candy, but the author's insights are pretty interesting too. The author must be a fan or otherwise have some kind of photographic memory, since the text is peppered with obscure references to Bowie songs that are pretty fun when you notice them.

If you're looking for a straightforward biography, then this isn't it. Although Bowiestyle probably contains as much information as a biography would, it's not ordered linearly by time like your average biography is. I found it all the more interesting to read for that, though. Of all the books I've seen on Bowie, I rate this the best. One Bowie fan to another, a good buy.

Although I don't agree with everything that David Buckley says on David Bowie in this book, I would recommend it to any fan. This book contains a song-by-song analysis from everything on The Man Who Sold the World until Outside. It also include a few words on some soundtracks and compilations. He does discuss the self titled David Bowie album and Space Oddity, but not in as much detail as everything else. This is a great book for any David Bowie fan to own and I'm recommending it to YOU.

I'll admit it. I'm not the biggest Bowie fan. But after buying this book, you get drawn into the "Bowie-ness". Everyone should have a copy of this book. My friend reads it everytime he comes over. The book becomes an addiction.

This CD-sized book is essential for the Bowiephile and indispensable for those just discovering Bowie's genius. This book lists all of Bowie's albums and singles with a synopsis/review of each. It also includes videos, films and soundtracks. The version I bought came with a CD containing an interview. (A MasterTone MultiMedia product in association with Omnibus Press #8042)Scan code# 714151804225

The novel, Bowie, is a great insight into the life and times of David Bowie from his birth in 1947 to 1985. This book provides an in-depth analysis of Bowie's many personas (Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, Halloween Jack, The Thin White Duke). I recommend this book to all brand new Bowie fanatics.

A very readable biography of Bowie up to 1983. Hopkins' riveting study gets behind the many images that have concealed the elusive David Jones of Brixton, London. Drawing on interviews with family members, ex-lovers, friends and associates, he describes Bowie early struggle and eventual breakthrough, and his development as an artist: the albums, videos, films and tours. It is illustrated with rare black & white photographs and contains a discography, filmography and videography. The tone is informative throughout and much emphasis is placed on the music and Bowie's development as artist. Well-written, interesting without being gossipy, this book is thoroughly enjoyable and comprehensive as an early history of the artist and singer.

This book was okay, but more superficial than I expected. It's advertised as getting to the heart of the writing and recording of the album itself. I was expecting details about neat studio tricks (how they got this or that sound), whose idea it was to arrange the piece this or that way, discussions about different mixes of the songs, what the different people involved with the album were like to work with, etc..., but the book isn't particularly detailed in these areas. I would wager that a lot of the people who like this album enough to buy a book about it would also want more of these esoteric details. But I guess it might be enjoyable if you're kind of a casual Bowie fan and want to get an idea of the tenor of the times during the which the album came out. Great album, okay book.

David Bowie is the ultimate chameleon in rock. He has changed his image and persona and taken on alter egos so many times it's tough to remember them all. One that rises above them all and is impossible to forget is Ziggy Stardust. The image of the androgynous glam rocker has lived on and gave rise to Mr. Bowie's most critically acclaimed and arguably best album. Mark Paytress examines the making of the album as well as the circumstances surrounding the creation of Ziggy Stardust and his Spiders From Mars. The book also details Mr. Bowie's career before the album with the most revealing and interesting being his early days in the music business. Mr. Paytress writes in too much a fan style as opposed to a journalistic style, but overall it is a solid book.

I've not read it and see no reason why you ought to, other than any narration of Bowie's life is bound to be intriguing. He lived in such a manner that a detailed listing of the contents of his sock drawer could not be less than fascinating.

First, can I say this? When I read the quote on the cover by David Bowie I laughed for at least 5 minutes on and off thinking how on this earth did such a quote find its way into this book. I'm not a big fan of contemporary art and the selections in this book were at times difficult to view with an open mind.

Here is what he said:

"Possibly the most infuriating art publication to come out of Britian. It's a pleasure to write for it, whatever the ___ it is." -David Bowie

I agree.

I see more confusion and lack of talent in this book than in anything I have ever seen before in my life. I mean, I have at least three other art books I would much rather look at. Yet, still I was interested to know what all the fuss was about.

I mean, for one thing: "How is hanging a vacuum up on the wall of an art show room, art?" Heck, I can do that here at home, no problem. There are worse examples I won't even mention here.

Most of the art is just too bizarre to say the least. I started to feel almost sick thinking about what must go on in the minds of some of the artists. This represents the worst of our world. There is no beauty here.

Ugly Art, move on
.....nothing to see here.

Puzzled by modern art? Bored by art criticism? Then "Writers On Artists" is the book for you. This unique collection of modern art works accompanied by essays by contemporary writers is a colorful feast for the eyes in every way.

Just as each writer may take a distinctly different view of modern art, every contributor is sincere in bringing modern art to the many who find it remote or incomprehensible.

With 350 full-color reproductions as well as portraits of the artists and writers this stimulating and challenging volume provokes discussion just as it provides entertainment. Reading Will Self's take on outre Damien Hirst makes art fun.

Author Howard Jacobson takes on Andy Warhol, and Germain Greer extols the virtues of Portugese artist Paula Rego. Noted British author Julian Barnes finds challenges and implicit questions in the paintings of Edgar Degas.

And so it goes in "Writers On Artists," a fantastic journey through the works of artists guided by the writers' pens.

- Gail Cooke

This is a brilliant insight into the wonderful world of art by the a number of great writers. From the excellently edited magazine, Modern Painters, this book takes "the best bits," displayed beautifully with exquisite pictures. a MUST for anyone this Christmas.

Tremlett recycles the best bits from older, trashier bios, and adds his own, substantial pre-Ziggy interview material. His presentation is clear, concise, and buttressed by a detailed chronology and annotated bibliography, and his record critiques are fair if overly focused on lyrics. There's enough name-dropping and 70's hedonism for smut grazers, and plenty of financial analysis for those interested in rock's corporate machine. But there are weak points: Tremlett runs through the last two decades with no enthusiasm or insider knowledge, there's no index or discography, and the photo section isn't anything special.

It helps when you have interviewed a rock legend before he earned his fame, success, power, and wealth. George Tremlett got into rather lengthy interview with Bowie in Ken Pitt's apartment. This is where George gets much of his information of Bowie's early days, and of about up to 1970. I believe after this personal interview, George became a huge fan of David's. Which, for the reader, is not a good thing. Tremlett seems to make up unbelievable excuses for some of the most obscene things Bowie has ever done. For instance, when Bowie gave his infamous Nazi salute on a train. Tremlett likes to explain that it was misunderstanded as a Nazi salute when Bowie was actually waving to all of his adoring fans. Now, as a devoted Bowie I would like to believe this garbage, but my intelligence asks: Then why did Bowie move to Berlin and visit Hitler's bunker so often? Tremlett also seems to think that Bowie was never gay. The infamous interview in which Bowie was quoted as saying he was gay was probably invented by Tony DeFries. (Which is most likely true.) But then Tremlett goes on to say that Bowie never had a male sex partner and merely "experimented". Who knows what George means by that. My point is that Tremlett is nothing more than adoring fan trying to make excuses for Bowie's faults in life. He seems to be more interested in making excuses then to sharing detailed insight on Bowie's true nature.

David Bowie: Living on The Brink was a fascinating insight into the man, David Bowie. It openned with how the author knew David, and how they got along. That was a little boring because you want to know about David, not the writter, but once you get passed this the book levels out. You get to understand David's history, who he was, and how his parents and relitives shapped his life. The book writes of his relationship with his father and the ever faithful Kenneth Pit. It highlights Bowie's unpredictable and always charismatic character. The book fervently discusses finance managment as well. It also writes of David's other talents in art and how music was not his first choice. From David's early years- through scattered lovers, sexual, religious, and personality explorations we get to know David Bowie. This is a really good book, and if you are a David Bowie fan, as I have just recently found myself thrown head first into then you will enjoy it. I mean it's Bowie, where could you go wrong!

Look, this book is absolutely fantastic. Five stars at least for the material.

However, the binding of the book is so poor that it falls off the spine after 2 viewings. Inexcusable!

This is a truly- well, faaaaaabulous book. Mick Rock's excellent photography captures glam rock and its' artists at their top prime. The fact that Mick Rock knew many of his subjects personally helped with the many candid behind the scenes shot that fills this book. From David Bowie and Lou Reed to Mick Jagger, Blondie, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and even the Ramones and Johnny Rotten, this book has incredible photography of music's most incredible stars. My personal favorites are the pictures of Lou Reed, and the David Bowie pictures are wild and ample throughout the whole book. The layout of the book is also great, with many quotes from the shown artists and Mick Rock commenting on...well, everything, and many of the quotes are set to vibrant colored backgrounds. The reason why I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 was that there were just too many people I had never heard of. It would have been better if there had been just even small explanations- I mean, there are on some of them, but I have no idea who "Leather Nun" was or many of the people in some of these party shots. But hey, that's okay. For people with the some of the best taste in music, I recommend this book.

Looking at the pages of this explosive book, one feels as if they are taking a glimpse into an alternative universe and in many ways you are. Mick Rock was the supreme chronicler of the fantasy world of Glam. His images and Bowie's quotes are juxtaposed and further mythologize this highly original period. David Bowie states that he would be going to hell because he sold his soul to the devil. The book is arranged chronologically and ends with images of the Punk Rockers. Compared to the fey and sexually charged Eno, Amanda, Lou and Freddie they look so sober and serious. Debbie Harry being the sole exception, of course. Viva la Glam !

While I found the pictures to be wonderful. I found the text to be so much more. Being a person of color I could relate to much of what is written here. Yes the West's perception of skin color needs to be addressed. People of all ages need to read this book for this matter alone. It is not preachy or self involved as some have said. It discusses more than fashion and addresses all of us. Beauty is the tip of the iceberg here and one must read the book and look a little deeper. Not just at Iman but ourselves and each other as well.

I Am Iman is a wonderful book. That it is wonderful to look at won't come as a surprise to anyone. What is a suprise, visually, though, are many of the photographs, all chosen by Iman: of course there are plenty of traditional beauty and fashion images testifying to Iman's career as a singular catwalk and photographic model. (These images make up a fascinating archive for anyone interested in photography, fashion, social history, studio 54, sex, gender, high fashion and race). Much more remarkable, however, are the riskier choices of images. This is not a book which wastes any time at the alter of traditional beauty. Iman shows herself every which way: nude, pregnant, dressed up, and naked, fleshy and lovely.

The book is worth getting for the iconic photograph by Annie Leibovitz of two generations of black models all sitting together. But do not miss the amazing collaboration between Sandra Bernhard and Iman: this shows Iman as a performer unconstrained by vanity (although,it turns out that she looks great dressed up like a drag queen), and it is this Iman - unabashed, unashamed and upfront that is presented again and again throughout this book, both in its images and in its writing.

Yes, the essays by David Bowie, Ingrid Sischey and Bell Hooks are great, but the riveting writing comes from Iman herself. She is an honest and unpretentious writer and she certainly has a lot to say and many stories to tell. She does not put a gloss on any thing that she encountereed or did over her remarkable career, and though the book is not a tell all (thank god), Iman is not shy about sharing regrets, mistakes and ambivalent feelings.

This is not a series of puff pieces about a celebrity. Far from it! Iman's voice comes across as both proud and self-deprecating and most of all, as someone with a wonderful sense of the absurd. The book is an amazing design - I read that Jonathan Barnbrook also designed Damien Hirst's catalogues, and that would make sense, because the book is risky. There is not one single lazy page in the whole volumne. Iman once again has not gone for the banal. This book is a MUST for any library, but better than that, you'll want to keep it on your bedside table.

For those who are fans of Iman and the fashion-system which created the myth of her, this book will be a delicious read. From her first beginnings and exile from Somalia, her native country, and her subsequent "discovery" by the great modeling agency Wilhemina in New York City, the book takes us through the entire gamut of just what set Iman apart from other models of the day and succeeds in capturing the magic of her runway and print style. Especially for those of us who are "fashionistas of the 80's", Iman's book will bring back a few heartwarming memories of the era, in spite of the initial racism and ugly side of the industry most models of color inevitably seem to experience. The myth of Iman is dissected, the real truth of her rise to stardom is disclosed, and the woman and mother she has become today is acclamated. The book read like a real life fairytale.

This interesting collection of interviews, reviews and articles takes a look at Bowie's career as it was in the early 90s. It includes pieces from the US and UK pess and considers Bowie from all angles, including his stage and screen work. In the main, it avoids showbiz gossip and concentrates on his artistic contribution, although this can get a bit academic at times. Lindsay Kemp talks about his years as Bowie's mime teacher, while Ann Rice and Jon Savage discuss the gender issue. Craig Copetas' observations on Bowie and William Burroughs are fascinating, while the best quotes come from Lester Bangs (on Bowie's fear of flying), journalist Adam Sweeting and the man himself: "I usually don't agree with what I say very much, I'm an awful liar" confesses Bowie. The Bowie Companion is a valuable and interesting contribution to the literature on Bowie as multimedia artist.

This book is great since it doesn't just talk about Bowie, but also about the world around him and what other people were doing. Some of the essays are a little too academic, but they do give some insight into his albums and individual songs. This book is best read after you have listened to his early albums carefully, so that you have your own opinions and can understand what the authors are talking about.

As the other reviewer simply put it, this book is "Interesting, but not essential". That basically sums it up, but if you can find it, I would definately buy it. There's tons of interesting facts on the music and David himself. It's all very interesting material, but I would much rather own an actual biography, such as Loving the Alien.