Punk music has made an indelible impression upon society since its underground inception, and countless books have been written about the genre (and the bands that helped define the genre) for years.
The following list illustrates the best books to add to your collection, and all links forward to Amazon to make both browsing and purchasing these books super easy.
Happy reading!
Because the Ramones were such an influence on the punk scene, any true punk music fan should consider adding this book to their collection.
Written by music journalist Jim Bessman (who, incidentally, was also a friend of the Ramones), the book chronicles the usual events music books tend to, while tackling hard-hitting issues that most documents about the Ramones fail to hit on more than sparingly (i.e., Dee Dee's substance abuse problems.)
All in all, the book does serve as an excellent guide to who the Ramones truly were.
From the Velvets to the Voidoids: A Pre-Punk History for a Post-Punk World
For punk music fans and music culture enthusiasts alike, Clinton Heylin's book outlines the origins of punk music, with insights from music legends such as Patti Smith, Debbie Harry, Richard Hell and others.
While Heylin appears to focus closely on the New York punk scene, the book details the evolution of this formerly-underground genre from across the globe.
Not only will readers pick up a history lesson on punk music, Heylin's novel may also open your eyes to bands that you didn't realize you loved until you read their story. A must-have for any serious punk fan.
Harcore California: A History of Punk and New Wave
Written during the 1980's when the punk scene was hitting its stride, Hardcore California offers punk music fans a beautiful look into what the scene was like then.
Peter Belsito and Bob Davis combine amazing photographs and a general overview of the most influential 80's punk bands to form a book that both delights and informs.
Don't buy this book looking for a comprehensive, in-depth analysis of any particular band - you won't find it. You will, however, become acquainted with what the 80's punk scene in California was all about, with terrific photographs to take you there.
Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk
Legs McNeil created a masterpiece with Please Kill Me..., and punk music fans will enjoy this beautifully chronicled oral history of the New York punk scene during the 70's.
Fans who have misconceptions about what the New York punk scene was truly like will find themselves astounded at the brutally honest re-telling of the rampant sex, drugs, and deaths occuring during this time.
Those who prefer to keep their fantasies about the New York punk scene should steer clear of this book, because McNeil refuses to gloss over even the most painful events. But, for fans that enjoy reading about the nitty-gritty happenings of the 70's, this comprehensive guide will hit the spot.
While there are countless books written about the punk music genre, the above list are truly essential to any collection. From in-depth band profiles to blatantly honest exposes on what early punk culture was truly like, these books serve as an important history lesson about a genre that revolutionized the music world.
