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Us and Them: The Authorised Story of Hipgnosis

The visionary artists behind Pink Floyd and more...
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( 40 ratings, 7 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Us and Them: The Authorised Story of Hipgnosis traces the legendary design house's rise from the late 1960s to the early 1980s, capturing the golden era of the 12-inch LP album cover. Starting with the iconic work for Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon, founders Aubrey 'Po' Powell and Storm Thorgerson crafted surreal, groundbreaking artwork for music giants like Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney, Genesis, Black Sabbath, ELO, and Yes. Accessing previously unpublished material and exclusive contributions from rock legends, the book delves into the creative ambitions and clashes that shaped the visual identity of rock music during this time.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for fans of rock music history, design enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the artistic collaborations behind iconic album covers. It appeals to readers interested in the intersection of music and visual art, as well as those seeking an insider's perspective on legendary bands and their imagery.

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The definitive story of the Hipgnosis design partnership, their iconic album artworkand their rock 'n' roll life

The definitive story of the Hipgnosis design partnership, their iconic album artwork and their rock 'n' roll life

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Between the late '60s and early '80s, design house Hipgnosis created some of the most iconic and ubiquitous album artwork of all time. Their original lifespan coincided with the golden age of the 12-inch LP, beginning just as the Beatles' Sgt Pepper made the record sleeve the ultimate blank canvas and ending just as new technology looked set to usurp vinyl.

Having originally been approached to design an album cover for their friends Pink Floyd, students Aubrey 'Po' Powell and Storm Thorgerson would go on to define the visual identity of rock and roll for the next fifteen years, swiftly gaining international prominence for their famed The Dark Side of the Moon artwork. This paved the way for other major musicians to set foot in the surreal photo-design world of Storm and Po, resulting in seminal Hipgnosis creations for the likes of Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney, Genesis, Black Sabbath, ELO and Yes.

In this authorised account, with access to previously unpublished material and exclusive contributions from David Gilmour, Jimmy Page, Peter Gabriel, Roger Waters, Robert Plant and even Aubrey Powell himself, Mark Blake goes behind the scenes of the Hipgnosis partnership to reveal the pioneering ambition and grand vision that led to their success, as well as the clashing egos and artistic differences that undermined it. The Hipgnosis story also offers hitherto-untold insight into some of music's most legendary bands, as viewed through the prism of the people who shaped their imagery and cultural legacy.

With the work of Hipgnosis continuing to be referenced, reproduced and revered worldwide, Us and Them serves as a celebration, a cautionary tale and a compelling human drama, exploring the vital intersection between art and music.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Mojo praises it as a "meticulously researched, hugely entertaining history" awarding 4 stars. Classic Rock calls it "an exhilarating read... amusing and poignant," giving 9/10. Prog Magazine describes it as "lively, eventful, laugh out loud funny, a hugely entertaining read." Other reviews highlight the book's engaging and detailed nature, noting its energetic storytelling and essential interviews with key figures. The Daily Telegraph, The Sun, and Mail on Sunday all rate it highly, emphasising its entertaining and insightful qualities.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781788705677

Publisher: Bonnier Books Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 02 February 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Nine Eight Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 40.0mm

Width: 164.0mm

Height: 242.0mm

Weight: 660g

Pages: 400

About the Author

Mark Blake is an acclaimed music journalist and author. Former assistant editor of Q magazine and long-time contributor to Mojo, Blake has written for many high-profile publications including Rolling Stone and Billboard.
Among his previous books are Magnifico!: The A to Z of Queen (Nine Eight Books), the bestselling Pigs Might Fly: The Inside Story of Pink Floyd and Bring It On Home: Peter Grant, Led Zeppelin and Beyond, which was listed as a 'Music Book of the Year' by The Times, the Sunday Times, the Daily Mail and the Daily Telegraph.


Blake has edited and contributed to titles about Freddie Mercury, Keith Richards and punk music. He has also worked on official projects for Queen, Pink Floyd, the Who and the Jimi Hendrix estate. He lives just outside London with his wife and son.

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