David Bowie is a global superstar. One of the mostextraordinary icons of our times, Bowie's career spansfive decades of popular music. From his first recordings in the sixties, through the invented characters of the seventies (Ziggy Stardust, Aladin Sane and The Thin White Duke), to the stadium rock of the eighties and attempts to recapture his creativity in more recent times, David Bowie has inspired millions of followers and fans the world over. This culturally sensitive re-reading of the life, image and music of David Bowie offers a detailed understanding of his importance to modern times. The story of David Bowie involves questions of comodification, youth culture, history, individualisation, racism and gender and sexual politics. Yet this is also a tale of ambiguity and pleasurable confusion. Among the many talents of David Bowie has been to capture through popular culture many of thecontradictions of the modern era. Through the interpretation of images, music, text and interviews with many Bowie fans this book seeks to unravel some of the mystery that continues to surround the bohemian prince of pop.

Nick Stevenson has written a sympathetic and critical study of one of theenduring stars of popular music. David Bowie is a subtle and accessibleexploration of the complex cultures of celebrity. It will be key reading for students of popular music and culture, celebrity and fandom. It will also appeal to non academic readers interested in popular music and culture and especially Bowie fans.