the warlock of love: books on Bolan

While there are fewer books on Bolan than Bowie, this is unsurprising. The consensus is that Marc was slight, unworthy in some way and, in any case, he's been gone for nearly 40 years! Bowie had 39 more years of creativity. That's a mountain of material. However, there have been some serious attempts to 'redress the balance' as it were. The one major difference is that Marc was published in his lifetime, whereas (though we know Bowie had committed to paper) Bowie didn't produce anything in writing.

Here's what's on offer.......

Work written by Bolan

The Biographies

1. Ride A White Swan The Lives and Death of Marc Bolan Lesley-Anne Jones [2012] hb

”Written with authority and style. A seasoned journalist, Jones delves deep into the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of personal items. She has her own anecdotes to throw in too. A work which enhances Marc's stock just by being the subject of a serious book. I can't believe that people are still talking about a tree, though. The car smashed into a concrete post. Myth, eh?"

2. Cosmic Dancer The Life and Music of Marc BolanPaul Roland [2012] pb

”Enthusiastic. Very subjective. A kind of fan and musician's perspective. I remember disagreeing a lot. Should go and have a chat with Herbie Flowers!"

3. The Wizard's Gown - Rewoven Beneath the Glitter of Marc Bolan Tony Stringfellow [2007] pb

”Glitter. Fucking does for me straightaway. He must have put it on a couple of times. Such a one-dimensional title. It's the major problem with tribute-bands. Which version do you lock into in time? The 1973 version is nothing like the 76 (early) or 76 (late) version. Hair or no hair? And the music? Which band do you impersonate? The 71 incarnation or 77? Completely different. Even worse when it comes to Bowie tributes!
The book. Stringfellow is also a poet we are humbly told. Much of the book deals with detailed interpretations of the songs and lyrics. Baffling stuff. Tries to convince that these interpretations are definitive. Bit like the fans saying 'picking foxes from a tree' is spooky, 'coz the car's number plate was FOX.' Right. The car hit a concrete post! There is a surprising twist. The book has a detailed verbatim interview with Riggs 'o Hara with whom Marc spent some time in the 60s. More valuable than any of the fanciful writing. And a much more mundane explanation to 'The Wizard' of Paris. Gamble if you wish."

4. The Marc Bolan Story 20th Century Boy Mark Paytress [1992] hb

“The first proper attempt to do justice to the man. Later revised as 'The Rise and Fall of a 20th Century Superstar' and thus condemning Marc to the Ziggy caricature he most certainly wasn't."

5. Born To Boogie The Songwriting of Marc Bolan Carl Ewens [2007] hb

”Out of nowhere seemingly sprang this fascinating book. Seeks to do some service to the songs. Comes up with some real nuggets too. Well-written and a nice item. By far the most interesting thing to have been produced to date."

6. Marc Bolan TheLegendary YearsJohn & Shan Bramley [1992] hb

”A lavishly colourful book which was the culmination of the Bramley's output. Finding themselves in charge of Marc's legacy, they ran the official fan club in the 80s. These are the heathens who wiped his guitar parts off the master tapes. Clowns. The book is just a blow-by-blow of the stardom years."

7. Born To Boogie Chris Welch & Simon Napier-Bell [1982] pb

”Both authors knew Marc well. Napier-Bell was his manager in the 60s prior to Tyrannosaurus rex being formed. It was a cash-in after his death. Reasonably detailed about the career, but has few moments of enlightenment. Original title, eh?"

8. Marc Bolan 1947 - 1977 A Chronology Cliff McLenehan [2002] pb

”Very unusual this. A book which has content thoroughly-researched. It is very detailed. As the title suggests, it follows Bolan's career chronologically and attempts to date every recording. This was clearly a monumental task, considering the treatment his personal possessions and master tapes have suffered. Contemporary press clippings are presented which give a valuable insight into the spiteful coverage his career endured. This is the only book which has attempted to deal in facts. If you see it, get it. It's invaluable."  

9. There Was A Time Marc Bolan: a Chronology Cliff McLenehan [2023] pb

“An updated version of the book above. Much bigger. Large format with colour plates. Very expensive, but indispensable. Each calendar year of Bolan’s career is subjected to minuscule details, often fascinating and barely credible. The huge swathes of negativity directed at him are quite bizarre to read and perversely repulsive at times. The factually-incorrect reviews are amusing. What’s interesting is that someone who has engaged on such a massive undertaking in compiling all this information is also subjected to some unhelpful obduracy by so-called Bolan afficionados. Maybe they’re just Bolanoids. As Marc used to say, ‘Rock ‘n roll’s a bitch!’ Essential.”